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- Liam Dawson made a major impact for England during the second T20I against Sri Lanka in Cardiff on September 17, 2026.
- Dawson took two wickets in consecutive deliveries, removing Lahiru Udara and Kamil Mishara during a crucial phase of Sri Lanka’s innings.
- Dawson later claimed his third wicket, dismissing Dasun Shanaka as Sri Lanka struggled against England’s bowling attack.
- England entered the second T20I with a 1-0 series lead after beating Sri Lanka by 119 runs in Southampton.
- Dawson is part of England’s 2026 white-ball squad for the home series against Sri Lanka.
- The three-match T20I series continues with the third match in Manchester on September 19.
Liam Dawson News Today
Liam Dawson is among the leading talking points from England’s second T20I against Sri Lanka at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff. The experienced left-arm spinner produced an important spell after Sri Lanka made a fast start with the bat.
England won the toss and elected to bowl first. Sri Lanka initially reached 55 without losing a wicket, but Dawson’s introduction changed the momentum. He removed Lahiru Udara and Kamil Mishara with consecutive deliveries, putting Sri Lanka under immediate pressure.
Dawson then remained involved in England’s control of the middle overs. He subsequently dismissed Dasun Shanaka, completing a three-wicket contribution as Sri Lanka’s innings lost momentum.
Dawson’s Impact Against Sri Lanka
Dawson’s spell was particularly important because Sri Lanka had begun the innings positively. Pathum Nissanka and Lahiru Udara established an opening partnership before England began taking regular wickets.
The breakthrough from Dawson came in the fifth over. Udara attempted to attack a flatter delivery but found Jamie Overton, who took the catch. From the next ball, Mishara returned the ball towards Dawson, who completed a caught-and-bowled dismissal.
The sequence gave Dawson a chance at a hat-trick ball against Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka, although the hat-trick did not materialise. The wickets nevertheless helped England regain control of the innings.
Liam Dawson’s England Career
Dawson is an experienced England all-rounder who bowls left-arm spin and can contribute with the bat. He made his England T20I debut against Sri Lanka in 2016 and has remained part of England’s white-ball setup at different stages of his career.
His experience has made him a useful option in England’s limited-overs squads, particularly when the team requires an additional spin-bowling option. Current player statistics list Dawson with 37 T20I appearances and 36 wickets.
For the 2026 home series against Sri Lanka, England included Dawson in the squad alongside Harry Brook, Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Will Jacks and Jamie Overton.
England vs Sri Lanka 2nd T20I
The second T20I is part of a three-match series. England won the opening match in Southampton by 119 runs, with Harry Brook scoring an unbeaten 114 and England posting 254/4. Sri Lanka were bowled out for 135. Dawson contributed two wickets in that opening match as well.
The Cardiff match therefore represents another opportunity for Dawson to contribute with the ball. His ability to break partnerships was particularly valuable after Sri Lanka’s positive start.
What Makes Dawson Important for England?
Dawson provides England with a combination of left-arm spin, batting depth and international experience. In T20 cricket, a spinner capable of operating during the middle overs can be important when opponents are trying to rebuild after the powerplay.
His performance against Sri Lanka also comes during a busy period for England’s white-ball team. The squad is preparing for three T20Is followed by three ODIs against Sri Lanka. The ODI series begins on September 22 in Chester-le-Street, with further matches in Leeds and London.
Upcoming England Fixtures
The third T20I between England and Sri Lanka is scheduled for September 19 at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester. The three-match ODI series will then begin on September 22.
Dawson’s performances during the T20I series will therefore remain relevant as England assess their bowling combinations ahead of the remaining white-ball fixtures.
