England vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI: Sri Lanka produced a stunning 16-run victory over England at Headingley to level the three-match ODI series 1-1. Kusal Mendis smashed 121 from 100 balls, while Dunith Wellalage took three wickets. Jos Buttler’s injury also proved costly for England during a tense run chase.
Sri Lanka have bounced back in the three-match ODI series against England in dramatic fashion. After losing the opening match, Sri Lanka defeated England by 16 runs in the second ODI at Headingley, Leeds, on September 24.
The visitors posted 321/6 in their 50 overs after a brilliant century from captain and wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis. England, chasing 322, looked well placed for a significant part of their innings, but the chase slipped away at the crucial stage. England eventually finished on 305/9 after 50 overs.
The result means the three-match ODI series is now level at 1-1, setting up a winner-takes-the-series decider at The Oval on September 27.
Kusal Mendis turns the game around with a brilliant century
Sri Lanka’s total was built around a superb innings from Kusal Mendis. The Sri Lankan captain scored 121 runs from just 100 deliveries, hitting 14 fours and three sixes. His strike rate of 121 gave Sri Lanka the momentum they needed, particularly during the middle and final stages of the innings.
Mendis did not have a completely straightforward route to his century. He was given out for 99 after England appealed for a possible edge, but the decision was overturned after UltraEdge showed no clear spike. Mendis responded immediately, finding the boundary on the very next delivery to complete his century.
It proved to be a crucial moment because Sri Lanka went on to cross the 320-run mark.
Kamindu Mendis also played an important supporting role, scoring 54 from 65 balls with four fours and three sixes. Pavan Rathnayake added 48 from 39 balls, while Janith Liyanage contributed 32 from 26 deliveries.
Sri Lanka finished with 321/6, scoring at 6.42 runs per over. Their acceleration towards the end was particularly important as England were left with a challenging target on a good batting surface.
England looked on course before Buttler’s injury
England’s chase initially appeared to be heading in the right direction.
Tom Banton provided a strong start with 73 from 62 balls, while Jos Buttler took the attack to the Sri Lankan bowlers. Buttler scored 69 from only 49 deliveries, hitting boundaries at a crucial stage of the chase.
At one point, England were in a position where the required rate was manageable. According to BBC Sport’s match report, England needed 68 runs from 75 balls when Buttler suffered the injury that forced him to retire hurt.
That moment changed the complexion of the chase.
Buttler had been one of England’s most dangerous batters and his departure temporarily left England without one of their key finishers. He had been moving freely before experiencing discomfort in his left leg and was seen struggling to walk.
He later returned to the crease after England lost further wickets, showing his determination to finish the chase. However, the injury clearly restricted his movement and England could not produce the finishing burst they needed.
Dunith Wellalage delivers the decisive blow
While Kusal Mendis was the star with the bat, Dunith Wellalage played the defining role with the ball.
The left-arm spinner finished with three wickets for 49 runs from his 10 overs. His ability to bowl accurately under pressure kept Sri Lanka in the contest when England were threatening to take control.
Wellalage’s wickets came at important stages of the innings, preventing England from building the kind of partnership that could have taken them over the line.
Eshan Malinga also contributed with two wickets, while Sri Lanka’s bowlers maintained enough pressure during the final overs to protect their 321-run total.
England needed a strong finish, but wickets kept falling at the wrong time.
England needed 27 from 14 balls after Buttler returned
The final phase of the match was particularly dramatic.
After Jamie Overton was dismissed, Buttler decided to return to the middle despite his injury. England needed 27 runs from 14 balls at that stage, meaning they still had a realistic mathematical chance of pulling off an extraordinary chase.
But Buttler was unable to produce the big shots required.
Will Jacks had also played an important innings, scoring 52, but his dismissal further damaged England’s hopes. With wickets falling and the required run rate climbing, Sri Lanka were able to close out the game.
England ended on 305/9, leaving them 16 runs short of the target.
The final margin might look comfortable on paper, but the match was much closer than the 16-run difference suggests. England were in the contest for a long time before Sri Lanka’s bowlers took control during the closing stages.
Sri Lanka continue their strong Headingley record
The victory also added another chapter to Sri Lanka’s impressive ODI record against England at Headingley.
The result extended Sri Lanka’s unbeaten run against England at this venue in the ODI format. The teams last played an ODI at Headingley in 2016, when Sri Lanka also won, and the visitors have now maintained their strong record at the Leeds ground.
More importantly, the win gives Sri Lanka renewed confidence after England dominated the opening ODI in Chester-le-Street.
England had won the first ODI by 89 runs after posting 265 and bowling Sri Lanka out for 176. Will Jacks was outstanding in that match, taking 5/22.
But the second ODI was a completely different story.
Series decider now set for The Oval
With the series level at 1-1, everything will now be decided in the third ODI at The Oval in London on September 27.
England will have to assess Buttler’s fitness after his hamstring problem, while Sri Lanka will take plenty of confidence from their comeback victory.
For Sri Lanka, the performances of Kusal Mendis and Wellalage will be particularly encouraging. Mendis showed the value of converting a strong start into a big score, while Wellalage demonstrated how important disciplined spin bowling can be during a pressure chase.
For England, the biggest question will be how they respond after allowing a chase that appeared to be within reach to slip away.
The first two matches have produced completely different results, making the final ODI an intriguing contest. England dominated the opening game, while Sri Lanka responded strongly at Headingley.
One thing is certain: the series will go to a decider, and both teams now have everything to play for.
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