Kusal Mendis century powers Sri Lanka to win over England in 2nd ODI

Kusal Mendis celebrates completing his century during the second One-Day International against England at Headingley Cricket Ground, Leeds, on Thursday.

Sri Lanka secured a 16-run victory over England in the second ODI, levelling the series 1-1. Captain Kusal Mendis scored a crucial 121 runs for Sri Lanka, anchoring their innings of 321-6.

England's chase was hampered by Jos Buttler's hamstring injury, despite his heroic return to the crease.

Dunith Wellalage's three wickets were pivotal in turning the tide against England's strong opening partnership.

The series decider between England and Sri Lanka is at The Oval on Sunday.

Kamindu Mendis hit 4 fours and 3 sixes while scoring 54 off 56 balls.

Sri Lanka pulled off a dramatic 16-run win over England in the second One-Day International to level the three-match series despite a heroic effort from injured Jos Buttler.

England scored 305-9 in reply to Sri Lanka’s 321-6, which included a century from captain Kusal Mendis in a high-scoring clash in which Buttler looked to be taking England to a comfortable triumph before damaging his hamstring.

 

Buttler's Heroic But Vain Effort

Jos Buttler sends the ball over the boundary for six during his 69 off 49 balls.

He retired hurt on 67, but as Sri Lanka pulled themselves back into the contest with key wickets, a limping Buttler came back to the crease, with England needing 20 runs off the last two overs.

He was, however, only able to add two more runs before being caught at deep mid-wicket, with his dismissal effectively ending home hopes.

Jos Buttler receives medical attention after sustaining an injury.

England had needed only 63 runs off their last 10 overs to seal the series but were pinned back by the Sri Lankan bowlers, who got their side over the line for their first success of the tour after suffering a 3-0 whitewash in the Twenty20 internationals.

Kusal Mendis Leads Sri Lanka's Batting

Dunith Wellalage celebrates with teammates after dismissing Harry Brook.

Sri Lanka skipper Mendis won the toss and elected to bat, leading from the front as he scored 121 and shared a second-wicket partnership of 137 with Kamindu Mendis, who made 54.

Kusal Mendis was dropped on 17 by Gus Atkinson at fine leg in an expensive slip off Jamie Overton’s bowling and had another life one run short of his century when he was given out caught behind off Overton but reviewed immediately and the TV umpire found there had been no nick.

He cover drove the next ball to complete a seventh ODI century.

Pavan Rathnayake added 48 off 39 balls before being run out, and Janith Liyanage contributed 32 before becoming Jofra Archer’s only wicket as the England paceman returned expensive figures of 1-65.

England's Strong Start And Collapse

Tom Banton (above) and Ben Duckett to put together an opening stand of 143 inside the opening 20 overs.

IMAGE: Tom Banton (above) and Ben Duckett to put together an opening stand of 143 inside the opening 20 overs. Photograph: Jason Cairnduff/Reuters

England’s reply began in impressive fashion. They took advantage of sub-standard Sri Lankan bowling, allowing Tom Banton and Ben Duckett to put together an opening stand of 143 inside the opening 20 overs.

But almost out of nowhere, left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage bowled Duckett (67) and had Banton stumped for 73 off 61 balls, before trapping captain Harry Brook for a single. He finished his 10 overs with figures of 3-49.

Buttler turned the tide in England's favour again before his injury, but stretching to complete a run, he looked to suffer a torn muscle.

England won the first ODI by 89 runs at Chester-le-Street on Tuesday, and the decider will be at The Oval in London on Sunday.