Kusal, Wellalage star as Sri Lanka defend 322 in Headingley thriller
Seven years on from their last away ODI victory against England. – also at Headingley – Sri Lanka repeated the trick, and kept the series alive, ahead of the decider at The Oval on Sunday with a hard fought 16-run win. On a true surface that offered plenty of runs, Sri Lanka executed their plan […]
Sri Lanka stunned England with a 16-run victory in a thrilling ODI at Headingley, keeping the series alive ahead of the decider at The Oval. The hosts scored 322 in their first innings, breaking a seven-year winless streak against England on this surface. Kusal Mendis top-scored with a seventh ODI ton, backed up by solid contributions from Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Pavan Rathnayake, and Janith Liyanage.
Dunith Wellalage was instrumental with the ball, taking 3 for 49 and preventing England from making a runaway charge. England's Jos Buttler had to retire hurt due to a hamstring twinge, affecting their chase. Despite needing just 68 runs off 75 balls at the time, England managed only 52 for 5, with Buttler lasting just four more balls after his injury.
The match featured two defining moments - Buttler's hamstring issue and Wellalage's crucial three wickets in three overs. The win highlights that while Sri Lanka may not be at the top of international cricket, they can compete with the best in ODIs, particularly at home.
Written by urgent.news from The Island Sri Lanka's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
