Butler's return couldn't save the day; England lose to Sri Lanka by 16 runs.

The target was 321 runs. England needed 68 runs off 75 balls. Jos Buttler was at the crease, batting on 67. England's victory in the second ODI against Sri Lanka at Headingley seemed like a mere formality at that point. However, the complexion of the match changed suddenly.

Buttler was forced to retire hurt on 67 due to a hamstring strain. His departure disrupted the rhythm of England's run chase. Although the English captain eventually returned to bat despite the injury, he could not steer the team to victory. England finished at 306 for 9 in their 50 overs. Consequently, Sri Lanka secured a 16-run win, leveling the three-match ODI series at 1-1.

Buttler's injury shifts the match dynamics

With England needing just 68 runs off the final 75 balls, the match had appeared one-sided given Buttler's batting form. However, a hamstring issue forced him to retire on 67.

England still had a chance after that. Several capable batters, including Gus Atkinson and Will Jacks, were still at the crease. At one stage, the equation came down to needing 27 runs off 14 balls.

England's hopes were not entirely dashed even then; Will Jacks' knock of 52 kept the possibility alive. Buttler even returned to the field to resume batting. Ultimately, however, England failed to score the required runs.

England's last major hope vanished when Jacks was run out. Sri Lanka's victory became virtually certain when Buttler was dismissed for 69. England needed 19 runs in the final over but could not achieve the target.

Kusal Mendis's magnificent century

Kusal Mendis laid the foundation for Sri Lanka's imposing total of 321 runs. Having struggled for rhythm with the bat throughout the series, the Sri Lankan batter played a magnificent innings on this occasion.

Mendis scored 121 runs off just 100 balls. This marked the seventh century of his ODI career. It was largely thanks to his innings that Sri Lanka managed to post a total exceeding 320.

That substantial score gave the Sri Lankan bowlers a platform to fight back. They capitalized on this opportunity by restricting England's formidable batting lineup to 306 runs.

Sri Lanka stifles England with reverse swing

Credit is also due to the Sri Lankan bowlers. Towards the end of the innings, the pacers utilized reverse swing to curb the scoring rate of the English batsmen.

England remained in the contest even after Buttler's departure, but the Sri Lankan bowlers maintained the pressure during the final 10–15 overs. By claiming crucial wickets at vital moments, they made England's run chase increasingly difficult.

This victory marks Sri Lanka's first ODI win against England on English soil in seven years. It is also their first win against England during the current tour.

Series decider at The Oval

England captain Harry Brook was disappointed after the loss. He said, "It’s always disappointing when you lose. Sri Lanka played exceptionally well, especially in the last 10–15 overs. There were several moments in the match where we could have done a bit better."

On the other hand, Sri Lankan captain Kusal Mendis was pleased with his team's performance. He remarked, "I am very happy with the way my team played. We got off to a great start, and the middle order batted brilliantly. Today's match is over; now we need to focus on the next game and get the basics right."

The three-match ODI series is now level at 1–1, making the final match the decider. England and Sri Lanka will face each other at The Oval the day after tomorrow.