England produced a commanding all-round performance to defeat Sri Lanka by 89 runs in the first ODI at the Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street. After opting to bat first, England were bowled out for 265 in 48.1 overs, with Harry Brook, Will Jacks and Joe Root making valuable contributions. Sri Lanka, however, struggled to build sustained partnerships during their chase and were eventually dismissed for 176 in 37 overs.
Harry Brook and Will Jacks help England post competitive total
England made a brisk start but lost Tom Banton for 10 before Ben Duckett added 32 from 29 deliveries. Root then anchored the innings with a patient 44 off 52 balls, hitting five boundaries as England looked to establish a solid platform.
Brook provided the biggest contribution with the bat, scoring 67 off 69 balls. His innings featured seven fours and helped England recover from regular wickets. Jos Buttler chipped in with 31 off 33, while Jacks played an important 46-run knock from 47 deliveries, striking five fours.
The lower order could not add many runs, but England managed to reach 265 before being bowled out in the 49th over. For Sri Lanka, Asitha Fernando and Sachindu Colombage claimed three wickets each. Fernando finished with 3/53 from 9.1 overs, while Colombage returned figures of 3/44 from his 10 overs. Dilshan Madushanka, Dushmantha Chameera and Dunith Wellalage picked up one wicket apiece.
Sri Lanka struggle as England bowlers dominate
Sri Lanka’s chase never gained enough momentum despite useful contributions from Kusal Mendis and Dunith Wellalage. Pathum Nissanka scored 27 from 37 balls, while Mendis top-scored with 42 off 60 deliveries, including four boundaries. Wellalage provided the biggest spark during the innings, striking 45 from just 36 balls with five fours and two sixes. However, wickets continued to fall around him, preventing Sri Lanka from building a substantial partnership.
England’s bowling attack eventually took complete control of the innings. Jamie Overton claimed two wickets for 21 runs, while Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue and Rehan Ahmed took one wicket each.
Jacks completes memorable all-round performance
Will Jacks was the standout performer of the match and capped his useful contribution with the bat by producing a sensational spell with the ball. The all-rounder ripped through Sri Lanka’s middle and lower order, finishing with outstanding figures of 5/22 from seven overs.
Jacks’ five-wicket haul ensured that Sri Lanka’s chase never developed into a serious threat. England dismissed the visitors for 176 in 37 overs, securing an 89-run victory and taking an early lead in the ODI contest.
Jacks was subsequently named Player of the Match for his decisive all-round contribution. His 46 with the bat and five wickets with the ball proved to be the defining difference as England began their home ODI campaign with a comprehensive win over Sri Lanka.
England kicks off the series in style, defending 265 to secure a comprehensive 89-run victory over Sri Lanka in the 1st ODI 🏏🔥#ENGvSL #EnglandCricketTeam pic.twitter.com/hRRGrm6gaG
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) September 23, 2026
Also READ: England fast bowler Mark Wood announces retirement from international cricket
