31 off eight: Explosive county opener fires Lions past Sri Lanka days after maiden England call-up

Donald Delivers After England Call-Up as Lions Ramp Through Sri Lanka

Just seven days after his maiden international call-up, explosive county opener Aneurin Donald made sure the selectors noticed—blasting 31 off just 8 balls as England Lions chased down 118 with ease in the first tour match against Sri Lanka at Chelmsford on Fri.

Openers with Tom Banton, Donald wreaked havoc with 4s and 6s, putting on 59 off 3.2 overs before falling to Dunith Wellalage. Banton continued the assault, finishing **56* off 24 (7 fours, 3 sixes), while skipper Will Jacks sealed it with a quick 30* off 12** in a dominant 7.2 over win—76 balls and nine wickets to spare.

The man on form, Donald, brings serious credentials: 2454 runs in 112 T20s at a fiery 172.21 SR, with 18 half-centuries. He was equally brutal in The Hundred earlier this summer (217.46 SR).

Sri Lanka's batting collapsed under pressure—reduced to 194/3 inside three overs as Luke Wood ripped out 4/27 in 3.4 overs. Despite a late 48 off 37 balls from Tharindu Ratnayake, the visitors were all out for 117, with Baker, Jacks and Chohan chipping in with two wickets each.

The Lions now turn their attention to the second tour game on Sep 13, before facing England in the first of three T20Is on Sep 15 in Southampton.

Source: Wisden