SL vs ENG 1st ODI Match Highlights: Sri Lanka began their three-match ODI series against England with a hard-fought 19-run victory in the opening game at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Thursday, January 22, 2026. With this win, Sri Lanka took a 1-0 lead in the series.
Set a competitive target of 272 runs, England looked on track early in the chase as the experienced duo of Ben Duckett (62) and Joe Root (61) forged a strong partnership, taking the visitors to 129 for 1.
However, once Sri Lanka broke that stand, England’s middle order crumbled under pressure on a turning pitch.
Despite a late surge from Jamie Overton (34 off 17 balls), who launched a spirited assault in the final overs alongside Adil Rashid, England fell short and were bowled out for 252 in 49.2 overs. Overton’s cameo added drama but could not steer England home.
Mendis Anchors Host Innings
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Sri Lanka faced a disciplined England attack. Openers Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara (27) provided a solid 50-run foundation before Adil Rashid (3-44) began to weave his web.
The middle order struggled to find momentum, with captain Charith Asalanka falling in bizarre fashion after a sweep shot ricocheted off his helmet into the hands of leg slip. However, Kusal Mendis remained calm at the centre of the storm.
Mendis struck 11 boundaries in his unbeaten 93 off 117 balls, finding a reliable partner in Janith Liyanage (46). A late blitz from Dunith Wellalage, who smashed 25 off just 12 deliveries, propelled the hosts to a competitive 271/6.
Spin Takes Centre Stage
England’s chase started poorly with Zak Crawley falling early to Asitha Fernando, but Ben Duckett (62) and Joe Root (61) soon appeared to have the game under control. The pair shared a 117-run partnership, blending traditional sweeps with gritty strike rotation.
The tide turned when Jeffrey Vandersay trapped Duckett LBW, breaking the century stand. From that point, the collapse narrative that has plagued England’s recent ODI form resurfaced.
Spin Stranglehold: Dhananjaya de Silva removed Root, while Asalanka and Wellalage combined to dismiss Harry Brook and Jacob Bethell via sharp stumpings.
The Tail Fights Back: Reduced to 165/6, Rehan Ahmed (27) and Jamie Overton (34) reignited hope with aggressive cameos. Overton, in particular, brought the target within reach, smashing 20 runs in the closing stages.
The Final Over Drama
With 20 runs needed off the final six balls, Overton looked to clear the ropes again. However, a mistimed shot off Pramod Madushan (3-39) found Wellalage at cover, ending England’s resistance at 252.
Brief Scores: Sri Lanka 271/6 in 50 overs (Kusal Mendis 93*, Jayanith Liyanage 46; Adil Rashid 3-44, Liam Dawson 1-31) beat England 252 in 49.2 overs (Ben Duckett 62, Joe Root 61; Pramod Madhushan 3-39, Jeffrey Vandersay 2-39) by 19 runs
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