Sri Lanka levelled the three-match ODI series with a 16-run victory over England at Headingley. The visitors posted 321 for six after choosing to bat, then held England to 305 for nine despite four of the hosts' batters making half-centuries.
Kusal Mendis produced the defining innings with 121 from 100 balls. England began their chase with a rapid 143-run opening partnership, but Dunith Wellalage removed both openers and captain Harry Brook to bring Sri Lanka back into the contest.
England vs Sri Lanka second ODI result
Sri Lanka: 321/6 in 50 overs
England: 305/9 in 50 overs
Result: Sri Lanka won by 16 runs
Series: The three-match ODI series is level at 1-1
Kusal and Kamindu build a 137-run partnership
Pathum Nissanka made 25 before Gus Atkinson ended the opening stand at 45. Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis then rebuilt with patience before increasing the tempo, adding 137 for the second wicket.
Kamindu scored 54 from 65 balls with four fours and three sixes. His contribution helped Sri Lanka move from a restrained powerplay to a commanding 182 for two in the 30th over.
Kusal Mendis powers Sri Lanka with 121
Kusal reached his century with a boundary and went on to score 121 from 100 balls, striking 14 fours and three sixes. The wicketkeeper-batter controlled the middle overs and ensured England could not dominate with the older ball.
Pavan Rathnayake added 48 from 39 deliveries, while Janith Liyanage supplied 32 from 26. Sri Lanka collected 84 runs from the final 10 overs to finish on 321 for six. Atkinson and Rehan Ahmed took two wickets each for England.
Duckett and Banton launch England's chase
Ben Duckett and Tom Banton attacked immediately, taking England to 82 without loss in the powerplay. Their 143-run opening stand arrived inside 20 overs and placed the hosts ahead of the required rate.
Duckett made 67 from 63 balls and Banton scored 73 from 62. The momentum shifted when Wellalage bowled Duckett, had Banton stumped and then trapped Brook lbw as England slipped from 143/0 to 157/3.
Buttler and Jacks keep England alive
Jos Buttler counterattacked with 69 from 49 balls, including five fours and five sixes. During the innings he became the first England men's player to pass 10,000 runs across white-ball internationals.
Buttler received treatment for a hamstring issue and temporarily retired hurt. Will Jacks kept the chase alive with 52 from 61 balls, but Sri Lanka's bowlers used reverse swing and cutters effectively as the required rate climbed.
Wellalage and Malinga close out the win
Wellalage finished with 3/49 from 10 overs after breaking England's opening partnership and dismissing the captain. Eshan Malinga returned 2/50 and removed Jacks in a decisive penultimate over that conceded only one run.
Buttler returned late in the innings but was caught attempting a leg-side six off Dilshan Madushanka. England finished on 305 for nine, leaving Sri Lanka with a 16-run victory and setting up a series decider.
Series heads to a deciding third ODI
England had won the opening ODI by 89 runs, but Sri Lanka responded with a far stronger batting display at Headingley. The visitors' ability to defend a high total under pressure leaves the series level at 1-1 ahead of the final match.
Key performances
Kusal Mendis: 121 from 100 balls, with 14 fours and three sixes
Kamindu Mendis: 54 from 65 balls
Dunith Wellalage: 3/49 from 10 overs
Tom Banton: 73 from 62 balls
Jos Buttler: 69 from 49 balls
Will Jacks: 52 from 61 balls
Scores and match details checked against the Cricbuzz match report and full scorecard.