England had been undone by Sri Lanka’s spinners to fall to a 19-run defeat in Colombo because the morale-boosting victory Harry Brook’s males so desperately craved slipped away.
Half-centuries from Joe Root and Ben Duckett appeared to have England effectively positioned of their chase of 272 underneath lights to win the primary ODI however the vacationers slipped from 129 for one to 165 for six because the life drained from their innings.
England’s batters couldn’t match the important thing contribution of Kusal Mendis, whose unbeaten 93 guided the hosts to an imposing 271 for six.
Few would have backed England’s under-fire batting unit to chase it down and, regardless of lower-order fireworks providing late hope, they had been bowled out for 252.
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SRI LANKA V ENGLAND FIRST MATCH SCORECARD
(AP Picture/Eranga Jayawardena)
In query
Two weeks on from their 4-1 Ashes defeat, England started their preparations for subsequent month’s T20 World Cup towards a backdrop of hypothesis over the way forward for the crew, with head coach Brendon McCullum’s place nonetheless in query.
Brook admitted on Wednesday that he’s fortunate to nonetheless be captain after his altercation with a nightclub bouncer in New Zealand throughout England’s final white-ball engagement in October.
He additionally agreed victories are desperately wanted, not solely to spice up spirits but additionally England’s ODI rating – presently eighth.
England misplaced 11 of their 15 50-over matches throughout 2025, to lift the embarrassing prospect of lacking out on computerized qualification for the 2027 World Cup.
(AP Picture/Eranga Jayawardena)
First innings
Sri Lanka’s 271 was a complete bettered solely as soon as within the earlier 9 ODIs on this floor.
From 111 for 3 at midway, Mendis shared an 81-run stand with Janith Liyanage earlier than Dunith Wellalage smashed 25 from 12 balls.
England’s final 10 overs went for 80, with 23 from Jamie Overton’s last over. Brook utilised 4 spinners, returning 4 for 124, as Adil Rashid led the best way with three for 44.
(AP Picture/Eranga Jayawardena)
Second innings
England’s prime 5 batters all arrived in Colombo bearing Ashes scars. Completely different package, totally different ball and the quick, bouncy tracks of Australia gave method to a low, turning wicket, however the story quickly appeared eerily acquainted.
Zak Crawley, enjoying his first Checklist-A sport in over two years, flashed at a large supply from Asitha Fernando and edged behind for six.
Duckett, who failed to achieve fifty within the Ashes, appeared frenetic as he struggled with the low bounce whereas Root discovered his stride immediately.
Duckett battled doggedly and a sweep and a skip down the bottom for fours introduced up the fifty partnership as England additionally reached 111 at midway.
Each batters notched their fifties within the twenty fifth over and the chase appeared underneath management, with one other 161 wanted. However Sri Lanka turned the screw.
(AP Picture/Eranga Jayawardena)
Ugly vogue
Duckett reached 62, his highest rating in 19 innings in all codecs, earlier than he was trapped lbw reverse-sweeping Jeffrey Vandersay.
Root was additionally crushed on the sweep, falling to Dhananjaya de Silva for 61 after Sri Lanka efficiently reviewed, to go away England 144 for 3 and the hosts cock-a-hoop as Root aimed some alternative phrases.
Brook departed in ugly vogue for six as he superior to Charith Asalanka and was stumped.
(AP Picture/Eranga Jayawardena)
Carbon copy
It was carbon copy the next over for Jacob Bethell, stumped off Wellalage, who additionally claimed an outstanding caught-and-bowled to dismiss Sam Curran as England’s wheels got here off.
Rehan Ahmed smashed 27 and Jos Buttler 19, earlier than Overton’s fast 34 meant England wanted 20 from the ultimate over, however he fell from the second ball.
The second ODI is on the identical floor on Saturday.
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