Kusal Mendis breaks Sanath Jayasuriya's record [Source - AFP]Sri Lanka are taking on England in the second ODI at Headingley, Leeds, aiming to level the three-match series after losing the opening game. Captain Kusal Mendis led from the front with a brilliant century when his team needed him the most.Mendis’ knock gave Sri Lanka a strong push in the Sri Lanka vs England 2nd ODI and also helped him break a notable ODI record previously held by Sri Lankan legend Sanath Jayasuriya.Kusal Mendis’ Century Blows England Away in SL vs ENG 2nd ODISri Lanka opted to bat first on what looked like a good surface at Headingley, but lost Pathum Nissanka towards the end of the powerplay. That brought Kusal Mendis to the crease at No.3 with Sri Lanka placed at 46/1 after 10 overs.Mendis settled in quickly and started to build a solid partnership with Kamindu Mendis. The two kept the scoreboard moving and added a touch of aggression, taking Sri Lanka to 159/1 in 25 overs while both batters brought up their respective half-centuries. Their 137-run stand finally came to an end when Kamindu (54 off 65) was dismissed.Also Read: Wanindu Hasaranga Ruled Out Of England ODI SeriesKusal Mendis, though, carried on in the same vein and reached his seventh ODI century, keeping Sri Lanka firmly on top. He eventually fell for a superb 121 while trying to maintain the momentum, with his innings featuring 14 fours and three sixes.Kusal Mendis Beats Sanath Jayasuriya’s Highest ODI Score as SL Captain in LeedsKusal Mendis’ century in the Sri Lanka vs England 2nd ODI was not just another three-figure score, as the Sri Lankan captain also rewrote a record that had stood for more than two decades. His 121 at Leeds, Headingley against England saw him surpass Sanath Jayasuriya’s long-standing mark for the highest individual ODI score by a Sri Lankan captain at the venue.Highest Individual Score By Sri Lankan Captain In ODIs At LeedsKusal Mendis – 121 off 100 balls vs England, 2026Sanath Jayasuriya – 112 off 87 balls vs England, 2002Sri Lankan legend Sanath Jayasuriya held the record for more than two decades after scoring 112 against England in the famous 2002 NatWest Tri-Series. Kusal Mendis also became only the second Sri Lankan captain to score an ODI century at Leeds, Headingley, after Jayasuriya achieved the feat in 2002. Kusal Mendis’ Strong 2026 ODI Form Continues With Record CenturyKusal Mendis has enjoyed a clinical ODI run in 2026 and continued that form by leading Sri Lanka from the front. He is their leading run-scorer this year, with 374 runs at an average of 74.80.The century was Mendis’ first in ODIs as Sri Lanka captain and his second fifty-plus score this year. His 121 helped Sri Lanka post a formidable 321, giving them a strong chance to fight back and level the three-match series.Also Read: Where Do West Indies Rank Among Worst ODI Teams vs India Since 2000?
