Kusal Mendis Century Leads Sri Lanka to 16-Run Win, Levels Series With England

Sri Lanka beat England by 16 runs at Headingley to level their three-match ODI series 1-1, with captain Kusal Mendis hitting a superb century and Dunith Wellalage starring with the ball.

Mendis won the toss and made 121 off 100 balls, his seventh ODI century, striking 14 fours and three sixes to lift Sri Lanka to 321 for 6. Kamindu Mendis supported with 54 as the tourists posted their biggest total of a tour that had otherwise been dominated by England.

England were cruising in the chase after Tom Banton (73) and Ben Duckett (67) put on 143 for the first wicket, before Wellalage struck twice in quick succession to remove both openers and captain Harry Brook, finishing with figures of 3 for 49. Jos Buttler then threatened to win it single-handedly with 69, but had to leave the field with a hamstring injury while going well on 254 for 4, and although he returned to bat later, England fell short on 305 for 9.

The result sets up a decider at The Oval on Sunday, with Buttler's fitness for the finale now in doubt.