England slumped to a 19-run defeat in their first ODI against Sri Lanka in Colombo, continuing a dismal run of form. Chasing 272, they collapsed from 129-1 to be bowled out for 252 in 49.2 overs, with a late Jamie Overton cameo (34 off 17) proving in vain after a disastrous middle-order collapse.

The tourists' chase initially thrived on a 117-run partnership between Ben Duckett (62) and Joe Root (61). Their dismissals triggered a dramatic slide, with Harry Brook falling for six and the innings imploding to 5-35. Kusal Mendis had earlier anchored Sri Lanka's 271-6 with an unbeaten 93, while Adil Rashid took 3-44 for England.

This loss extends England's alarming ODI slump, having lost 11 of their last 15 matches. With their automatic 2027 World Cup qualification in doubt, they must win Saturday's second ODI to stay in the series. The team's recent struggles, including an Ashes defeat, continue under Brook's leadership.