Sri Lanka produced a composed all-round performance to defeat England by 16 runs in the second ODI at Headingley, leveling the three-match series. After opting to bat first, Sri Lanka posted a competitive 321/6 in their 50 overs, with Kusal Mendis producing a magnificent century. England fought hard in the chase but were restricted to 305/9 as Sri Lanka held their nerve in the closing stages.
Kusal Mendis leads Sri Lanka’s batting charge
Sri Lanka made a solid start after being asked to bat first, with Pathum Nissanka contributing 25 off 33 balls before departing. Kamindu Mendis then added an important 54 from 65 deliveries, striking four fours and three sixes to provide stability in the middle overs.
The major highlight of Sri Lanka’s innings was Mendis, who played a superb knock of 121 from just 100 balls. His innings was packed with 14 fours and three sixes, allowing Sri Lanka to maintain a strong scoring rate throughout the second half of their innings. Mendis’ century eventually proved decisive, earning him the Player of the Match award.
Pavan Rathnayake also played an important supporting role with 48 off 39 balls, while Janith Liyanage added a brisk 32 from 26 deliveries. Dunith Wellalage chipped in with 16, helping Sri Lanka finish on 321/6 after 50 overs.
England fight back but fall short
England began their chase positively, with Tom Banton and Ben Duckett putting together valuable contributions at the top. Banton struck 73 from 62 balls, including seven fours and three sixes, while Duckett scored 67 off 63 deliveries with nine boundaries.
Joe Root managed only 15 before departing, while Harry Brook was dismissed for just one. England then received a major boost from Jos Buttler, who launched an aggressive 69 from 49 balls. His innings featured five fours and five sixes and briefly raised England’s hopes of completing the chase.
Will Jacks continued the fight with a patient 52 from 61 balls, but England struggled to maintain the required momentum as wickets fell around him. Despite reaching 305/9 in their 50 overs, they finished 16 runs short of Sri Lanka’s total.
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Dunith Wellalage stars as Sri Lanka defend 321
Sri Lanka’s bowlers delivered when it mattered most, with Wellalage emerging as the standout performer. The left-arm spinner claimed three wickets for 49 runs from his 10 overs, providing crucial breakthroughs during England’s chase. Dilshan Madushanka and Eshan Malinga picked up two wickets each, while Asitha Fernando and Sachindu Colombage claimed one wicket apiece. Charith Asalanka also bowled six economical overs, conceding only 29 runs.
For England, Gus Atkinson and Rehan Ahmed took two wickets each, while Jofra Archer claimed one. However, their efforts were not enough to stop Sri Lanka from defending their total. With the 16-run victory, Sri Lanka have levelled the ODI series and set up a decisive final encounter. Mendis’ outstanding 121 ultimately proved to be the difference as Sri Lanka successfully held their nerve at Headingley.
What a performance from Sri Lanka bowlers to defend 321 to win the 2nd ODI 🙌#ENGvSL #SriLankaCricket pic.twitter.com/3oHOZRjVAJ
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) September 25, 2026