Sat Jan 24 08:40:00 UTC 2026: ### Sri Lanka Edges Out England in Thrilling First ODI
The Story:
Sri Lanka secured a hard-fought victory against England in the first One Day International in Colombo, winning by 19 runs. Kusal Mendis’s unbeaten 93 and Janith Liyanage’s 46 propelled Sri Lanka to 271 for 6. Despite half-centuries from Ben Duckett (62) and Joe Root (61), England’s chase faltered against Sri Lanka’s spin attack. Late cameos from Rehan Ahmed and Jamie Overton proved insufficient as England were eventually bowled out for 252.
Key Points:
* Sri Lanka scored 271/6 in their 50 overs.
* Kusal Mendis remained not out on 93, while Janith Liyanage scored 46.
* Adil Rashid was England’s best bowler with 3-44.
* Ben Duckett (62) and Joe Root (61) scored half-centuries for England.
* Pramod Madhushan took 3-39 for Sri Lanka.
* Jeffrey Vandersay picked up 2-39 for Sri Lanka.
Key Takeaways:
* Kusal Mendis’s anchoring innings was crucial for Sri Lanka’s victory.
* Sri Lanka’s spinners effectively stifled England’s scoring rate in the middle overs.
* England’s middle-order collapse undid the platform set by Duckett and Root.
* Late-order hitting from Rehan Ahmed and Jamie Overton injected some excitement but ultimately fell short.
* Sri Lanka’s ability to capitalize on the final overs was a significant factor in their win.
First Piper 