England reinforced their supremacy in limited‑overs cricket with a commanding 89‑run win over Sri Lanka in the first One‑Day International at Durham, taking a 1‑0 lead in the three‑match series. The standout performer was all‑rounder Will Jacks, who contributed a quick‑fire unbeaten 46 from 47 deliveries and then claimed a career‑best five‑wicket haul of 5 for 22 to dismantle the Sri Lankan tail. Opening the innings, England elected to bat after winning the toss.

Early excitement turned to tension when Tom Banton was bowled by a sharp delivery from Asitha Fernando that clipped the off‑stump bail. The hosts recovered, however, as Joe Root forged solid partnerships of 50 runs each with Ben Duckett and captain Harry Brook, guiding England to 135 for 2. Duckett’s wicket fell to an LBW decision from Sri Lankan pacer Dunith Wellalage.

Root’s partnership with Brook, worth 68 runs, was broken when debutant spinner Sachindu Colombage deceived the batsman and bowled him just six runs shy of a half‑century. Brook, who had already made a brisk 67 off 69 balls, soon fell to Dushmantha Chameera after reaching his seventh ODI fifty in 49 balls, triggering a middle‑order collapse. Jos Buttler was caught LBW, Rehan Ahmed was run out by a pinpoint direct hit from Charith Asalanka, and England lost a further three wickets—Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson and Jofra Archer—each dismissed by different bowlers (Colombage, Dilshan Madushanka and Fernando respectively). In the span of 15.5 overs, England slipped six wickets for just 65 runs.

Amid the turmoil, Jacks steadied the ship with a composed 46 not out, striking an aggressive 18 in the 48th over to push the total past the 250‑run mark. His innings was capped by a crucial wicket in the final over when Fernando produced a reverse‑swinging yorker that dismissed Josh Tongue. England finished on 265 for 9 in 48.1 overs.

Sri Lanka’s chase began calmly, with the opening pair navigating the first five overs without incident. However, Kamindu Mendis was caught by Duckett at short mid‑wicket, and Josh Tongue soon removed the second opener, edging a catch to wicket‑keeper Buttler, leaving the tourists at 51 for 2. A spectacular catch by Banton at extra cover dismissed Pavan Rathnayake, and Jacks soon trapped Asalanka LBW, reducing Sri Lanka to 85 for 4. Overton struck again three overs later, inducing Janith Liyanage to edge behind the wicket, bringing the score to 100 for 5.

Captain Kusal Mendis then fell LBW to Jacks, making it 105 for 6, and Colombage was dismissed in a similar fashion by Rehan Ahmed. Wellalage attempted a resurgence, scoring 17 off a single over from Ahmed and forming a 42‑run partnership with Chameera, which revived Sri Lanka’s hopes at 133 for 7.

The final over proved decisive. Jacks removed Wellalage, Fernando and Madushanka in quick succession, sealing Sri Lanka’s fate. The visitors were bowled out for 176 in 37 overs, handing England a comprehensive 89‑run triumph.

Player of the match was Will Jacks, whose 46‑run unbeaten knock and five‑for‑22 spell earned him accolades. He reflected on his performance: "It was a really good all‑round performance from the team. I’m getting used to this role now, playing to the situation and what’s on the field. Having batted first gave me a clear idea of how to contribute.

No matter the moment, you have to give your best." England captain Harry Brook added: "The pitch wasn’t the easiest, but we wanted to show we can adapt to conditions, and we did that well today. We knew exactly what we wanted to do with the ball and executed it beautifully. The clarity and communication we had on the field were outstanding." The second ODI of the three‑match series will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event from 12 pm on Thursday, with the first ball scheduled for 12.30 pm (UK and Ireland times).

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