Harry Brook top-scored with 70 as England defended 265 with ease, while debutant Sachindu Colombage provided Sri Lanka with a rare bright spot in Durham.

England continued their encouraging resurgence in ODI cricket with a comfortable 125-run victory over Sri Lanka at Chester-le-Street, successfully defending 265 in the opening match of the series.

The victory was England’s fifth in seven ODIs since the start of 2026 under captain Harry Brook and head coach Brendon McCullum, further underlining the progress of a side that endured a difficult period in 50-over cricket following their 2019 World Cup triumph.

The match was considerably more competitive than the three T20Is between the sides last week, with Sri Lanka’s debutant legspinner Sachindu Colombage causing England significant problems through the middle overs.

England struggled to accelerate on a two-paced surface and went through a period of four wickets for 29 runs. Brook, however, stood out with a fluent 70 before England’s lower order helped push the total to 265.

Jacks then produced the decisive performance of the match, claiming 5 for 22 as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 140. His three wickets in four balls at the end of the innings completed his second five-wicket haul in professional cricket and his first in an ODI.

Brook Leads England’s Batting Effort

England elected to bat first but lost Tom Banton early, the opener edging an Asitha Fernando delivery that moved away late enough to trim the off bail.

Joe Root settled quickly, producing a pair of crisp cover drives as England reached 64 for 1 during the opening powerplay. Ben Duckett then fell lbw while attempting to sweep Dunith Wellalage.

Root and Brook rebuilt the innings through a busy partnership, relying heavily on quick running between the wickets. Root survived an early lbw review against Colombage before the debutant eventually found his breakthrough, ending Root’s 404-run stretch between ODI dismissals.

Brook followed soon afterwards, attempting to attack Dusmantha Chameera but miscuing to deep point.

That dismissal triggered a middle-order wobble. Jos Buttler was trapped lbw by Colombage, Rehan Ahmed was run out by a direct hit from Charith Asalanka, and Jamie Overton was bowled by Colombage.

With England in trouble, Jacks provided valuable resistance from No. 6. He struck four boundaries in succession against Chameera as England looked to rebuild their innings.

Sri Lanka’s seamers struck back late, with Dilshan Madushanka removing Gus Atkinson before Fernando dismissed Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue.

Jacks remained unbeaten on 46 as England finished on 265.

Colombage Shines on International Debut

Sri Lanka’s most encouraging performance came from 22-year-old legspinner Sachindu Colombage.

Having impressed during the Lanka Premier League, Colombage was selected ahead of Wanindu Hasaranga and made an immediate impact on debut.

He dismissed Joe Root, Jos Buttler and Jamie Overton to finish with 3 for 44, repeatedly troubling England’s batters with his unusual action and variations.

His spell was the standout moment for Sri Lanka in an otherwise disappointing chase.

Sri Lanka’s Chase Never Gets Going

Sri Lanka struggled from the outset as England’s bowlers maintained pressure.

Pathum Nissanka edged Josh Tongue behind, while Pavan Rathnayake was dismissed after Banton held an excellent low catch at cover.

Kamindu Mendis then fell to Gus Atkinson, before Jacks struck twice in quick succession, trapping Charith Asalanka and Kusal Mendis lbw as both attempted to sweep.

Kusal Mendis, returning from a hamstring injury, top-scored for Sri Lanka with 42, but the visitors’ middle order could not build a sustained partnership.

Overton’s hard lengths proved particularly effective, removing Janith Liyanage, while Rehan Ahmed’s googly accounted for Colombage to leave Sri Lanka 133 for 7.

Dunith Wellalage briefly delayed the inevitable with a late counterattack. He launched Jofra Archer for the match’s first six before striking Rehan for two fours and a six.

Wellalage eventually fell for 45, picking out mid-on against Jacks.

The offspinner then completed his five-wicket haul by having Asitha Fernando caught at long-on before bowling Dilshan Madushanka, wrapping up Sri Lanka’s innings for 140.

Jacks Completes Outstanding All-Round Display

Jacks’ 5 for 22 capped an excellent all-round performance after his unbeaten 46 had helped England reach a competitive total.

His five-wicket haul was his second for England and his first since his Test debut four years ago. He was subsequently named Player of the Match.

With Adil Rashid unavailable because of a hand injury, Jacks provided England with a crucial spin option and demonstrated why he is becoming an increasingly important member of Brook’s white-ball setup.

The result also strengthened England’s hopes of securing automatic qualification for the 2027 World Cup. After years of inconsistency in ODI cricket, their recent results suggest a renewed sense of direction under Brook and McCullum.

England will now look to carry that momentum into the remaining matches at Headingley and The Oval as they pursue a series whitewash.