Kusal Mendis Century and Wellalages Spin Help Sri Lanka Beat England in a Thriller

Sri Lanka defeated England by 16 runs in the second ODI of the three-match series at Headingley in Leeds, leveling the series 1-1. Batting first after winning the toss, the visitors posted a formidable total of 321 for 6 in 50 overs, powered by a brilliant century from captain Kusal Mendis. In reply, England were restricted to 305 for 9 in their allotted 50 overs.

Sri Lankan captain Kusal Mendis opted to bat first after winning the toss. Although Pathum Nissanka was dismissed for 25 early on, Mendis put together a massive 137-run partnership with Kamindu Mendis for the second wicket. Kamindu scored 54 off 65 balls before being dismissed, while Kusal held one end firmly and went on to complete his seventh ODI century. He produced a stunning 121 off 100 balls, featuring 14 fours and three sixes.

Late in the innings, useful cameos from Pavan Rathnayake, who scored 48 off 39 balls, and Janith Liyanage, who made 32 off 26 deliveries, helped Sri Lanka post a commanding total of 321. For England, Rehan Ahmed and Gus Atkinson claimed two wickets each.

Chasing a daunting target of 322, England’s opening pair of Tom Banton and Ben Duckett made an aggressive start. The duo raced to 143 in just 19.4 overs. However, Sri Lanka staged a brilliant comeback at that crucial stage of the match. Left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage struck twice in the same over, dismissing Ben Duckett for 67 and Tom Banton for 73, before quickly trapping Harry Brook lbw for just 1.

England continued to lose wickets at regular intervals through the middle overs, but Jos Buttler kept the hosts’ hopes alive with a whirlwind 69 off 49 balls. Despite battling through a hamstring injury, Buttler fought until the final stages. However, disciplined death bowling from Dilshan Madushanka and Eshan Malinga eventually restricted England to 305.

For Sri Lanka, Dunith Wellalage was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets for 49 runs, while Madushanka and Malinga claimed two wickets apiece. After his outstanding 121-run innings, Kusal Mendis was named Player of the Match.