Numerous apologies, serious ­scrutiny and, still, he goes and does that. Harry Brook’s 12-ball 36 helped England chase down a revised target of 168 in the second Twenty20 international against Sri Lanka, securing a series victory.

England had initially been set 190, but a rain break changed the equation; when Brook emerged England needed 87 from 7.5 overs. He put on an exhibition over the off-side to turn the chase his team’s way. While the captain’s knock was brief, Tom Banton made his case for a starting spot at the World Cup, putting aside his tough time in the field to stay the course with an excellent, unbeaten 54. He has three red-inkers in successful chases since joining the T20 middle order last summer.

Sam Curran finished it with two balls left, victory by six wickets, but the tension had gone a few overs before. Brook will head into the World Cup without a T20 series defeat during his reign, and with decent competition for places in that batting lineup; Ben Duckett was missing again with a bruised finger. “To get a series win in Sri Lanka is a special achievement,” said Banton. Now they’ve got two in one week.

England went in unchanged from the series opener while Sri Lanka brought in Pavan Rathnayake and Dunith Wellalage, both having impressed in the one-day series. The hosts began well, just as they had done on Friday. Pathum Nissanka upper-cut Curran and whipped Jofra Archer out of the ground, the umpire forced to pick out a new ball. Brook was proactive, calling for spin in the third over, but Nissanka swept Will Jacks away for six as the openers put on 56 for the first wicket.

Nissanka could not go on, his footwork evading him on 34 when he dragged Archer on to the stumps. That rhythm was established; none of the batters advanced to a half-century, but a succession of cameos made for a decent total.

Adil Rashid did not rip through the visitors but he did befuddle Dasun Shanaka: two tossed-up leg-breaks were followed by the googly, the Sri Lanka captain trapped leg-before. Liam Dawson contributed the key wicket of Kusal Mendis for 32, while Jacks was economical.

Instead, the hosts welcomed the quicks, eight overs of seam conceding 103 runs. Jamie Overton made Rathnayake miscue the pull, but the edge flew over fine leg for six. The Surrey quick’s anger grew with Banton’s drop at short third off Rathnayake, who top-scored with a 22-ball 40.

Archer, sending down his back-of-the-hand slower ball, watched two catches go down when bowling to Charith Asalanka: Phil Salt could not hold on after making up the ground at deep point, while Banton spilled at deep backward square. In the middle of all this, the global game grew more unstable. News filtered in of Pakistan boycotting their World Cup match against India, which was meant to be played in Colombo.

This was a memorable day for Jos Buttler, his 402nd game for England making him the country’s record appearance-maker. While Salt and Jacob Bethell departed cheaply, the veteran looked in good touch, pinging the ball through point for consecutive boundaries off the lively Pathirana.

The opener and Banton got their reverse-slaps out against Wellalage but rain interrupted their stand on 57 for two. The break in play lasted a little over an hour. The revised equation left 111 needed off 9.4 overs; big hits were required straight away.

There was immediate drama but it wasn’t enjoyable. Eshan Malinga thundered in for one delivery and fell to the ground clutching his left ­shoulder. The right-arm quick’s game was over, prompting a trip to the hospital.

The game continued to turn. Banton sent Wanindu Hasaranga over deep midwicket before Wellalage had Buttler caught at deep point on 39. Out came Brook. He provided a leading edge off his first ball; moments later he hit his first staggering shot of the night, a flick off the left-arm spinner that had the ball screaming to long-on.

The brutality was just beginning. Brook hit three sixes off Pathirana, channelling the energy of his 50-over century on Tuesday. The scoop against the same bowler went wrong, leading to his departure with 38 still required. But the rate had dropped significantly and Banton remained, well supported by Curran, the series won with a game to play.