England defeated Sri Lanka by 89 runs in the first one-day international at Chester-le-Street, with Will Jacks playing a match-winning all-round performance. The victory extends England's winning streak against Sri Lanka to ten matches this year and puts them within touching distance of a third consecutive ODI series win, which they can secure on Thursday at Headingley. This triumph continues England's quiet revival in white-ball cricket under coach Brendon McCullum, demonstrating their growing ability to win without necessarily piling up large totals.

England posted 265 from 48.1 overs, with Harry Brook contributing 67, Joe Root 44, and Jacks remaining unbeaten on 46, despite a middle-order collapse of 4-29. Sri Lanka were restricted to 176 all out, with Jacks taking career-best bowling figures of 5-22—the best by an England spinner since Vic Marks in 1984. The match was played on a slow, low pitch, and whilst Sri Lanka debutant Sachindu Colombage impressed with 3-44, the visitors batted too timidly to mount a serious challenge. Notably, England defended their lowest total in a full ODI since July 2022, signalling a tactical shift away from their previous reliance on high-scoring victories.