England collapse against Sri Lanka in Colombo as one-day international struggles continue for Harry Brook’s side | Cricket News
- England's One day International form continued to falter with a 19-run defeat to Sri Lanka in the first match of their series at Colombo on January 22, 2026.
- Chasing a target of 272, England reached 129 for 1 after 27 overs.
- Rehan Ahmed's quick 27 runs off 21 balls briefly kept England in contention, but he was caught at long-off by Dunith wellalage.England needed 69 runs from the final...
England Lose Series Opener to Sri Lanka in Colombo
England’s One day International form continued to falter with a 19-run defeat to Sri Lanka in the first match of their series at Colombo on January 22, 2026.
Chasing a target of 272, England reached 129 for 1 after 27 overs. Ben Duckett scored 62 runs off 76 balls and Joe Root contributed 61 runs off 90 balls in a 117-run partnership. However,England’s innings then collapsed to 252 all out,losing 5 wickets for 35 runs. Duckett and Root were both dismissed leg before wicket, while Harry Brook (6) and Jacob Bethell (15) were stumped. Sam Curran was caught and bowled for 5.
Rehan Ahmed’s quick 27 runs off 21 balls briefly kept England in contention, but he was caught at long-off by Dunith wellalage.England needed 69 runs from the final five overs. The match effectively ended when Jos Buttler (19 off 20) and Liam Dawson (2) were dismissed in the following over.
Jamie Overton attempted a late rally, scoring 34 runs off 17 balls, including four fours and two sixes. he reduced the target to 20 runs from the last six balls, but was then caught out off Pramod Madushan two deliveries later.
Score Summary – Sri Lanka vs England, First ODI, Colombo
Sri Lanka 271-6 from 50 overs
England 252 all out from 48.5 overs