Kusal Mendis’ seventh ODI century and Dunith Wellalage’s decisive spell helped Sri Lanka defend 321 and beat England by 16 runs in a gripping second ODI at Headingley.
The victory ended a seven-year wait for Sri Lanka to beat England away from home in ODIs. Their previous away victory against England also came at Headingley, and Thursday’s result kept the three-match series alive ahead of Sunday’s decider at The Oval.
Sri Lanka posted 321 for six on a good batting surface, with Kusal leading the way with 121. Kamindu Mendis added 54, while Pavan Rathnayake and Janith Liyanage made 48 and 32 respectively.
Kusal survived an early scare when England failed to hold a catch when he had 18. He made the most of the reprieve, putting on 137 with Kamindu from 120 balls.
The partnership gave Sri Lanka control after Pathum Nissanka’s 25 ended earlier in the innings. Kusal reached his century with a boundary before eventually falling for 121.
England’s chase began in commanding fashion. Ben Duckett and Tom Banton added 143 from 119 balls, with Duckett making 67 and Banton 73. The hosts had 82 runs inside the opening powerplay and appeared firmly in control.
Wellalage changed the match.
The left-arm spinner removed Duckett and Banton in successive overs before trapping Harry Brook lbw. Suddenly, England’s comfortable chase had become a contest.
Jos Buttler restored England’s control with an attacking 69 from 45 balls. He shared partnerships of 46 with Joe Root and 51 with Will Jacks, and England reached a position where they needed only 68 from 75 balls with six wickets in hand.
Then came the defining moment.
Buttler suffered a hamstring twinge and retired hurt in the 38th over. Although he later returned to the crease, he was visibly hampered. During his absence, Sri Lanka’s bowlers conceded only 52 runs while taking five wickets.
England still had a chance through Jacks, who made 52, but Sri Lanka’s bowlers kept the pressure on. The hosts managed only one boundary in the 60 deliveries between Buttler leaving the field and returning.
Jacks hit a six late in the chase to keep England’s hopes alive, but it proved to be the final boundary of the match. Eshan Malinga and Dilshan Madushanka completed the closing overs as England finished on 305 for nine.
Wellalage took three for 49, while Sri Lanka’s death bowling closed out a match that had swung repeatedly between the two sides.
The series now goes to a decider at The Oval on Sunday.
