Jos Buttler, England’s wicketkeeper-batter, became the first player to amass 15,000 runs in T20 cricket during England’s second T20I against Sri Lanka at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. He overtook West Indies legend Kieron Pollard to become T20 cricket’s top run-scorer, reaching the milestone with a single off Eshan Malinga in the fifth over of England’s chase on September 18.
In doing so, Buttler overtook Kieron Pollard to become the top run-scorer in T20 cricket across all tournaments. Pollard has scored 14,999 runs in 754 T20 matches with an average of 31.71, while Buttler is now at 15,000 runs from 528 matches, averaging 35.46 at a strike rate of 147.46. Buttler has also hit nine centuries and 107 fifties in his T20 career, highlighting the consistency that has marked his performance in the format.
He has scored nine centuries and 107 half-centuries. He has played for a wide variety of teams and competitions, such as 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 England Lions.
Buttler’s accomplishment stands out even more when compared to Pollard’s stats. The West Indian all-rounder appeared in 671 T20 matches, scoring 14,999 runs. Buttler has scored 15,000 runs in 174 fewer innings, showcasing a more efficient and aggressive style at the crease.
England’s win at Sophia Gardens extended their 14-match T20I winning run against Sri Lanka, highlighting their supremacy in this rivalry. With a 2-0 lead already in hand, the series is effectively won, and the third and final T20I will take place at Old Trafford in Manchester on September 19, 2026. The game at Old Trafford will give both teams a chance to conclude the series on their own terms, with England seeking to secure a clean sweep and Sri Lanka hoping to prevent a whitewash.
