England have returned to the No. 1 position in the ICC Men’s T20I team rankings after completing a commanding 3-0 series whitewash against Sri Lanka. Harry Brook’s side sealed the clean sweep with an eight-wicket victory in the third T20I at Old Trafford, Manchester, on September 19.

The latest result has taken England back to the summit just weeks after India had reclaimed the top position. The movement underlines how closely contested the race for the No. 1 ranking has become, with both teams continuing to trade places based on their recent results.

England complete 3-0 series sweep against Sri Lanka

England’s return to the top was built on a thoroughly dominant series against Sri Lanka.

The hosts began the campaign with a massive 119-run victory in Southampton, before following it up with a six-wicket win in Cardiff. They completed the clean sweep in Manchester, chasing down Sri Lanka’s target with plenty of time to spare.

The series also extended England’s winning run against Sri Lanka in T20Is. The third-match victory marked their 15th consecutive T20I win over Sri Lanka, highlighting England’s sustained success in this particular matchup.

Jos Buttler stars in third T20I

The final game was another clinical performance from England.

Sri Lanka were bowled out for 124 in 18.5 overs, struggling to build partnerships against an England attack that kept picking up wickets at regular intervals. Sonny Baker, Jofra Archer and Will Jacks claimed two wickets each to keep the visitors under pressure.

England then made light work of the chase, reaching 126/2 in only 9.4 overs.

Jos Buttler provided the fireworks at the top of the order, smashing an unbeaten 62 from 32 balls. Brook, meanwhile, contributed 33 as England raced to victory with 62 balls remaining.

Brook’s contribution capped an excellent series for the England captain, who was named Player of the Series after producing important performances throughout the three matches.

England and India level on rating points

The latest rankings make the battle between England and India particularly interesting.

Both teams are on 269 rating points, but England have moved ahead of India in the rankings following their 3-0 series victory over Sri Lanka. The distinction comes from the teams’ points and ratings calculation rather than a difference in their listed rating points.

India had moved back to the top after completing 3-0 series sweeps against Zimbabwe and Afghanistan. Their run of victories had pushed them above England, who had previously occupied the No. 1 position after their dominant home series against India.

England’s latest achievement therefore represents another change at the top of the men’s T20I rankings during a highly competitive period.

England return to No. 1 for the second time in 2026

This is England’s second spell at No. 1 in the ICC Men’s T20I rankings in 2026.

Brook’s team first reached the summit in July after defeating India 4-0 in their five-match T20I series. The ICC confirmed at the time that England’s series victory moved them above India and ended India’s lengthy stay at the top.

India subsequently responded with strong results against Zimbabwe and Afghanistan and regained the No. 1 position. England’s latest 3-0 sweep has now reversed that movement once again.

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India enter Asian Games as No. 2

India will head into the Asian Games 2026 as the second-ranked team in the men’s T20I rankings after England’s latest series victory.

India’s recent form has nevertheless been impressive. They completed a 3-0 series sweep against Afghanistan before England’s results against Sri Lanka changed the rankings picture. The Indian side will now have another opportunity to make an impact when the Asian Games campaign begins.

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