Sri Lanka made a confident start to the ODI series against England with a 19-run victory in the first match played at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. A solid batting effort followed by disciplined bowling helped the hosts take a 1–0 lead in the series.
Match Summary
Sri Lanka Innings
Batting first, Sri Lanka posted a competitive 271/6 in 50 overs after a steady start and a strong finish.
- Kusal Mendis anchored the innings brilliantly, remaining unbeaten on 93, showing patience and control in the middle overs.
- Janith Liyanage chipped in with a valuable 46, building crucial partnerships.
- Dunith Wellalage added late momentum with a quick 25 not out, pushing Sri Lanka to a challenging total.
England’s Run Chase
England’s chase began positively, but regular wickets in the middle overs halted their momentum.
- Ben Duckett top-scored with 62, while Joe Root added 61, giving England hope during a strong partnership.
- However, Sri Lanka’s bowlers tightened the screws, especially through spin and smart variations.
- England were eventually bowled out for 252 in 49.2 overs, falling 19 runs short of the target.
Player of the Match
Dunith Wellalage earned the Player of the Match award for his all-round performance, contributing vital runs late in the innings and picking up key wickets during England’s chase.
Key Highlights
- Sri Lanka scored 271/6, led by Kusal Mendis’ unbeaten 93
- England lost momentum after a strong middle-order stand
- Sri Lankan bowlers dominated the middle overs
- England bowled out for 252, losing by 19 runs
FAQs:
1. Who won the Sri Lanka vs England 1st ODI?
Sri Lanka won the match by 19 runs.
2. What was Sri Lanka’s total in the 1st ODI?
Sri Lanka scored 271 runs for 6 wickets in 50 overs.
3. Who was the top scorer in the match?
Kusal Mendis was the top scorer with an unbeaten 93 runs.
4. Who was named Player of the Match?
Dunith Wellalage was named Player of the Match for his all-round performance.
Disclaimer:
This article is an original rewrite created for informational purposes in Google-blog style. Match details are based on publicly available reports and are presented in a simplified, reader-friendly format.
