In a thrilling start to the three-match ODI series at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka clinched a hard-fought 19-run victory over England on Thursday. The hosts now hold a 1-0 lead, setting the tone for an exciting battle ahead.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Sri Lanka posted a competitive total of 271 for 6 in 50 overs. Openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis laid a solid foundation with a brisk 50-run stand in just 10.3 overs. Nissanka fell for 21 off 30 balls, featuring two boundaries, while Mendis departed soon after for 27.
At 54 for 2, Kusal Mendis steadied the innings alongside Dhananjaya de Silva, adding 43 runs for the third wicket to push the score to 97. De Silva managed only 10, and skipper Charith Asalanka contributed 17 before Mendis took charge.
Mendis anchored the innings brilliantly, forging an 88-run partnership with Janith Liyanage off 98 balls. The wicketkeeper-batter remained unbeaten on 93 from 117 deliveries, smashing 11 fours. Liyanage chipped in with 46. England’s Adil Rashid was the standout bowler with 3 wickets, supported by Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, and Rehan Ahmed with one each.
Chasing 272, England crumbled to 252 all out in 49.2 overs. They lost Jack Crawley early for 6 at 12 for 1, but Ben Duckett and Joe Root resurrected the innings with a crucial 117-run stand. Duckett scored 62 off 76 balls with six boundaries, and Root made 61 off 90.
Once the partnership broke, England faltered. Jamie Overton scored 34 and Rehan Ahmed 27, but it wasn’t enough. Sri Lanka’s bowlers struck back at vital moments, defending their total successfully. This win boosts Sri Lanka’s confidence as they eye a series sweep.