Sri Lanka clinched a 19-run victory over England in the first One Day International, played at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.
Batting first, Sri Lanka posted a competitive total of 271 runs for the loss of six wickets in their allotted 50 overs. Kusal Mendis anchored the innings with a classy 93, while Janith Liyanage contributed 46 runs. Dunith Wellalage added valuable late runs with an unbeaten 25.
Chasing a target of 272, England were bowled out for 252 runs in 49.2 overs. Ben Duckett top-scored with 62, while Joe Root added 61, but the visitors fell short in the final overs.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance, with Pramod Madushan claiming three wickets, while Dunith Wellalage and Jeffrey Vandersay picked up two wickets each.
For his all-round contribution, Dunith Wellalage was named Player of the Match, as Sri Lanka took a 1–0 lead in the ODI series against England.
