Sri Lanka vs England 1st ODI Highlights: In a gripping opener to the three-match series, Sri Lanka edged out England by 19 runs in the first ODI at R. Premadasa Stadium on January 22, 2026. The hosts’ resilient batting and sharp bowling sealed a 1-0 lead, delighting fans with high-octane cricket action.
Sri Lanka, electing to bat after captain Charith Asalanka won the toss, compiled 271/6 in their 50 overs on a pitch offering variable bounce. Opener Kusal Mendis starred with a masterful 93 not out off 117 deliveries, smashing 11 fours in a composed innings that steadied the ship after early jitters. His unbeaten knock included key partnerships, notably an 88-run fifth-wicket alliance with Janith Liyanage, who blasted 46 off 53 balls with five boundaries and two maximums.
Young all-rounder Dunith Wellalage added a quickfire 25* off 12 balls to boost the total late. England’s Adil Rashid shone with the ball, snaring 3/44 in 10 tidy overs, keeping the scoring in check.
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Chasing 272 under lights, England looked poised at 129/1, thanks to Ben Duckett’s aggressive 62 off 76 and Joe Root’s anchoring 61 off 90. Their 117-run second-wicket stand promised a smooth pursuit, but Sri Lanka’s spinners triggered a stunning collapse. From a strong position, England plummeted to 164/6, losing five wickets for just 35 runs. Seamer Pramod Madushan led the charge with 3/39, while Wellalage claimed 2/41 alongside crucial fielding efforts.
Tailender Jamie Overton fought back with a blistering 34 off 17 balls, but his dismissal in the 49.2 over ended England’s hopes at 252 all out.
Wellalage’s all-round brilliance earned him Player of the Match honors, underlining Sri Lanka’s dominance in the middle phase. England captain Jos Buttler rued the batting implosion, vowing a comeback in the next clash.
For cricket enthusiasts searching Sri Lanka vs England ODI series updates, this match showcased tactical bowling mastery and individual heroics. Stay tuned for 2nd ODI highlights as England aims to bounce back.
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