.Sri Lanka defeated England by 16 runs in the second ODI, bringing the three-match series to a deciding stage. Playing an exciting match at Headingley, Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat first, posting 321 runs for the loss of 6 wickets. Captain Kusal Mendis scored a brilliant century, making 121 runs off 100 balls before getting out. He was well-supported by Kamindu Mendis with 54 runs, Pawan Ratnayake with 48 runs, and Janith Liyanage with 32 runs. For England, Gus Atkinson and Rehan Ahmed claimed 2 wickets each, while Jofra Archer took one wicket.
In response, England started strongly through a 143-run opening partnership between Ben Duckett and Tom Banton. Later, Jos Buttler played an aggressive innings of 67 runs to bring the team close to victory, but he had to retire hurt due to a hamstring injury. Following his departure, Sri Lanka tightened their grip on the match. Dunith Wellalage secured 3 wickets, and tight bowling in the final overs restricted England to 305 runs for the loss of 9 wickets.
This marks Sri Lanka’s first ODI victory on English soil in 7 years; the Sri Lankan team had also won their last match at the same venue. This is also Sri Lanka’s first win on their current tour of England, having faced defeat in the first ODI following a whitewash in the T20 series. The series-deciding match between the two teams will be played on Sunday at The Oval.
