Kusal Mendis struck 121 as Sri Lanka defeated England by 16 runs in the second ODI at Headingley on Thursday, September 24, claiming their first white-ball win of the tour. The victory levelled the three-match series at 1-1 after England won the opening encounter by 89 runs at Chester-le-Street on Tuesday, September 22. The result sets up a series decider at The Oval on Sunday, September 27.
Sri Lanka posted 321 runs in their innings, built around Mendis’s commanding century. The right-handed batter formed a 137-run partnership for the second wicket with opener Kamindu Mendis, who contributed 54. Pavan Rathnayake added 48 off 39 balls in the middle order to strengthen the total.
“Honestly, I’m very happy. My inning, got a hundred and overall performance very well today. Kamindu batted really well, he supported me, and Pathum started very well, and middle-order batted really well. That’s why we can more than 300 putting the scoreboard,” Mendis said during the post-match presentation ceremony.
“Yeah, of course. I’m very happy when I’m in the middle, he talking too much… the gameplan, and we batted, we have our own game, nothing special, and basic cricket,” he added.
Mendis’s 121 formed the backbone of Sri Lanka’s total at Headingley. His partnership with opener Kamindu Mendis provided the platform for Sri Lanka’s competitive score. The innings was further bolstered by Pavan Rathnayake’s middle-order contribution and Janith Liyanage’s cameo at the death.
England’s chase fell short at 305-9. Dunith Wellalage proved decisive with the ball, taking three wickets for 49 runs. The left-arm spinner removed openers Ben Duckett (67) and Tom Banton (73) in consecutive overs, then dismissed Harry Brook for 1 to leave England at 157-3. The left-arm spinner earned praise from his captain.
“Yeah, Wella bowled really well, he.. and the whole inning.. after the powerplay he bowled really well, and Charith bowled really well in the powerplay. After death overs, fast bowling unit done really well. Then the guys give the hundred percent in today game. I’m very happy.
Jos Buttler’s injury disrupted England’s pursuit. Buttler was batting on 67 not out when he injured his left hamstring midway through the chase with England positioned at 254-4 in the 38th over. He was eventually dismissed for 69, unable to complete the run chase.
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The loss ended Sri Lanka’s wait for a white-ball victory after they had lost the preceding T20 series 3-0. The second ODI result kept their tour alive and ensured the series would be decided in the final match at The Oval. Mendis said that it will be important for his side to shift focus to the series decider, where they will have to do the basics right.
“We have to focus on the next game and do the basics right,” the wicketkeeper-batter concluded.
