Sri Lanka produced a spirited display under pressure to defeat England by 16 runs in the England vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI at Headingley, Leeds. The hard-fought victory was Sri Lanka’s first win on their ongoing tour of England and kept the three-match ODI series alive at 1-1.
After being whitewashed 3-0 in the T20I series and losing the opening ODI, Sri Lanka finally found a way to get past the hosts. Kusal Mendis led the way with a brilliant century before Dunith Wellalage changed the game with the ball.
Kusal Mendis Leads Sri Lanka to 321 in England vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI
Opting to bat first, Sri Lanka clicked as a batting unit and posted a formidable 321 for 6 in their 50 overs.
Captain Kusal Mendis led from the front with an authoritative 121 off 100 balls, hitting 14 fours and three sixes. Mendis anchored the innings while maintaining a healthy scoring rate through the middle overs.
He found an able partner in Kamindu Mendis, who scored a composed 54 off 65 deliveries. The pair added a crucial 137 runs for the second wicket and gave Sri Lanka a strong platform.
Pavan Rathnayake then provided the late impetus with an attacking 48 off 39 balls. Janith Liyanage also played a useful knock of 32 off 26, while Dunith Wellalage remained unbeaten on 16 as Sri Lanka pushed the total beyond 300.
Dunith Wellalage Halts England’s Flying Start
England launched their chase of 322 with aggressive intent. Openers Tom Banton and Ben Duckett attacked Sri Lanka’s new-ball bowlers and put together a 143-run opening partnership.
Banton scored 73 off 62 balls, while Duckett made 67 off 63. Their partnership had put England in a commanding position before Dunith Wellalage brought Sri Lanka back into the contest.
The left-arm spinner removed Duckett and Banton in quick succession before dismissing England captain Harry Brook for just one.
From 143 for no loss, England suddenly found themselves at 157 for 3.
Wellalage eventually finished with impressive figures of 3 for 49 from his 10 overs. His spell completely changed the momentum of the chase.
Jos Buttler Injury Changes the Course of the Chase
Leg-spinner Sachindu Colombage added further pressure by removing the experienced Joe Root for 15. Despite the wobble, England remained well placed through Jos Buttler and Will Jacks.
Buttler attacked the Sri Lankan bowlers and looked capable of taking England over the line. However, the chase took a dramatic turn when he suffered a left hamstring problem and was forced to retire hurt.
At that stage, England still needed 68 runs from 75 balls.
Sri Lanka immediately took advantage. Rehan Ahmed fell for a duck, while Gus Atkinson and Jamie Overton also departed as the visitors tightened their grip on the match.
Buttler later returned to the crease despite struggling with the injury. Will Jacks completed his half-century but was dismissed for 52, leaving England with too much to do in the final overs.
Buttler eventually fell for 69 off 49 balls, including five fours and five sixes. Sri Lanka’s bowlers held their nerve and restricted England to 305 for 9, sealing a memorable 16-run victory.
England vs Sri Lanka ODI Series Set for Decider at The Oval
The victory was a much-needed one for Sri Lanka after a difficult start to their tour. More importantly, the result has levelled the three-match ODI series at 1-1.
Kusal Mendis was named Player of the Match for his 121, while Wellalage’s spell proved equally important in stopping England after their dominant opening partnership.
With the England vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI producing a thrilling contest, the focus now shifts to the third and final ODI at The Oval, where the series will be decided.
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