Sri Lanka Shock England by 16 Runs! Kusal Mendis 121 Stuns Headingley in 2nd ODI 🔥

Sri Lanka have levelled the three-match ODI series against England after producing a superb batting performance and surviving a dramatic finish at Headingley.

Captain Kusal Mendis smashed 121 from 100 balls as Sri Lanka posted 321/6 after winning the toss and choosing to bat. England then mounted a serious chase, but the hosts finished on 305/9 to fall 16 runs short.

Kusal Mendis Produces a Brilliant 121

Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat first at Headingley. Pathum Nissanka and Kamindu Mendis initially built the platform before Nissanka fell for 25.

Kamindu then joined captain Kusal Mendis for a major second-wicket partnership. The pair added 137 runs, taking Sri Lanka from 45/1 to 182/2.

Kamindu Mendis eventually made 54 from 65 balls, but Kusal continued to dominate the England attack.

Kusal Mendis brought up his seventh ODI century and finished with 121 from 100 deliveries, striking 14 fours and three sixes. His innings gave Sri Lanka the foundation they needed for a 300-plus total.

Sri Lanka Build a Huge Total at Headingley

After Kusal Mendis departed for 121 at 222/3, Pavan Rathnayake kept the scoring rate high with an aggressive 48 from 39 balls.

Janith Liyanage added 32 from 26 deliveries, while Dunith Wellalage finished unbeaten on 16. Sri Lanka scored 84 runs during the final ten overs to finish on 321/6.

England's best bowling figures came from Gus Atkinson and Rehan Ahmed, who each claimed two wickets. Atkinson finished with 2/55, while Ahmed took 2/48.

Sri Lanka Batting Scorecard

England Start the Chase Strongly

England needed 322 to take an unassailable 2–0 series lead, and Tom Banton and Ben Duckett responded with an excellent opening partnership.

Banton scored 73 from 62 balls, including seven fours and three sixes, while Duckett made 67 from 63 balls.

Their partnership pushed England to 143 before Duckett was dismissed. Banton followed shortly afterwards at 153/2, leaving England needing a strong middle-order response.

Joe Root made 15 and captain Harry Brook fell for just 1, putting greater pressure on Jos Buttler and Will Jacks to keep the chase alive.

Buttler and Jacks Give England Hope

Buttler and Jacks produced the crucial late partnership England needed. Buttler attacked the Sri Lankan bowlers while Jacks provided support from the other end.

Buttler eventually finished with 69 from 49 balls, hitting five fours and five sixes. Will Jacks added 52 from 61 balls, including four fours and two sixes.

With England still in contention deep into the chase, the match moved towards a tense finish. Sri Lanka needed wickets, and their bowlers delivered at the critical moments.

Sri Lanka Hold Their Nerve at the Death

England entered the final overs with a genuine chance of completing the chase, but Sri Lanka's bowlers repeatedly found ways to prevent boundaries.

Dilshan Madushanka removed Rehan Ahmed for a duck and later dismissed Jos Buttler for 69. Eshan Malinga claimed two wickets, including the crucial dismissal of Will Jacks.

Dunith Wellalage was particularly important throughout the innings. His 3/49 from 10 overs removed Ben Duckett, Tom Banton and Harry Brook, disrupting England's top order.

England reached 305/9 at the end of the innings, leaving Sri Lanka with a 16-run victory.

England Batting Scorecard

Sri Lanka Bowling Figures

Series Level at 1–1

Sri Lanka's victory completely changes the complexion of the three-match ODI series.

England won the opening ODI in Durham by 89 runs after Will Jacks starred with both bat and ball. Sri Lanka have now responded in Leeds, with Kusal Mendis producing the defining innings of the second match.

The series therefore moves to the third ODI with both teams level at 1–1. The deciding match is scheduled for September 27 at The Oval in London.