England Defeat Sri Lanka by 89 Runs in First ODI
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
LONDON: England defeated Sri Lanka by 89 runs in the first ODI at Chester-le-Street on Tuesday to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Will Jacks was the standout performer for England, contributing with both bat and ball. He scored an unbeaten 46 runs and later claimed his maiden five-wicket haul in ODI cricket.
England were bowled out for 265 runs, with captain Harry Brook leading the batting effort with a valuable 67 off 49 balls.
Jacks then produced an excellent spell with the ball, taking 5 wickets for 22 runs in seven overs. Three of his wickets came in the final over as Sri Lanka’s innings ended at 176.
The result continued England’s strong run against Sri Lanka after they had won the preceding T20 series 3-0.
Sri Lanka Struggle in the Chase
Sri Lanka initially made a steady start but struggled to maintain momentum after Josh Tongue dismissed Pathum Nissanka for 27.
Pavan Rathnayake scored 13 from 23 deliveries before Jacks removed Charith Asalanka for a low score.
Captain Kusal Mendis tried to rebuild the innings and made 42 from 60 balls, but he was also dismissed by Jacks while attempting a sweep shot.
Dunith Wellalage provided some resistance with 45 runs, but Sri Lanka eventually lost their final wickets in quick succession.
Jacks dismissed Wellalage and Asitha Fernando before bowling Dilshan Madushanka with the final delivery of his spell.
England Build Competitive Total
England appeared well placed at 182-3 in the 32nd over after Brook won the toss and opted to bat, but Sri Lanka responded with a quick burst of wickets to reduce the hosts to 199-6.
Jacks helped England recover with an unbeaten 46 from 47 balls, including four consecutive boundaries against Dushmantha Chameera.
Brook continued his impressive recent form with another half-century. He hit six fours during his 49-ball innings before being dismissed for 67.
Joe Root also contributed 44 runs before being bowled by Sri Lanka debutant Sachindu Colombage.
Colombage finished with 3-44, including the wickets of Root and Jos Buttler.
Jacks was named Player of the Match for his all-round contribution.
The second ODI will be played at Headingley in Leeds on Thursday, with Sri Lanka looking to level the three-match series.
