Will Jacks' All-Round Brilliance Secures 89-Run ODI Victory for England Over Sri Lanka
Jacks' impressive five-wicket haul and crucial runs led England to a dominant win, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.
The story
At the Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street, England commenced their three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka with a commanding 89-run victory. Batting first on a challenging pitch, England posted 265 runs all out in 48.1 overs.
Harry Brook anchored the innings with a top score of 67 runs from 69 balls, while Will Jacks contributed a valuable 46 runs from 47 deliveries. Sri Lankan bowlers, particularly Sachindu Colombage (3/44) and Asitha Fernando (3/53), managed to keep the English scoring rate in check.
In response, Sri Lanka's chase faltered against England's bowling attack, with Will Jacks emerging as the wrecker-in-chief. The off-spinner claimed his maiden ODI five-wicket haul, taking 5 wickets for just 22 runs in his 6.5 overs.
Jamie Overton provided solid support with figures of 2/21. Despite efforts from Dunith Wellalage (45 off 36 balls) and Kusal Mendis (42), Sri Lanka was bowled out for 176 in 37 overs. Jacks was deservingly named Player of the Match for his exceptional all-round performance.
Latest results
| Match | Format | Result | Star |
|---|---|---|---|
| England vs Sri Lanka | ODI | England won by 89 runs | Will Jacks (46 runs & 5/22) |
| Ghana vs Sierra Leone | T20I | Sierra Leone won by 6 wickets | Abu Kamara (Player of the Match) |
Series in play
Sri Lanka tour of England. 1st ODI, hosts lead 1-0
Quadrangular T20I Series in Nigeria, 2026. 2nd Match concluded
North American Cup, 2026. Match 3 was scheduled
Tables that matter
| Competition | Position | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ICC Men's ODI Team Rankings | #1 India | India retains the top spot as of June 2026. |
| ICC Men's T20I Team Rankings | #1 India & England (tied) | India and England share the top position as of September 21, 2026. |
| ICC Men's Test Team Rankings | #1 Australia | Australia leads the Test rankings as of August 2026. |
| World Test Championship 2025-27 | #1 Australia | Australia tops the standings as of August 2026. |
What we'll be watching
- Nigeria vs Sierra Leone [T20I], 3rd Match, Quadrangular T20I Series in Nigeria, 2026, at Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval (2026-09-23T09:00Z)
- Cayman Islands vs Bermuda, 4th Match, North American Cup, 2026, at Jimmy Powell Oval (2026-09-23T18:30Z)
- Japan vs Afghanistan, 1st Match, Group A, Asian Games 2026, at Korogi Sports Park (2026-09-24T00:00Z)
- South Africa vs Australia [ODI], 1st ODI, Australia tour of South Africa, 2026, at Kingsmead (2026-09-24T08:00Z)
- England vs Sri Lanka [ODI], 2nd ODI, Sri Lanka tour of England, 2026, at Headingley (2026-09-24T11:30Z)
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