Sri Lanka beat England by 16 runs at Headingley to level the ODI series 1-1. Kusal Mendis scored 121, while Dunith Wellalage and Jos Buttler’s injury shaped the result
New Delhi: Sri Lanka defeated England by 16 runs in the second ODI at Headingley, Leeds, to level the three-match series 1-1. After scoring 321 for six, Sri Lanka restricted England to 305 for nine despite a strong start from the hosts. Kusal Mendis led the way with a 121-run century, while Dunith Wellalage’s three wickets changed the momentum during England’s chase.
Kusal Mendis Joins Headingley’s Sri Lankan Century List
Mendis produced one of the key innings of the match, scoring 121 from 100 balls with 14 fours and three sixes. He also completed his seventh ODI century and his first international hundred on English soil. His innings helped Sri Lanka recover from a middle-overs slowdown and finish with a competitive 321.
Mendis also entered an exclusive Headingley record. Before him, only four other Sri Lankan batters had scored ODI centuries at the venue: Sanath Jayasuriya had two, scoring 112 in 2002 and a record 152 in 2006; Upul Tharanga made 109 in 2006; Mahela Jayawardene scored 144 in 2011; and Angelo Mathews hit 113 in 2019. Mendis’ century therefore became Sri Lanka’s sixth ODI hundred at Headingley.
England Started the Chase in Control
England appeared to have the match under control during the opening phase of the chase. Ben Duckett and Tom Banton attacked Sri Lanka’s bowlers and added 143 runs for the first wicket. Duckett scored 67, while Banton made 73, putting England in a strong position against the 322-run target.
The game changed quickly after Dunith Wellalage entered the attack. The left-arm spinner dismissed Duckett and Banton and then removed Harry Brook, turning England’s 143 without loss into 157 for three. Joe Root soon followed, leaving England at 203 for four. That collapse gave Sri Lanka the opening they needed.
Buttler’s Injury Became Another Turning Point
Jos Buttler then appeared ready to take England over the line. He smashed five sixes during his 69-run innings and kept the required run rate under control. But while batting, he suffered a hamstring problem and retired hurt when England needed only 68 runs from 75 balls.
Buttler returned later when England needed 27 runs from 14 balls. However, his movement remained restricted. Sri Lanka’s bowlers also executed their yorkers effectively during the final overs. Will Jacks fell for 52, and Buttler was eventually caught in the deep as England finished on 305 for nine.
Where Did England Miss the Chance?
England’s biggest setback came after the 143-run opening partnership. The team had built a strong platform but lost three wickets for just 14 runs once Wellalage found his rhythm. England also failed to convert its strong start into a controlled middle-overs chase.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, kept applying pressure after the initial setback. Wellalage’s three wickets, Rehan Ahmed’s two wickets and disciplined death bowling helped the visitors defend their total. Sri Lanka’s bowlers also capitalised on Buttler’s injury at a crucial stage of the chase.
Series Now Goes to a Decider
Sri Lanka’s 16-run victory has levelled the ODI series at 1-1. England had won the opening ODI, but Sri Lanka responded strongly at Headingley. The deciding third ODI will take place at The Oval on September 27.
For England, the match highlighted how quickly a strong chase can change after losing wickets in clusters. For Sri Lanka, Mendis’ century and Wellalage’s spell provided the two decisive performances that turned a match England had controlled for long periods into a series-levelling victory.
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