Sri Lanka beat England by 16 runs in the second ODI at the Sri Lanka tour of England 2026, defending 321 for 6 after Kusal Mendis made a commanding 121. England finished on 305 for 9 despite substantial innings from Tom Banton, Jos Buttler and Ben Duckett, leaving the ODI series level at 1-1 with one match remaining.

Mendis was named Player of the Match after anchoring Sri Lanka’s 321 for 6 from their 50 overs. Kamindu Mendis supplied 54 and Pavan Rathnayake added 48, giving Sri Lanka the depth and momentum required to post a total that ultimately proved just beyond England.

England’s bowlers shared the wickets without being able to halt Sri Lanka’s scoring momentum completely. Rehan Ahmed and Gus Atkinson took two wickets apiece, while Jofra Archer claimed one wicket. But the platform built by Mendis, supported by Kamindu Mendis and Rathnayake, ensured Sri Lanka had a sizeable total to defend.

England fall short in 322 chase

England mounted a serious pursuit of 322, reaching 305 for 9 from their 50 overs, but Sri Lanka held their nerve through the closing stages. Tom Banton led the response with 73, Jos Buttler struck 69 and Ben Duckett made 67, three significant contributions that kept the target within sight.

However, Sri Lanka found the wickets required to prevent England from turning their chase into a successful finish. Dunith Wellalage was the standout with 3 for 49 from 10 overs, combining control with timely breakthroughs. Eshan Malinga and Dilshan Madushanka each took two wickets, ensuring England’s middle and lower order could not complete the final push.

Key performers

  • Kusal Mendis: 121 runs for Sri Lanka and Player of the Match.
  • Kamindu Mendis: 54 runs for Sri Lanka.
  • Pavan Rathnayake: 48 runs for Sri Lanka.
  • Tom Banton: 73 runs for England.
  • Jos Buttler: 69 runs for England.
  • Ben Duckett: 67 runs for England.
  • Dunith Wellalage: 3 for 49 from 10 overs for Sri Lanka.
  • Rehan Ahmed and Gus Atkinson: two wickets each for England.

NerdSports Stat: The two sides combined for 626 runs across 100 overs, yet Sri Lanka’s winning margin was only 16 runs — just 2.6% of the match aggregate.

Series level after Sri Lanka response

England had dominated the opening phase of the tour, winning all three T20Is before taking the first ODI by 89 runs. Sri Lanka’s response in this second ODI has transformed the one-day leg: the series is now level at 1-1, and the final ODI on Sunday, September 27 will decide the ODI series.

For Sri Lanka, Mendis’ hundred and Wellalage’s decisive spell provided the template for a high-pressure away win. England, meanwhile, will take encouragement from three half-centuries in a chase of 322, but will need a more complete bowling-and-fielding display in the decider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the match between England and Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka won the match by 16 runs.

Who was the Player of the Match?

Kusal Mendis was named Player of the Match for his 121 runs.

What is the series standing after this match?

The ODI series is level at 1-1 with one match remaining.

Who was the top scorer in this match?

Kusal Mendis top-scored with 121 runs.

When is the next match in the series?

The final ODI between England and Sri Lanka is on Sunday, September 27.