Kusal Mendis’ seventh ODI century and Dunith Wellalage’s three-wicket haul helped Sri Lanka beat England by 16 runs and level the series ahead of Sunday’s decider at The Oval.

Sri Lanka produced a stunning fightback at Headingley to defeat England by 16 runs and level the ODI series, seven years after their previous away ODI victory against England also came at the Leeds venue.

Having posted an imposing 321 for 6, Sri Lanka appeared vulnerable when England’s openers raced to 143 for the first wicket. But Dunith Wellalage sparked a remarkable collapse before England’s chase was further derailed by a hamstring injury to Jos Buttler.

England, who had been 253 for 4 and needed only 68 from 75 balls when Buttler was forced to retire hurt, eventually finished on 305 all out.

The result sets up a series decider at The Oval on Sunday.

England Make Flying Start

England began the chase at extraordinary pace.

Ben Duckett and Tom Banton added 82 during the opening powerplay before building a 143-run opening partnership from just 119 balls.

With the pitch offering good batting conditions, England appeared firmly in control of the chase.

Sri Lanka finally found a breakthrough when Wellalage exploited a foothole outside Duckett’s off stump, finding enough grip to beat the left-hander’s bat and pad.

Banton then fell in Wellalage’s next over, wandering down the pitch and missing a delivery that gripped off the surface. Kusal Mendis reacted quickly to remove the bails.

Suddenly, both openers were gone.

Wellalage struck again soon afterwards, trapping Harry Brook lbw. England reviewed the decision, but the original call was upheld.

From 143 without loss, England had been dragged into serious trouble.

Buttler Takes Control

Despite the collapse, Jos Buttler restored England’s advantage with a superb counterattack.

He first combined with Joe Root for a 46-run partnership from 28 balls before adding another 51 with Will Jacks from 56 deliveries.

Buttler was in complete control and England reached 253 for 4, requiring just 68 runs from 75 balls with six wickets remaining.

Then came the decisive moment.

In the 38th over, Buttler suffered what the ECB described as a hamstring “twinge”. He retired hurt on 67 from 45 balls after initially attempting to continue.

England’s required rate was comfortably below a run a ball at that stage.

But Sri Lanka seized the opportunity.

Sri Lanka Squeeze England

While Buttler was off the field, Sri Lanka’s bowlers produced an outstanding period of pressure.

England scored only 52 runs for the loss of five wickets after Buttler’s departure, with Sri Lanka conceding just one boundary across the 60 deliveries before the England captain returned.

By the time Buttler limped back to the crease, England needed 27 from 14 balls and had lost seven wickets.

Will Jacks kept England alive with a late six, but it proved to be the final boundary of the match.

Eshan Malinga and Dilshan Madushanka held their nerve during the final two overs, preventing England from finding the remaining runs and sealing a memorable Sri Lankan victory.

Mendis Provides the Foundation

Sri Lanka’s victory had been set up by an excellent batting performance earlier in the day.

Kusal Mendis struck his seventh ODI century, leading a balanced effort that saw Sri Lanka post 321 for 6.

Pathum Nissanka contributed 25 before falling lbw to Gus Atkinson, but Kusal then combined with Kamindu Mendis for a crucial 137-run partnership from 120 balls.

Kusal had an early reprieve when Atkinson dropped a difficult chance with the Sri Lankan captain on 18.

England paid heavily for the missed opportunity.

The two Mendises kept the scoreboard moving consistently, with Sri Lanka finding at least one boundary in 11 of the 20 overs between the 10th and 30th.

They reached 200 in the 32nd over, raising the possibility of a total around 340.

Kusal was particularly destructive against Josh Tongue, taking three fours and a six in an over that cost 19 runs.

He brought up his century with a beautifully struck cover drive off Jamie Overton.

Kamindu eventually fell for 54, while Kusal added 40 with Pavan Rathnayake before being dismissed for a superb hundred.

Rathnayake and Liyanage Finish Strongly

Sri Lanka briefly slowed after Kusal’s dismissal, reaching 237 for 4 at the end of the 40th over.

However, Rathnayake and Janith Liyanage ensured the innings finished strongly.

The visitors collected 84 runs from the final 10 overs to reach 321 for 6, giving their bowlers a substantial total to defend.

England’s chase initially made the target look manageable, but Wellalage’s intervention and Sri Lanka’s disciplined death bowling completely changed the contest.

Series Decider Set at The Oval

The 16-run victory gives Sri Lanka a major boost after a difficult tour and levels the series at 1-1.

It also marks another significant ODI performance away from home for a side that has shown an ability to compete with strong opposition in the format.

England will now return to The Oval on Sunday for the series decider, with both teams one victory away from claiming the series.