Sri Lanka all-rounder Dunith Wellalage produced a match-winning performance in the opening One-Day International against England in Colombo, guiding his side to a 19-run victory and earning the Player of the Match award, which he emotionally dedicated to his late father.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Wellalage revealed that disciplined execution was the key to Sri Lanka’s success.

“The skipper’s advice was to bowl in good line and length and keep the overs tight. Our plan was to build pressure with disciplined bowling, and by sticking to that plan, we were able to finish on the winning side,” he said.

After winning the toss, Sri Lanka posted a competitive 271 for 6. Openers Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara laid a solid foundation with a 50-run stand before England struck back with early wickets. The innings was then stabilised by Kusal Mendis and Janith Liyanage, whose crucial 88-run partnership helped regain momentum.

Wellalage credited Kusal Mendis for anchoring the innings.

“Much of the credit should go to Kusal. Thanks to his knock we were able to post a competitive total. My role was to support him and stay till the end. The plan was to score between 260 and 270, and thankfully we achieved that,” he explained.

Wellalage added late impetus with an unbeaten 25 off 12 balls, pushing Sri Lanka to a challenging total. England spinner Adil Rashid was the standout bowler for the visitors, finishing with figures of 3 for 44.

In reply, England lost Zak Crawley early, but a strong 117-run partnership between Joe Root and Ben Duckett brought them firmly back into contention. As the pitch slowed in the latter stages, Sri Lanka’s bowlers adjusted smartly and tightened their grip on the game.

“The wicket became a little slow towards the end, so the plan was to reduce pace and bowl good line and lengths,” Wellalage noted.

The strategy paid off as Pramod Madushan led the attack with three wickets, while Wellalage and Jeffrey Vandersay claimed two each, bowling England out for 252.

Reflecting on the emotional significance of the performance, Wellalage paid tribute to his father.

“The last few months have been very hard for me after my father’s death. His wish was to see me represent my country, and I dedicate this Man of the Match award to him,” he said.

Sri Lanka now take early momentum into the remainder of the ODI series as they continue their preparations during England’s 2026 tour.

Team Green were crowned champions of the Women’s National Super League T20 tournament after producing a dominant six-wicket victory over Team Blue in the final played at the P. Sara Oval on Saturday.

The championship triumph was built on a disciplined and clinical bowling performance, as Team Green dismissed Team Blue for a modest total of 95 in 18.1 overs. Oshadi Ranasinghe led the attack with an outstanding four-wicket haul, applying sustained pressure through the middle overs and preventing any meaningful recovery. She received strong support from Malsha Shehani, Kawya Kavindi, Nimasha Madushani, and Udeshika Prabodani, as Team Blue struggled to establish partnerships.

Team Blue found resistance through Chamari Athapaththu, who played a determined innings of 51 from 41 deliveries. Her knock helped stabilise the innings after early setbacks, but regular wickets at the other end stalled momentum. Once Athapaththu was dismissed, the remainder of the batting lineup was unable to provide support, leading to a rapid collapse.

In response, Team Green approached the chase with calm assurance. Despite losing a few early wickets, they remained firmly in control throughout the pursuit of the modest target. Nilakshika Silva anchored the innings with a composed unbeaten 36, rotating the strike effectively and keeping the scoreboard ticking. Oshadi Ranasinghe completed a memorable all-round performance by contributing an unbeaten 16, ensuring there were no late complications.

Team Green reached the target at 98 for 4 in 18.1 overs, sealing the title with 11 balls to spare. Team Blue’s bowlers attempted to apply pressure, but the total proved insufficient to trouble a well-organised batting unit.

The victory capped a successful campaign for Team Green, underlining their consistency and balance throughout the tournament, while Oshadi Ranasinghe’s all-round brilliance stood out on the biggest stage.

Brief Scores

Team Blue – 95 all out in 18.1 overs
Chamari Athapaththu 51; Oshadi Ranasinghe 4/17, Udeshika Prabodani 1/17

Team Green – 98/4 in 18.1 overs
Nilakshika Silva 36*, Oshadi Ranasinghe 16*; Devmi Vihanga 1/22

England Tour of Sri Lanka 2026

All-rounders Milan Rathnayake and Dunith Wellalage are set to make their return to Sri Lanka’s One-Day International squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against England, which is scheduled to begin in the coming days.

Sri Lanka selectors have opted for a well-balanced squad that blends experienced campaigners with emerging talent as the hosts prepare for a demanding home series against a strong England side.

Charith Asalanka will continue to lead the ODI team as captain, with his role in the middle order expected to be pivotal. Asalanka’s ability to absorb pressure and accelerate when required will be key against England’s varied bowling attack.

At the top of the order, Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara are expected to open the batting. Nissanka’s consistency and sound technique remain central to Sri Lanka’s ODI plans, while Mishara will be eager to convert starts into meaningful contributions. Their partnership will be crucial in providing solid foundations.

Wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis adds experience and aggression to the middle order, offering Sri Lanka flexibility in both tempo and shot selection. Sadeera Samarawickrama and Janith Liyanage further strengthen the batting unit, with both players capable of anchoring the innings or playing decisive roles when momentum is needed.

The squad features strong all-round depth, with Kamindu Mendis offering versatility with both bat and ball. The return of Wanindu Hasaranga significantly enhances Sri Lanka’s all-round options, with his leg-spin expected to play a decisive role on home pitches. Dunith Wellalage’s inclusion adds another spin-bowling all-rounder capable of controlling the middle overs.

Milan Rathnayake’s likely return boosts the seam-bowling all-round resources, while the pace attack will be led by Asitha Fernando, supported by Eshan Malinga and Pramod Madushan. The spin department is further reinforced by Maheesh Theekshana and Jeffrey Vandersay, both expected to be influential under Sri Lankan conditions.

The first ODI of the series is scheduled to be played on Thursday (22) at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.

Probable Sri Lanka ODI Squad vs England

Charith Asalanka (Captain), Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Pavan Rathnayake, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga, Pramod Madushan, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay.