Sri Lanka Levels Series Against England After Buttler's Injury

Sri Lanka fought back to beat England by 16 runs in the second one-day international at Headingley, leveling the series and setting up a decisive match at The Oval. The hosts were chasing a target of 322 when captain Jos Buttler tweaked a hamstring and retired hurt.

England had been cruising towards the target, with Buttler scoring 67. He had earlier shown vintage form, hitting five sixes against Sri Lanka's spinners and putting England on course for their highest-ever chase at the ground. This strong position was built on an impressive 143-run opening stand between Tom Banton and Ben Duckett.

However, a collapse of three wickets for 14 runs disrupted England's momentum. Duckett was bowled for 67 and Banton was stumped for 73, both by left-arm spinner Dinuth Wellalage. Joe Root made 15, and Harry Brook was dismissed lbw for one, also by Wellalage.

When Buttler retired hurt, England still needed 68 runs from 75 balls. He later re-emerged with 27 required from 14 balls, but saw Will Jacks dismissed for 52 at the non-striker's end. With 19 runs needed from the final over and Buttler on strike, he holed out at deep mid-wicket, barely able to run singles due to his injury. England finished the innings at 305-9, falling short by 16 runs.

Sri Lanka's captain Kusal Mendis was instrumental in their innings, scoring 122 in their total of 321-6. The effectiveness of Sri Lanka's seamers, utilizing reverse swing, also played a key role in denying England's lower order.

The series decider, and the conclusion of England's international summer, is scheduled for Sunday.