Sri Lanka’s spinners dominated at home to give the hosts a 19-run win over England in the opening ODI of the three-match series. With star spinner Wanindu Hasaranga rested, legspinner Jeffrey Vandersay (2-39) and left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage (2-41) bowled crucial overs on a slow, turning pitch to restrict England to 252 after a competitive total of 271-6.

Kusal Mendis played a captain’s knock, remaining unbeaten on 93 off 117 balls, including 11 boundaries. Janith Liyanage added 46, forming an 88-run partnership with Mendis to stabilize the innings after early losses. Openers Kamil Mishara (27) and Pathum Nissanka (21) provided a solid start, while Dhananjaya de Silva and Charith Asalanka struggled initially but contributed with vital wickets. Wellalage’s late flurry of 25* off 12 balls helped Sri Lanka finish strongly.

England began their chase positively, with Ben Duckett (62) and Joe Root (61) putting on a 117-run stand. However, Vandersay broke the partnership, dismissing Duckett LBW, and the spinners from both ends ensured control. De Silva trapped Root LBW, while Asalanka stumped captain Harry Brook (6). Wellalage added two crucial wickets in quick succession, reducing England to 165-6 by the 40th over.

Jos Buttler (19) struggled to build momentum before Pramod Madushan (3-39) accounted for him. Rehan Ahmed (27) and Jamie Overton (34 off 17 balls) provided brief resistance, but Vandersay and Wellalage ensured England fell short by 19 runs.