England can reclaim the outright No. 1 spot in the ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings by defeating Sri Lanka in the third and final T20I at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester on Saturday, September 19. After taking an unassailable 2-0 series lead, Harry Brook’s side will look to complete a clean sweep in the home series.
England previously moved to the top of the rankings after completing a 4-0 series sweep against T20 World Cup champions India in July 2026. However, India later moved back ahead by a fraction of a rating point during their tour of Zimbabwe. Both teams are level on 269 rating points ahead of the Manchester clash.
England secured two convincing wins in the ongoing three-match series against Sri Lanka. In the first T20I at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton on September 15, the hosts posted 254/4 after Harry Brook smashed 114 off 49 balls and Jos Buttler scored 80 off 44.
Sri Lanka were bowled out for 135 in 19 overs. England pacer Sonny Baker made an early impact with two wickets, while Sri Lanka failed to build the partnerships needed to challenge the target. England secured a 119-run victory to take an early lead in the series.
During the second T20I in Cardiff on September 17, England restricted Sri Lanka to 145/9, with Liam Dawson returning figures of 3/32. Pathum Nissanka scored 37 and Charith Asalanka made 31, but neither could help Sri Lanka post a competitive total.
England chased down 146 in only 12.1 overs to win by six wickets. Tom Banton led the chase with an unbeaten 52 off 24 balls, while Buttler added 30. England extended their winning streak against Sri Lanka in T20Is to 14 matches since 2014.
England Target Clean Sweep and ICC T20I No. 1 Ranking
The Manchester clash carries added significance for Brook’s side, as a victory would put them back at the top of the ICC rankings. England will also look to complete a 3-0 series sweep and maintain the momentum they have built in the shortest format.
Their batting has consistently put Sri Lanka under pressure, while the bowling attack has restricted the visitors in both matches. England’s strong all-round performances have left them one win away from both a series clean sweep and the outright No. 1 ranking.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will aim to avoid a clean sweep and end the series with a win. Their batting has struggled to produce competitive totals, while their bowlers have found it difficult to contain England’s aggressive approach.
England’s 4-0 India Series Win Took Them to No. 1
England’s 4-0 series win over India in July 2026 briefly took Harry Brook’s side to the top of the ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings. They ended India’s 1,605-day run at No. 1, which had stretched from February 2022.
England’s stay at the summit lasted only two weeks. India then moved back to No. 1 after winning two T20Is against Zimbabwe and gaining a narrow decimal-point advantage. Both teams are currently rated at 269 points, with India ahead on the more precise rating.
India have 17,201 points from 64 matches, while England have 10,742 points from 40 matches. A win in Manchester would give England enough rating points to move ahead of India and reclaim the outright No. 1 position.
Also read: Jos Buttler becomes first batter to score 15,000 T20 runs during ENG vs SL 2nd T20I
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