Sri Lanka began their One Day International series against England with a 19-run victory in Colombo. Batting first on a spin-friendly pitch, the hosts posted a total of 271 runs. In reply, England reached 252, with Ben Duckett scoring 62 and Joe Root adding 61, but they fell short of the target.

Kusal Mendis anchored Sri Lanka’s innings with an unbeaten 93 featuring 11 fours, while Janith Liyanage contributed 46 off 53 balls in an 88-run partnership. Dunith Wellalage added a quick 25 from 12 balls with one six and three fours before taking two wickets with the ball, earning him the player of the match award.

The win gives Sri Lanka an early lead in the series, setting up momentum ahead of the remaining matches in the ODI contest.