Cricket fans in Colombo were treated to a pulsating ODI opener where Sri Lanka edged England by 19 runs at R. Premadasa Stadium, securing a 1-0 series lead. Kusal Mendis’ gritty 93 not out was the cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s 271 for 6.
After electing to bat, openers Pathum Nissanka (21 off 30, 2x4s) and the other Kusal Mendis (27) gifted a 50-run powerplay. At 54 for 2, the innings was rescued by Mendis’ partnerships: 43 with Dhananjaya de Silva (10) and later with skipper Charith Asalanka (17).
The highlight was Mendis’ unbeaten knock off 117 balls (11×4), building 88 runs with Janith Liyanage (46) to fortify the total. Adil Rashid starred for England with three scalps, while Curran, Dawson, and Ahmed grabbed one each.
England’s pursuit ended at 252 all out in 49.2 overs. Jack Crawley’s 6 set a wobbly start, but Ben Duckett (62 off 76, 6×4) and Joe Root (61 off 90) countered with 117 runs. The collapse followed, despite Jamie Overton (34) and Rehan Ahmed (27).
Sri Lanka’s bowlers executed perfectly under pressure. With two matches left, the series promises more drama as England seeks redemption.