Sri Lanka snatch 16-run win over England to level ODI series after Buttler limps back
Sri Lanka beat England by 16 runs in the second ODI at Headingley to level the three-match series, with Jos Buttler's hamstring injury proving decisive.
Sri Lanka pulled off a dramatic 16-run victory over England in the second one-day international at Headingley on Thursday to level the three-match series 1-1, despite a heroic effort from an injured Jos Buttler.
England scored 305 for 9 in reply to Sri Lanka’s 321 for 6, in a high-scoring clash in which Buttler looked to be guiding England to a comfortable triumph before damaging his hamstring.
Buttler retired hurt on 67, but as Sri Lanka pulled themselves back into the contest with key wickets, the limping captain returned to the crease with England needing 20 runs off the last two overs. He could add only two more runs before being caught at deep mid-wicket, and his dismissal effectively ended home hopes — he finished 69 off 49 balls, falling at 303 for 9.
England had needed just 63 runs off their last 10 overs to seal the series but were pinned back by the Sri Lankan bowlers.
Captain Kusal Mendis led from the front for Sri Lanka, scoring 121 off 100 balls and sharing a 137-run second-wicket partnership with Kamindu Mendis, who made 54, after winning the toss and electing to bat. It was Sri Lanka’s first success of the tour after suffering a 3-0 whitewash in the Twenty20 internationals.
Sources
- Reuters: Sri Lanka grab dramatic win over England to square series (24 September 2026) — https://www.reuters.com/sports/cricket/sri-lanka-grab-dramatic-win-over-england-square-series-2026-09-24/
- ESPNcricinfo scorecard: England vs Sri Lanka, 2nd ODI, Headingley — https://www.cricinfo.com/series/sri-lanka-in-england-2026-1496567/england-vs-sri-lanka-2nd-odi-1496589/live-cricket-score
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