Sri Lanka stun England as injured Jos Buttler misses ODI decider

Sri Lanka produced a stunning late-innings turnaround to beat England by 16 runs at Headingley and level the one-day international series, despite England appearing in control for much of the chase.

Mendis sets up Sri Lanka’s total

Chasing a target of 322, England’s attack struggled to contain Sri Lanka on a fast outfield and a surface that favoured aggressive batting. Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis led the way with a sparkling 121 from 100 balls, including 14 fours and three sixes — his first international century in England.

Kamindu Mendis added 54 during a 137-run second-wicket partnership before Gus Atkinson broke through, taking two wickets for 55 in his 10 overs. Rehan Ahmed also claimed two for 48, but England missed a vital opportunity when Gus Atkinson misjudged a high chance from Jamie Overton’s bowling and spilled it in the deep.

England’s chase unravels

England made an explosive start through Ben Duckett and Tom Banton, who shared a 143-run opening stand. Duckett made 67 and Banton 73, but the introduction of Dunith Wellalage’s left-arm spin changed the match. Wellalage triggered a collapse of three wickets for 14 runs, including Duckett, Banton and Harry Brook, leaving England 203 for four in the 29th over.

Joe Root was then dismissed for 15, but Jos Buttler appeared to restore England’s control with an aggressive innings. The England captain had reached 66 when he pulled up with a hamstring problem, with 68 still needed from 75 balls. He returned when the equation had narrowed to 27 from 14, but was unable to run freely.

Will Jacks made 52 before holing out, while Rehan Ahmed fell for a five-ball duck. Buttler was eventually dismissed in the final over as Sri Lanka’s fast bowlers executed a series of yorkers to deny England’s lower order the boundaries it needed. England finished on 305 for nine.

Buttler ruled out of decider

Buttler will miss Sunday’s series decider at The Oval because of the hamstring injury. Harry Brook acknowledged Sri Lanka’s outstanding finish, saying: “I thought Sri Lanka played exceptionally well, especially the last 10-15 overs. They were electric in the field. They nailed every ball.”

Brook added that Buttler’s injury was “not ideal”, but said England would benefit from having the opportunity to play in a decider. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, ended a run of four defeats on tour and will approach the final match with renewed confidence.