Sri Lanka Beat England by 16 Runs to Level ODI Series
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
LEEDS: Sri Lanka defeated England by 16 runs in a closely fought second One-Day International at Headingley on Thursday to level the three-match series 1-1.
Captain Kusal Mendis played a key role with a century, while left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage took three wickets as Sri Lanka defended their total of 321-6.
England appeared well placed during their chase after openers Tom Banton and Ben Duckett put together a 143-run opening partnership. Banton scored 73, while Duckett made 67.
Wellalage changed the momentum by dismissing both openers and then removing England captain Harry Brook. He finished with 3-49 as England slipped to 157-3.
Jos Buttler then kept England in contention with an attacking innings. He scored 69 before eventually being dismissed in the final over. Buttler had earlier retired hurt after experiencing a left hamstring problem, but returned to the crease later in the innings.
England needed 68 runs from 75 deliveries when Buttler left the field. Rehan Ahmed was dismissed for a duck soon after his arrival at the crease.
As the innings progressed, Sri Lanka’s bowlers restricted the scoring rate and England entered the final over needing 19 runs.
Will Jacks, who had completed his half-century, was dismissed by Eshan Malinga after hitting 51. Buttler was then caught at deep midwicket off Dilshan Madushanka, ending England’s hopes of completing the chase.
Sri Lanka eventually restricted England to 305-8.
Kusal Mendis Leads Sri Lanka’s Innings
Earlier, Kusal Mendis produced an impressive batting performance, scoring 121 runs to help Sri Lanka post 321-6 after winning the toss.
He shared a 137-run partnership with Kamindu Mendis, who contributed 54 runs.
Kusal reached his seventh ODI century from 82 deliveries, hitting 12 fours and three sixes. He was eventually dismissed while attempting another attacking shot against leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed.
Kusal was given an early opportunity when Gus Atkinson dropped a catch with the Sri Lankan captain on 17.
For England, Buttler’s 69 was the highest score during the chase, while Will Jacks also made a half-century.
The result sets up a series-deciding third ODI at The Oval in London on Sunday, with both teams now level at 1-1.
England had won the opening match of the series by 89 runs, while Sri Lanka entered the ODI series after losing the preceding T20 campaign 3-0.
