England wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler has become the first batter in cricket history to score 15,000 runs in T20 cricket. The right-handed batter reached the milestone during England’s six-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the second T20I of the three-match series at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff on September 17.
Harry Brook’s side restricted Sri Lanka to 145/9 in 20 overs after winning the toss. England chased down the target in just 12.1 overs with six wickets in hand. Buttler scored a quick 30 off 16 balls, including four boundaries and a six, as England took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the ongoing series at home.
Jos Buttler Overtakes Kieron Pollard to Become T20 Cricket’s Leading Run-Scorer
Jos Buttler reached the 15,000-run mark in his 528th T20 appearance, surpassing former West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard, who had 14,999 runs. Buttler has scored 15,000 at an average of 35.46 and a strike rate of 147.46, with nine centuries and 107 fifties.
The England opener also moved past former India captain Rohit Sharma in the first T20I against Sri Lanka to become the second-highest run-scorer in men’s T20I cricket. Buttler led England to the 2022 T20 World Cup title.
He has scored runs across several major franchise competitions and has represented teams including Lancashire, Manchester Originals, Gujarat Titans, Mumbai Indians, Paarl Royals, Sydney Thunder, Comilla Victorians, Durban’s Super Giants and Melbourne Renegades.
Most Runs in T20 Career
| Rank | Name | Matches | Runs | Average | SR | 100/50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jos Buttler | 528 | 15,000 | 35.46 | 147.46 | 9/107 |
| 2 | Kieron Pollard | 754 | 14,999 | 31.71 | 150.92 | 2/71 |
| 3 | Alex Hales | 537 | 14,581 | 29.69 | 144.28 | 7/93 |
| 4 | Chris Gayle | 463 | 14,562 | 36.22 | 144.75 | 22/88 |
| 5 | David Warner | 439 | 14,284 | 37.29 | 140.77 | 10/118 |
| 6 | Virat Kohli | 430 | 14,218 | 42.44 | 135.88 | 10/110 |
Jos Buttler Rediscovers Form After Difficult Start to 2026
Jos Buttler achieved the milestone after a slow start to his 2026 T20I campaign. The England batter went through 14 consecutive innings without scoring a half-century for his country before finding his rhythm again in recent matches.
Buttler has responded strongly in his last three T20I appearances, scoring 241 runs at an average of more than 80 and a strike rate of 194.30. His return to form has also strengthened England’s batting lineup ahead of the remainder of their home campaign.
Buttler played a quick 30 off 16 balls in the second T20I as England chased Sri Lanka’s 146-run target in just 12.1 overs. The England opener attacked from the start, hitting four boundaries and a six to put the pressure back on the Sri Lankan bowlers.
Buttler helped England reach 50 inside the first five overs before departing with the score in a strong position. The middle order continued to score freely throughout the chase.
England secured a comfortable six-wicket victory and took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. They extended their winning streak to six consecutive T20Is.
The victory also continued England’s strong run in the format after their 4-0 series win over India in July. With the series already secured, England will now aim to complete a clean sweep in the final match. The third T20I will be played at Old Trafford in Manchester on September 19.
