Sri Lanka level ODI series as injured Buttler’s late effort falls short

LEEDS, England — Sri Lanka held their nerve to beat England by 16 runs in the second one-day international at Headingley on Thursday, levelling the three-match series after an injured Jos Buttler’s late effort fell short.

Sri Lanka posted 321-6, led by captain Kusal Mendis’ 121, before England were restricted to 305-9 in reply.

Buttler appeared to be guiding England towards victory after scoring 67, but retired hurt after damaging his hamstring while stretching to complete a run.

He returned to the crease with England needing 20 runs from the final two overs but managed only two more before he was caught at deep mid-wicket, effectively ending England’s hopes.

England had required 63 runs from the final 10 overs to win the match, but Sri Lanka’s bowlers took key wickets to swing the contest in their favour.

Kusal Mendis led Sri Lanka’s innings, sharing a 137-run second-wicket partnership with Kamindu Mendis, who scored 54. Mendis was dropped on 17 and survived a review on 99 before completing his seventh ODI century with a cover drive.

Pavan Rathnayake added 48 from 39 balls and Janith Liyanage scored 32, while Jofra Archer took 1-65.

England’s reply began with a 143-run opening partnership between Tom Banton and Ben Duckett. Duckett made 67 and Banton 73 from 61 balls before left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage dismissed both and then trapped captain Harry Brook for one. Wellalage finished with 3-49.

Sri Lanka’s victory followed England’s 89-run win in the first ODI at Chester-le-Street on Tuesday and sets up a series decider at The Oval in London on Sunday.