Jos Buttler First Batter to Complete 15,000 T20 Runs

Jos Buttler became the first T20 cricket batsman to reach 15,000 runs, doing so during England’s second T20I against Sri Lanka on September 17, 2026, at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff. Buttler broke the record with a single off Eshan Malinga in the fifth over of England’s run chase, in front of a home crowd.

Buttler eclipsed Kieron Pollard as the best run-scorer in T20 cricket across all competitions. Pollard has 14,999 runs from 754 T20 matches, averaging 31.71, whereas Buttler has 15,000 runs from 528 matches, averaging 35.46 with a strike rate of 147.46. Buttler has also scored nine centuries and 107 fifties during his T20 career, demonstrating the steadiness that has marked his time in the format.

England won the match by six wickets, chasing down Sri Lanka’s 145/9 in 12.1 overs and finishing on 146/4. Liam Dawson was named Player of the Match following his three-wicket performance. The result gave England a commanding 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

How does Jos Buttler T20 record compare with Pollard’s?

Jos Buttler achievement is even more astounding when compared to Pollard’s figures. The West Indian all-rounder played 671 T20 innings and scored 14,999 runs. Jos Buttler  has scored 15,000 runs in 174 fewer innings, demonstrating a more efficient and aggressive attitude at the crease. Jos Buttler 107 fifties and nine centuries in Twenty20 cricket further distinguished him.

His career has included stints with England, Lancashire, Manchester Originals, Manchester Super Giants, Gujarat Titans, Somerset, Paarl Royals, Mumbai Indians, Sydney Thunder, Comilla Victorians, Durban’s Super Giants, Melbourne Renegades, and the England Lions, exposing him to a variety of conditions and bowling attacks from all over the world.

What is the series’ background going into the final T20I?

England’s victory at Sophia Gardens extended their T20I winning streak over Sri Lanka to 14 games, highlighting their dominance in this series. The series is now won, with the third and final T20I scheduled on September 19, 2026, at Old Trafford in Manchester.

The encounter at Old Trafford will provide both teams the opportunity to finish the series on their own terms, with England wanting to achieve a clean sweep and Sri Lanka hoping to avoid a whitewash.