Sri Lanka Triumphs Over England in Thrilling ODI Encounter

Sri Lanka Secures Victory in Second ODI

Leeds [UK], September 25: A brilliant century from Kusal Mendis, coupled with impressive bowling in the final overs, enabled Sri Lanka to defeat England by 16 runs in a high-scoring second ODI held in Leeds on Thursday.

This victory levels the three-match series at 1-1.

After winning the toss, Sri Lanka chose to bat first. Pathum Nissanka contributed 25 runs off 33 balls, hitting three fours and a six, forming a 45-run opening partnership with Kamindu Mendis, who scored a solid 54 runs from 65 balls, including four boundaries and three sixes.

Kamindu then partnered with Kusal Mendis for a remarkable 137-run second-wicket stand, with Kusal scoring 121 runs off 100 balls, featuring 14 fours and three sixes. This marked Kusal's seventh ODI century and propelled him past the 5,000-run milestone in ODIs. Across 158 ODIs, he has accumulated 5,125 runs in 154 innings, averaging 36.34, with seven centuries and 36 fifties.

Additional contributions came from Pavan Rathnayake, who scored 48 runs off 39 balls, and Janith Liyanage, who added 32 runs off 26 balls, helping Sri Lanka post a total of 321/6 in their 50 overs. England's Gus Atkinson and Rehan Ahmed each took two wickets, while Jofra Archer claimed one.

England started strong with openers Tom Banton and Ben Duckett, who scored 73 and 67 runs respectively, forming a 143-run partnership. However, England soon found themselves at 157/3. Joe Root (15) and Jos Buttler then pushed the score past 200 with a 46-run partnership.

Buttler's aggressive 69 runs off 49 balls, including five fours and five sixes, along with Will Jacks' 52 runs off 61 balls, kept England in contention. Nevertheless, Sri Lanka's death bowling, led by Dilshan Madushanka (2/54) and Eshan Malinga (2/50), restricted England to 305/9 in their 50 overs. Dunith Wellalage was the standout bowler for Sri Lanka, taking 3 wickets for 49 runs.