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Kusal Mendis Stars as Sri Lanka Clinch Thrilling 19-Run Victory Over England

Sri Lanka secured a 19-run victory in the first ODI against England in Colombo to take a 1-0 lead in the series. Kusal Mendis anchored the innings with a solid 93, supported by Janith Liyanage's explosive batting, to post 271/6. Despite a century stand from Joe Root and Ben Duckett, England's middle order collapsed against Sri Lanka's spin attack, losing five wickets in 12 overs. Late resistance from Jamie Overton was insufficient as England were bowled out for 252.

Key Points: Sri Lanka Beat England by 19 Runs in 1st ODI, Lead Series 1-0

  • Mendis anchors with 93
  • Liyanage provides explosive finish
  • Root & Duckett's 100-run stand in vain
  • Spin trio triggers England collapse
  • Sri Lanka take 1-0 series lead
2 min read

Kusal Mendis helps Sri Lanka take 1-0 Lead in ODI series against England

Kusal Mendis scores 93, Janith Liyanage fires as Sri Lanka defend 271. Joe Root & Ben Duckett fifties in vain as England collapse to 252 all out.

"The pair, however, found it difficult to shift gears against Sri Lanka's spinners - Match Report"

Colombo, January 22

Joe Root and Ben Duckett's strong knocks weren't enough to secure England a win in the first ODI against Sri Lanka, as they suffered a 19-run defeat in Colombo on Thursday.

Root scored 61, while Duckett made 62, but Sri Lanka's disciplined bowling and fielding ultimately paid off. The Charith Asalanka-led side handed them a 19-run defeat at the R.Premadasa Stadium in Colombo to go 1-0 up in the three-match ODI series.

Sri Lankan star batter Kusal Mendis anchored Sri Lanka's innings with a solid 117-ball 93, and Janith Liyanage's explosive batting at the other end helped them post a competitive 271/6.

In reply, England were dented early by the loss of Zak Crawley while Root and Duckett put up a strong foundation. But it was Sri Lanka's spin trio that turned the game, with Jeffrey Vandersay's breakthrough triggering a collapse.

England never raced ahead of the required rate at any stage of the innings, but the century second-wicket stand between Root and Duckett was potentially a platform they could have launched from.

The pair, however, found it difficult to shift gears against Sri Lanka's spinners, who made full use of the conditions and struck at regular intervals.

England lost five wickets between the 28th and the 40th over, and that required rate kept climbing.

Vandersay (2/39), Pramod Madushan (3/39), and Dunith Wellalage (2/41) exploited England's middle-order vulnerabilities.

Despite Jamie Overton's (34) late resistance, England fell short by 19 runs, crumbling to 252 all out in 49.2 overs.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Kusal Mendis is such a classy player. His 93 was worth more than a hundred given the context. England's middle order collapse was painful to watch, they really need to work on playing spin better in these conditions.
R
Rohit P
As an Indian fan, I always enjoy watching England struggle in Asia 😄. But seriously, Vandersay, Madushan, and Wellalage bowled brilliantly. That's how you defend a total under 300. Pressure bowling!
S
Sarah B
Root and Duckett built a platform but then just... stopped? They seemed unsure whether to attack or rotate strike. The required rate just kept creeping up. Poor game management from England in the middle overs.
K
Karthik V
Janith Liyanage's cameo was crucial! Those quick runs at the end made all the difference. It shows the importance of having a finisher. SL's fielding was also top-notch, saved at least 15-20 runs. 👏
M
Michael C
Respectful criticism: While it was a good win, the article focuses a lot on England's failure. Sri Lanka's tactical bowling changes and Asalanka's captaincy deserve more highlight. They out-thought England completely.
N
Neha E
Another example of

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