Sri Lanka produced a composed comeback to defeat England by 16 runs in a thrilling second ODI of the three-match series in Leeds yesterday.
Batting first, Sri Lanka posted a formidable 321/6 in their 50 overs, led by a magnificent century from captain Kusal Mendis.
Mendis smashed 121 runs to register his seventh ODI century. He received valuable support from Kamindu Mendis, who scored 54, while Pavan Rathnayake contributed 48 and Janith Liyanage added 32.
For England, Gus Atkinson and Rehan Ahmed claimed two wickets each.
England made a flying start to the chase, with openers Ben Duckett and Tom Banton putting together a 143-run opening partnership from 119 balls. Duckett scored 67, while Banton made 71.
Sri Lanka fought their way back into the contest through Dunith Wellalage, who produced a crucial spell of 3/49.
Eshan Malinga and Dilshan Madushanka claimed two wickets each, while Sachindu Colombage and Asitha Fernando picked up one wicket apiece.
England reached 82/0 after the first 10 overs, their highest score in the opening 10 overs against Sri Lanka. However, Sri Lanka’s bowlers turned the game around in the closing stages, taking five wickets for just 46 runs in the final 10 overs.
Sri Lanka eventually bowled England out to secure a 16-run victory, levelling the three-match ODI series 1–1.
