Sri Lanka took a 1–0 lead in the ODI series after a strong all-round performance in the first match. What made the win even more impressive was that Sri Lanka managed it without their premier bowlers, relying instead on a smart, spin-heavy combination that completely changed the game.
England had the match in control during the chase at 129/1, but once the spinners came into play, they lost 8 wickets for just 71 runs. Sri Lanka dominated the middle overs and proved once again why Colombo remains a tricky venue for visiting teams.
Now, both teams are set to clash again in the 2nd ODI, with England under pressure to bounce back and Sri Lanka looking to seal the series.
SL vs ENG Match Details
| Match Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | Sri Lanka vs England ODI Series 2026 |
| Match | Sri Lanka vs England, 2nd ODI |
| Date | Saturday, 24 January 2026 |
| Time | 02:30 PM IST |
| Venue | R. Premadasa Stadium |
Match Preview
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka read the pitch perfectly in the first ODI. Their spinners controlled the game, while Kusal Mendis anchored the innings with a calm and composed knock.
With confidence on their side and familiarity with conditions, Sri Lanka will once again rely on spin and disciplined bowling in the middle overs.
Key Players:
Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Dunith Wellalage, Jeffrey Vandersay
England
England showed promise early with Ben Duckett and Joe Root, but failed to adapt once the pitch slowed down. Their middle-order collapse exposed issues against spin.
To stay alive in the series, England must:
- Handle spin better
- Rotate strike in middle overs
- Support Joe Root with partnerships
Key Players:
Joe Root, Ben Duckett, Sam Curran, Adil Rashid
Head-to-Head Record (ODIs)
| Team | Matches Won |
|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | 38 |
| England | 38 |
| No Result/Tied | 04 |
Recent Form (Last 5 Matches)
| Team | Last 5 Matches |
|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | W, L, L, L, W |
| England | W, L, L, L, L |
Pitch & Weather Report – Colombo
Weather Update
- Temperature: 26–28°C
- Humidity: 70–75%
- Rain: 20% chance (possible interruptions)
Pitch Report
- Slow surface
- Assists spinners as match progresses
- Batting becomes difficult in middle overs
- Teams batting first need a solid total
Ground Stats – R. Premadasa Stadium (ODIs)
| Record | Stats |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 185 |
| Bat First Wins | 103 |
| Bat Second Wins | 70 |
| No Result/Tied | 12 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 230 |
| Highest Score | 375/5 |
| Lowest Score | 50 |
Predicted Playing XI
Sri Lanka
- Kusal Mendis (wk)
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kamil Mishara
- Charith Asalanka (c)
- Dhananjaya de Silva
- Pavan Rathnayake
- Janith Liyanage
- Dunith Wellalage
- Pramod Madushan
- Asita Fernando
- Jeffrey Vandersay
England
- Ben Duckett
- Zak Crawley
- Joe Root
- Jacob Bethell
- Harry Brook (c)
- Jos Buttler (wk)
- Sam Curran
- Jamie Overton
- Rehan Ahmed
- Adil Rashid
- Liam Dawson
Dream11 Fantasy Tips
Small League (Safe Picks)
Captain / Vice-Captain Options
- Kusal Mendis
- Ben Duckett
- Pathum Nissanka
- Jamie Overton
Grand League (Risky Picks)
Captain / Vice-Captain Options
- Dunith Wellalage
- Sam Curran
- Joe Root
- Dhananjaya de Silva
Match Prediction – Who Will Win?
England are struggling to adapt to slow, spin-friendly surfaces, and that was clearly visible in the first ODI. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, executed their plans perfectly and controlled the middle overs.
Rain could play a role, and the toss will be important. However, considering home conditions, confidence, and bowling balance, Sri Lanka hold a slight edge.
Predicted Winner: Sri Lanka
Injury Update
| Team | Status |
|---|---|
| England | No injury updates |
| Sri Lanka | No injury updates |
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