SL Stun ENG: Mendis Masterclass Seals Thrilling 19-Run Win in Colombo ODI Opener

Sri Lanka edged England by 19 runs in a gripping first ODI of their three-match series at R.Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on January 22, 2026, taking a 1-0 lead.

Sri Lanka, electing to bat first after winning the toss, posted 271 for 6 in 50 overs. Kusal Mendis anchored the innings with an unbeaten 93 off 117 balls, featuring 11 boundaries, while Janith Liyanage contributed a brisk 46 off 53 deliveries with 5 fours and 2 sixes. Kamil Mishara added 27 early on, but England's Adil Rashid shone with figures of 3-44, supported by single wickets from Liam Dawson, Sam Curran, and Rehan Ahmed.

Chasing 272, England started strongly with a 117-run second-wicket stand between Ben Duckett (62 off 76) and Joe Root (61 off 90), reaching 129 for 1 after 27 overs. However, their middle order collapsed dramatically, losing 5 wickets for 35 runs as spinners dominated. Pramod Madushan claimed 3-39, with Dunith Wellalage (2 wickets and 25 not out) and Jeffrey Vandersay (2) starring. Jamie Overton (34 off 17) and Rehan Ahmed (27) fought back late, but England were bowled out for 252 in 49.2 overs.

Wellalage earned Player of the Match for his all-round display. The match, played under partly cloudy skies at 26°C with 81% humidity, highlighted Sri Lanka's spin prowess on a flat track favoring batsmen but offering turn later.

England's ODI struggles persist under Harry Brook, with spin exposing vulnerabilities post their promising start. Sri Lanka's bowlers, led by Madushan, defended the total effectively after Mendis' near-century set a competitive platform.