Match Summary
- Series: Second Metro Bank one-day international, Headingley
- Sri Lanka Score: 321-6 in 50 overs (Kusal 121, Kamindu 54; Ahmed 2-48)
- England Score: 305-9 in 50 overs (Banton 73, Buttler 69; Wellalage 3-49)
- Result: Sri Lanka won by 16 runs
Sri Lanka secured a 16-run victory over England in the second one-day international at Headingley, leveling the series and forcing a decider at The Oval. Kusal Mendis anchored the visitors’ total with a magnificent 122 in their score of 321-6.
Chasing 322, England looked comfortable at 68 needed from 75 deliveries before Jos Buttler had to retire hurt on 67 due to a hamstring strain. Tom Banton had previously laid a solid foundation with 73 alongside Ben Duckett in a 143-run opening partnership, which was temporarily derailed by a sudden slump of three wickets for 14 runs.
Buttler returned to the crease after the dismissals of Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, and Jamie Overton with 27 runs required from 14 balls, watching Will Jacks fall for 52 at the non-striker’s end. Struggling to run, Buttler was eventually caught at deep mid-wicket needing 19 off the final over as England ended on 306-9.
Sri Lanka capitalized on the captain’s injury disruption, utilizing effective reverse swing through their seamers to curb the lower-order resistance. The deciding match of the series and the international summer is scheduled for Sunday starting at 10:30 BST. The report also notes that barely able to hobble a single, he holed out at deep mid-wicket, england were left needing 19 from the last with Buttler on strike but.
