Zillar Barta Desk : CHESTER-LE-STREET, September 22, 2026: Will Jacks produced a superb all-round performance as England defeated Sri Lanka by 89 runs in the first ODI at Chester-le-Street, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Jacks was the star with both bat and ball. After scoring an unbeaten 46 off 47 balls to help England post 265, the off-spinner returned career-best ODI figures of 5/22 in seven overs. It was his maiden five-wicket haul in ODI cricket.
England captain Harry Brook top-scored with 67 off 69 deliveries, while Joe Root added 44. Sri Lanka’s debutant leg-spinner Sachindu Colombage impressed with 3/44 as England were bowled out for 265 in 48.1 overs.
In reply, Sri Lanka struggled to build momentum on a slow, low pitch. Captain Kusal Mendis scored 42 and Dunith Wellalage contributed 45, but regular wickets left the visitors all out for 176 in 37 overs.
Jacks delivered the decisive blow late in the innings, taking three wickets in the final over to complete his five-wicket haul and seal a convincing victory for England. His figures were the second-best by an England spinner in ODI cricket, behind Vic Marks’ 5/20 against New Zealand in 1984.
The result continues England’s strong recent run against Sri Lanka after their 3-0 T20I series victory. The second ODI will be played at Headingley in Leeds on Thursday.
