Mendis Stars as Sri Lanka Beat England to Set Up Series Decider

How Mendis Turned the Tide After Early Wickets

Kusal Mendis scored a brilliant century as Sri Lanka secured a surprise victory over England in the second ODI, leveling the three-match series at 1-1. The win came in Colombo on Friday, keeping Sri Lanka’s hopes alive for a series triumph. Mendis’ innings was the cornerstone of a chasing effort that defied expectations after a shaky start.

Sri Lanka were reduced to 45 for three early on, facing a daunting task against England’s bowling attack. Mendis, however, anchored the innings with 121 off 118 balls, including 14 fours and a six. His partnership with Pathum Nissanka, who contributed 56, steadied the chase. England’s bowlers struggled to contain the flow after the powerplay, with Adil Rashid the most economical but wicketless. Sri Lanka reached the target of 256 with eight balls to spare, sparking celebrations among the home crowd.

What Does This Mean for the Decider?

Mendis spoke after the match about staying calm under pressure. „We knew we had to rebuild, and I tried to take my time initially,” he said. „Once I got set, I looked to accelerate.” His innings came at a strike rate of over 102, crucial in the final ten overs when Sri Lanka needed 60 runs. England’s captain Josiah Butler admitted his side lacked discipline in the death overs. „We gave away too many loose balls,” he said. „Credit to Mendis, he played exceptionally well.” The win also highlighted Sri Lanka’s improved middle-order resilience, a concern in their previous loss.

With the series now tied, the final ODI will determine the winner. Sri Lanka will look to carry this momentum, especially with Mendis in form. England, meanwhile, must address their bowling inconsistencies if they hope to reclaim the lead. Both teams know the decider could hinge on how well they handle pressure in Colombo’s conditions. A win for Sri Lanka would mark their first series victory over England in ODI cricket since 2021.

What was Kusal Mendis’ score in the match? Kusal Mendis scored 121 runs off 118 balls, hitting 14 fours and one six.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was this win considered a surprise for Sri Lanka? Sri Lanka had lost the first ODI and were under pressure early in the chase, making the comeback victory unexpected.

How does this result affect the series standings? The win levels the series at 1-1, setting up a decider in the third and final ODI.