England beaten by Sri Lanka at Headingley as ODI series goes level

Sri Lanka secured a 16-run victory against England at Headingley on Thursday to level their three-match ODI series at 1-1 ahead of this weekend’s decider.

Kusal Mendis led the way for the visitors with an excellent 121 as Sri Lanka reached 321/6 from their 50 overs, before England finished on 305/9 despite half-centuries from Tom Banton, Ben Duckett, Jos Buttler and Will Jacks.

The hosts had appeared well placed to chase down their target before a hamstring problem forced Buttler to retire hurt during a crucial stage of the innings, allowing Sri Lanka to regain control and set up a series decider at the Kia Oval on Sunday.

Kusal Mendis century sets England a challenging target

Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat first at Headingley, with captain Kusal Mendis producing the standout innings of the match.

After Pathum Nissanka was dismissed for 25, Mendis combined with Kamindu Mendis for a 137-run partnership from 120 deliveries. Kamindu made 54, while his captain continued to take advantage of a good batting surface in Leeds.

Kusal eventually reached his seventh ODI century before finishing with 121, while Pavan Rathnayake added 48 and Janith Liyanage contributed 32 as Sri Lanka closed on 321/6. It was the tourists’ highest first-innings ODI total against England since 2018.

England therefore needed 322 to secure the series with a match to spare following their 89-run victory in the opening ODI at Banks Homes Riverside.

Banton and Duckett give England fast start

England made an impressive start to the chase as Banton and Duckett quickly reduced the required total.

The pair added 82 runs during the opening powerplay before eventually putting together a 143-run opening partnership. Duckett made 67 from 63 deliveries, while Banton scored 73 from 62 balls to leave England in a strong position.

Dunith Wellalage changed the direction of the innings, dismissing Duckett before having Banton stumped and Harry Brook trapped lbw during an important spell. He eventually finished with figures of 3/49.

Joe Root was also dismissed for 15, but Buttler’s arrival ensured England maintained control of the required rate.

Buttler injury changes the contest

Buttler accelerated to 67 from 45 balls before appearing to suffer a hamstring injury while running between the wickets in the 38th over.

England were 253/4 at the time and required another 68 runs from 75 deliveries with six wickets remaining. Buttler initially attempted to continue before leaving the field, and Sri Lanka took advantage of his absence to slow England’s scoring considerably.

Will Jacks kept the chase alive with 52, but wickets continued to fall around him. Buttler eventually returned to the middle despite being visibly restricted and finished with 69 from 49 deliveries before being dismissed.

Gus Atkinson added 16, but Sri Lanka’s bowlers held their nerve during the closing overs as England ended on 305/9, 16 runs short of their target.

ODI series to be decided at the Kia Oval

The victory was Sri Lanka’s first away ODI win against England since their previous success at Headingley seven years ago and ensured the series will go down to the final match.

England had entered the ODI series following a 3-0 victory in the preceding T20 series and then won the opening 50-over contest by 89 runs. Thursday’s result means Harry Brook’s side must now respond when the teams meet at the Kia Oval on Sunday 27th September.

Attention will also turn to Buttler’s fitness following his hamstring problem, particularly with England continuing preparations towards the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

England Cricket in 2027

England will return to Headingley for two men’s internationals during a major home summer in 2027, providing another opportunity to experience international cricket at the historic Leeds venue.

Pakistan visit Headingley for the third ODI of their five-match series on Friday 21st May, before New Zealand face England in the fifth and final ODI of their September series on Saturday 25th September.

The wider 2027 schedule will see Pakistan visit England for five ODIs in May, while New Zealand return for three IT20s and five ODIs in September. The summer will also include the Men’s Ashes against Australia, with the five-Test series visiting Trent Bridge, Lord’s, Edgbaston, the Utilita Bowl and the Kia Oval.

Eventmasters will offer premium England cricket hospitality across a selection of the biggest fixtures and venues during the 2027 international summer. Guests can register their interest in England Cricket Hospitality to combine the action with premium seating, dining and dedicated hospitality facilities.

FAQs

Who won England v Sri Lanka at Headingley?

Sri Lanka beat England by 16 runs in the second ODI at Headingley on Thursday 24th September 2026. The visitors scored 321/6 before restricting England to 305/9 from their 50 overs.

How many runs did Kusal Mendis score against England?

Kusal Mendis scored 121 for Sri Lanka and was named Player of the Match. His innings helped the visitors establish a total of 321/6.

What happened to Jos Buttler against Sri Lanka?

Buttler retired hurt after suffering a hamstring problem during England’s run chase. He later returned to the crease and finished with 69 from 49 balls, although his movement was noticeably restricted.

When is the final England v Sri Lanka ODI?

The third and final ODI takes place at the Kia Oval on Sunday 27th September 2026. The series is level at 1-1 following England’s victory in the opener and Sri Lanka’s win at Headingley.

When will England play at Headingley in 2027?

England Men will face Pakistan at Headingley in an ODI on Friday 21st May 2027 before returning to Leeds to play New Zealand on Saturday 25th September. Both matches form part of England’s preparations for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.