Second Metro Bank one-day international, Headingley
Sri Lanka 321-6 (50 overs): Kusal 121, Kamindu 54; Ahmed 2-48
England 305-9 (50 overs): Banton 73, Buttler 69; Wellalage 3-49
Sri Lanka won by 16 runs
Scorecard
Jos Buttler’s bravery came in vain as Sri Lanka fought back to beat England in the second one-day international at Headingley and set up a series decider at The Oval.
Needing 68 from 75 balls, England were cruising towards a target of 322 until Buttler retired hurt on 67 after tweaking a hamstring.
When Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson and Jamie Overton fell, Buttler re-emerged with 27 needed from 14 balls and witnessed Will Jacks fall for 52 at the non-striker’s end.
England were left needing 19 from the last with Buttler on strike but, barely able to hobble a single, he holed out at deep mid-wicket. England finished on 306-9 as Sri Lanka won by 16 runs.
Buttler had earlier shown flashes of his vintage best in hitting Sri Lanka’s spinners for five sixes, putting England on course after collapse of 3-14 spoiled an opening stand of 143 between Tom Banton and Ben Duckett.
Sri Lanka were fortunate for the way he was abruptly halted but deserve credit for the way their seamers used reverse swing afterwards to deny England’s lower order.
Their captain Kusal Mendis also hit a fine 122 in their 321-6. The series, and the international summer, concludes on Sunday from 10:30 BST.