Kusal Mendis Ends Seven-Year Wait With Stunning ODI Century In England

Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis produced a memorable performance at Headingley, scoring a brilliant 121 against England and becoming the first Sri Lankan to register an ODI century in England since Angelo Mathews achieved the feat during the 2019 World Cup. Mendis led from the front after winning the toss and choosing to bat in the second ODI. He scored his 121 from exactly 100 deliveries, striking 14 fours and three sixes as Sri Lanka built an imposing total of 321 for six from their 50 overs. It was his seventh ODI century and his first international hundred on English soil. The Sri Lankan captain had an early escape when Gus Atkinson dropped him on 17. There was another dramatic moment when Mendis was given out caught behind on 99, but he immediately reviewed the decision and replays showed there was no edge. He then drove the next delivery for four to complete his century. Mendis was well supported by Kamindu Mendis, who contributed 54 as the pair put together a crucial 137-run partnership. Pavan Rathnayake later added 48 from 39 balls, helping Sri Lanka accelerate towards a total that ultimately proved enough. England made a flying start to the chase, with Tom Banton and Ben Duckett putting together a 143-run opening partnership. However, Dunith Wellalage changed the direction of the contest by dismissing Duckett and Banton before trapping captain Harry Brook for one. Wellalage finished with impressive figures of 3 for 49 from his 10 overs. Jos Buttler threatened to take England towards victory before suffering a hamstring problem during his innings. England eventually finished on 305 for nine, giving Sri Lanka a dramatic 16-run victory. The result ended Sri Lanka's four-match losing run on the tour and, more importantly, levelled the three-match ODI series at 1–1 after England had won the opening match by 89 runs. The series will now be decided in the final ODI at The Oval on Sunday. For Mendis, the performance was more than just another century. It was a captain's innings away from home, a seven-year milestone for Sri Lanka in England, and the foundation of a victory that kept the series alive.