England extended their supremacy in the limited‑overs arena with a commanding 89‑run win over Sri Lanka at the Riverside Ground in Durham, seizing a 1‑0 advantage in the three‑match One‑Day International series. The standout performer was all‑rounder Will Jacks, who not only contributed a quick‑fire 46 not out from 47 deliveries but also claimed a career‑best five‑for, finishing with figures of 5 for 22 to dismantle the Sri Lankan tail.
Opening the innings, England elected to bat after winning the toss. The decision was put to the test almost immediately when Tom Banton was bowled by a sharp delivery from Asitha Fernando that clipped the off‑stump bail. Despite the early blow, the hosts steadied their ship thanks to solid partnerships.
Joe Root forged a 50‑run stand with Ben Duckett, and later with captain Harry Brook, guiding England to 135 for 2. Duckett’s wicket fell to an LBW appeal from Sri Lankan pacer Dunith Wellalage, but the momentum remained with the English side.
Brook, who had chosen to bat first, delivered a composed knock of 67 runs off 69 balls, becoming the top‑scorer for England. His innings was interrupted when debutant spinner Sachindu Colombage deceived him with a mysterious turn, edging Brook onto his stumps just six runs shy of a half‑century.
The dismissal sparked a brief wobble in the middle order. Jos Buttler was caught LBW, and Rehan Ahmed was run out after a pinpoint direct hit from Sri Lanka’s Charith Asalanka.
The next few overs saw Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson and Jofra Archer each fall to well‑executed deliveries from Colombage, Dilshan Madushanka and Fernando respectively, resulting in England losing six wickets for 65 runs in a span of 15.5 overs. Amidst the collapse, Jacks anchored the lower order with an unbeaten 46, striking at a healthy strike rate and even adding an explosive 18‑run over in the 48th over to push England past the 250‑run mark. However, his resistance was cut short when Fernando produced a reverse‑swinging yorker that dismissed Josh Tongue, ending England’s innings at 265 for 9 in 48.1 overs.
Sri Lanka’s chase began calmly, with openers Dunith Wellalage and Kusal Mendis providing a solid start. Wellalage reached 45 off 36 balls, while Mendis contributed 42 off 60, keeping the required run rate in check. The early overs saw little drama until Kamindu Mendis was caught at short mid‑wicket off Atkinson’s bowling.
Tongue then removed the second opener, edging a delivery to keeper Buttler, leaving the visitors at 51 for 2. England’s fielding shone as Banton produced a spectacular catch at extra cover to dismiss Pavan Rathnayake, and Jacks claimed a crucial LBW against Asalanka, reducing Sri Lanka to 85 for 4. Overton’s spell continued the pressure, luring Janith Liyanage into a loose edge that was caught behind, moving the score to 100 for 5.
The turning point arrived when captain Kusal Mendis fell LBW to Jacks, pushing Sri Lanka to 105 for 6. Colombage, the debutant spinner, also fell to a similar dismissal by Rehan Ahmed. Wellalage attempted a brief resurgence, adding 17 runs in an over before partnering with Dushmantha Chameera for a 42‑run stand that revived hopes, taking the total to 133 for 7. Nevertheless, Jacks sealed the match in the final over, dismissing Wellalage, Fernando and Madushanka in quick succession, ensuring England’s victory by a comfortable margin of 176 all out in 37 overs for the opposition.
Player of the match honors went to Will Jacks for his dual contribution of 46 not out and a five‑wicket haul. He reflected on his performance, saying, "It was a really good all‑round performance from the team there. I am getting used to this role now.
It is more about playing the situation and playing what is out there. Having batted on it and knowing what it was like, I knew I was going to play a decent role. No matter the time, you have got to do your best." Captain Harry Brook added, "It wasn't the easiest of surfaces but we want to be a team that can adapt to conditions.
We did that well today. We knew exactly what we were going to do with the ball out there and we did that beautifully. I think the clarity we went out into the field with was outstanding.
We communicated very well." The second ODI of the series is slated to be broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event from 12:30 pm on Thursday, with streaming options available via NOW without a contract. All match times are listed in UK and Ireland local time.