Sri Lanka leveled the Metro Bank one-day international series on Saturday after securing a tense 16-run victory over England at Headingley, setting up a winner-takes-all clash at The Oval.

Batting first after winning the toss, the visitors posted a formidable total of 321-6 from their 50 overs. Captain Kusal Mendis anchored the innings with a brilliant knock of 121 runs, while Kamindu Mendis chipped in with a valuable 54. England bowler Rehan Ahmed was the pick of the home attack, claiming 2-48, though sloppy fielding allowed several opportunities to slip away during the visitors' innings.

In response, England's chase got off to a blistering start as openers Tom Banton and Ben Duckett put on a dominant partnership of 143 runs at a rate exceeding seven runs per over. Both batsmen eventually fell for 67 and 73 respectively to left-arm spinner Dinuth Wellalage, triggering a mini-collapse that saw three wickets tumble for just 14 runs.

Former captain Jos Buttler then revived the hosts' fortunes with a vintage display of aggressive batting, dispatching the opposition spin attack for five towering sixes. Cruising toward the 322-run target with 68 needed from 75 deliveries, England suffered a major blow when Buttler was forced to retire hurt after tweaking a hamstring.

With Buttler off the field, the lower order faltered as Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, and Jamie Overton were dismissed in quick succession. Displaying immense courage, Buttler hobbled back to the crease with 27 required from 14 balls after Will Jacks was dismissed for 52 at the non-striker's end.

Restricted to a severe limp, Buttler could only watch as the target narrowed to 19 from the final over. On strike for the closing moments, the veteran batsman holed out at deep mid-wicket, leaving England all out for 305-9. Wellalage finished as the standout bowler for the tourists, picking up 3-49.

England captain Harry Brook acknowledged the missed opportunities in the field and during the middle overs of the chase, noting that the team must sharpen its lower-order resilience. The defeat halts England's momentum as preparations continue for next year's 50-over World Cup.

The result provides a major morale boost for Sri Lanka following a difficult tour that included a 3-0 defeat in the T20 series and a heavy loss in the opening ODI. The series finale and the conclusion of the international summer will take place on Sunday at The Oval.

Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC Sport. Read the original report at BBC Sport.