This archive report was first published on 1 November 2021.
On November 1, 2021, Jos Buttler made history by hitting the first century of the Twenty20 World Cup, guiding England to a 26-run victory over Sri Lanka in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
Buttler's unbeaten 101, his maiden century in 86 T20 internationals, propelled England to 163 for four after being invited to bat first. The England opener smashed six fours and six sixes in his 67-ball knock, surpassing his previous T20 best of 83 and taking the lead in the tournament batting chart with 214 runs.
England's bowlers, led by Adil Rashid, then combined to bowl out Sri Lanka for 137 in 19 overs, remaining unbeaten with four wins in the Super 12 stage and topping the group with eight points.
Only South Africa and Australia can match England's eight points, but the team has a significant cushion due to their superior run rate.
Buttler's century was a turning point in the match, as he took the attack to the opposition and got to his hundred on the final ball of the innings with another hit over the fence.
Leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga got two early wickets for Sri Lanka, including Jason Roy for nine and Jonny Bairstow, trapped lbw for nought off the first ball.
However, Buttler and skipper Eoin Morgan stood firm, grinding down the Sri Lankan attack with some sensible batting. Morgan joined the charge with one four and three sixes in his 36-ball knock before being bowled by Hasaranga.
England spinner Moeen Ali and fast bowler Chris Jordan also took two wickets each, contributing to Sri Lanka's third loss in four matches.
