England beat Sri Lanka by 89 runs in the first ODI in Durham on Tuesday, with Will Jacks producing a strong all round performance.
The victory gave England a 1-0 lead in the three match series. England made 265 after choosing to bat first. Captain Harry Brook led the scoring with 67 from 69 balls, while Joe Root made 44.
Jacks provided an important late boost with an unbeaten 46 from 47 balls. His innings helped England recover after Sri Lanka took regular wickets in the middle and final overs.
Debutant Sachindu Colombage impressed for Sri Lanka with 3 for 44. Asitha Fernando also claimed three wickets as England were bowled out in 48.1 overs.
Sri Lanka needed 266 to win but struggled to build partnerships during the chase. Kusal Mendis made 42 from 60 balls, while Dunith Wellalage fought back with 45 from 36. However, England continued to take wickets at regular stages.
Jacks caused most of the damage with the ball. He dismissed Charith Asalanka and later removed Mendis as Sri Lanka slipped further behind.
Wellalage tried to keep Sri Lanka in the contest and shared a useful stand with Dushmantha Chameera. Jacks then ended their resistance. He took three wickets in his final over to finish with career best ODI figures of 5 for 22 from seven overs.
Sri Lanka were bowled out for 176 in 37 overs, giving England a comfortable 89 run victory. Jacks was named player of the match after finishing with an unbeaten 46 and five wickets.
England and Sri Lanka will meet again in the second ODI at Headingley on Thursday.
