Hampshire all-rounder Liam Dawson took 3-27 with the ball in a dream England debut, as Jos Buttler (73*) and Eoin Morgan (49*) secured an 8-wicket victory over Sri Lanka with an electrifying 114-run partnership at the Utilita Bowl.

Dawson's spin immediately paid off for England, as the Hampshire all-rounder sparkled at his home ground, removing key Sri Lanka batsmen including Angelo Mathews (11).

It was the more experienced duo of Buttler and Captain Morgan who secured a thrilling 8-wicket victory over Sri Lanka, taking England beyond the 142-run target in furious twenty20 style.

After Plunkett found an early breakthrough with the ball, removing Perera (13) and reducing Sri Lanka to 17-1, England's bowlers were unable to force another opening until Dawson was introduced.

The Hampshire all-rounder took his first wicket when Gunathilaka mistimed his drive to Chris Jordan, and then produced a magic moment to remove Mendis, catching and bowling to a roar from his home crowd.

When Angelo Mathews (11) was clean-bowled, Dawson had three England wickets and Sri Lanka were reduced to 81-4 at the halfway stage.

Smart fielding from James Vince claimed the key wicket of Rambukwella (19) as England restricted the visitors to 141 all out after 20 overs. 

Vince then scored 16 runs off 14 balls to get England firing with the bat, after Jason Roy was removed by Mathews with the third ball of the innings.

Jos Buttler's inspired 73 off 49 balls captivated a sell-out Utilita Bowl crowd, warmed by an afternoon of glorious sun, and Morgan delivered a captain's performance to take England past Sri Lanka's 141-run total.