Lahore (Sports Desk) — Sri Lanka defeated England by 16 runs in the second ODI, taking the three-match series into a decisive stage.
Batting first at Headingley, Sri Lanka scored 321 for six. Captain Kusal Mendis struck a brilliant century, scoring 121 runs off 100 balls, while Kamindu Mendis scored 54, Pavan Rathnayake 48 and Janith Liyanage 32.
In reply, England made a strong start through a 143-run opening partnership between Ben Duckett and Tom Banton. Jos Buttler played an aggressive innings of 67 runs but had to retire hurt due to a hamstring problem.
After Buttler’s departure, the Sri Lankan bowlers tightened their grip on the match. Dunith Wellalage took three wickets as England were restricted to 305 for nine.
This was Sri Lanka’s first ODI victory on English soil in seven years. The decisive match of the series between the two teams will be played at The Oval on Sunday.