Mendis century powered Sri Lanka to a 16-run victory over England in the second ODI at Headingley on Thursday, with Dunith Wellalage’s late bowling impact helping level the three-match series at 1-1. Sri Lanka played a poor opening match and picked up the pace after defeating them in the first game and opted to bat first. Captain Kusal Mendis’ 121 from 100 deliveries ensured they posted 321/6 in 50 overs.
Mendis scored 14 fours and three sixes in the seventh ODI century to set the tone for Sri Lanka’s big score. He also posted a significant 137-run stand with Kamindu Mendis, while Gus Atkinson picked up his second wicket off his 54 from 65 off him.
Pathum Nissanka scored 25 in the first 45 deliveries along with Kamindu. Following Mendis’ exit in the 36th over, Pavan Rathnayake added a quick 48 off 39 runs and Janith Liyanage scored 32 from 26 to keep Sri Lanka on course. Atkinson and Rehan Ahmed picked up two wickets each for England and Jofra Archer took one.
England got off to a good start with an opening stand between Tom Banton and Ben Duckett who scored a 143-run partnership for the first wicket. Banton bowled 73 off 62 balls and Duckett scored 67 off 63 balls.
Jacks then held England in check with 52 before Jos Buttler came back after being hurt to hit a strong final attack. Buttler hit 69 from 49 balls as he was at the crease at No.8 with five fours and five sixes. But they kept their cool in the final over and held England to 305/9, to win the match by 16 runs.
Sri Lanka had a strong bowling attack of wellalage 3/49, Eshan Malinga 2/38 and Dilshan Madushanka 2/35 in 10 overs. Asitha Fernando and Sachindu Colombage had one each. The series will now go to The Oval on Sunday, when both sides will battle for the balance of the ODI series at 1-1.
