Jos Buttler Surpasses Rohit Sharma, Becomes Second-Highest Run-Scorer in T20I Cricket
England captain Jos Buttler has surpassed India's Rohit Sharma to become the second-highest run-scorer in men's T20 International cricket. Buttler achieved the milestone with an explosive 80 off 44 balls during England's dominant 119-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first T20I at The Ageas Bowl, Southampton, on September 15, 2026.
Jos Buttler has etched his name deeper into cricket history, becoming the second-highest run-scorer in men's T20 International (T20I) cricket. The England skipper achieved this remarkable feat on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, during the first T20I against Sri Lanka at The Ageas Bowl in Southampton, as England secured a resounding 119-run win. Matt Renshaw Scores Maiden ODI Century, Achieves Feat During ZIM vs AUS Match.
Jos Buttler Surpasses Rohit Sharma’s T20I Run Record
Buttler showcased his aggressive batting prowess, hammering 80 runs off just 44 balls, an innings studded with eight fours and three sixes. His rapid half-century came off a mere 29 deliveries, setting a formidable platform for the English side.
Record-Breaking Knock
Coming into the match, Buttler was just shy of Rohit Sharma's T20I tally of 4,231 runs. His electrifying innings pushed his career total to 4,292 runs from 161 matches, now placing him comfortably ahead of the retired Indian stalwart. Rohit Sharma concluded his T20I career with 4,231 runs across 159 matches, having announced his retirement from the format on June 29, 2024.
Pakistan's Babar Azam continues to lead the all-time T20I run-scoring list with an impressive 4,596 runs from 145 matches.
Top 3 Men's T20I Run-Scorers (as of Sept 15, 2026)
| Player | Team | Runs | Matches | Average | Hundreds | Fifties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Babar Azam | Pakistan | 4,596 | 145 | 38.94 | 3 | 39 |
| Jos Buttler | England | 4,292 | 161 | 34.33 | 2 | 29 |
| Rohit Sharma | India | 4,231 | 159 | 32.05 | 5 | 32 |
Note: Rohit Sharma retired from T20Is on June 29, 2024.
England's Dominant Performance
Buttler's record-breaking innings was complemented by a breathtaking century from Harry Brook. Brook smashed an unbeaten 114 runs off just 49 balls, a career-best T20I score that earned him the Player of the Match award. The partnership between Buttler and Brook for the second wicket was instrumental, adding a majestic 128 runs and continuing their prolific form after a record 233-run stand against India in England's previous T20I. Newman Nyamhuri Claims Maiden Five-Wicket Haul, Achieves Feat During ZIM vs AUS 1st ODI Match.
England posted a massive total of 254/4 in their allotted 20 overs. In response, Sri Lanka's chase never gained momentum against a disciplined English bowling attack. They were eventually bowled out for 135 runs in 19 overs, falling short by 119 runs. Sonny Baker was the pick of the bowlers for England, claiming 3 wickets for just 12 runs, while Jamie Overton and Liam Dawson contributed with two wickets each.
This victory marks England's thirteenth consecutive win against Sri Lanka in T20 Internationals, extending their dominant run in the shortest format against the island nation.
The three-match T20I series will continue with the second fixture on Thursday, September 17, at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff, followed by the final T20I at Old Trafford, Manchester, on Saturday, September 19.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 16, 2026 11:57 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).