Overview:
For England, Adil Rashid was spot on with the ball, taking three wickets and conceding just 44 runs from his 10 overs.
Kusal Mendis held Sri Lanka’s innings together in the first ODI against England at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. He scored an unbeaten 93 runs and took the team’s score to 271/6. Kusal faced 117 balls and hit 11 boundaries in his magnificent knock. The senior player shared an important partnership with Janith Liyanage, who amassed 46 runs off 53 balls, including 5 boundaries and 2 sixes. The two added 88 runs for the fifth wicket.
Dunith Wellalage’s 12-ball 25 was also instrumental in Sri Lanka’s impressive batting display.
Earlier, Charith Asalanka won the toss and elected to bowl first. Pathum Nissanka (21) and Kamil Mishara (27) scripted a 50-run opening stand in 10.3 overs. However, the two were dismissed in a span of seven deliveries.
Dhananjaya de Silva (10) and skipper Asalanka (17) disappointed with the bat. Pavan Rathnayake managed 12 runs off 14 balls.
For England, Adil Rashid was spot on with the ball, taking three wickets and conceding just 44 runs from his 10 overs. Sam Curran, Liam Dawson and Rehan Ahmed dismissed one batter each. England are in Sri Lanka for three ODIs and as many T20Is before the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.