SL vs ENG Match Analysis
The second ODI between Sri Lanka and England arrives quickly at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, with the series finely poised and momentum subtly leaning toward the hosts. A day-night contest, familiar conditions, and tactical carryover from the opener give this fixture added strategic weight.
Sri Lanka enter with renewed confidence after a composed 19-run victory in the first ODI at the same venue. Posting 271/6 reflected batting discipline rather than excess, while their bowlers defended smartly under pressure. Dunith Wellalage’s all-round impact underlined Sri Lanka’s growing comfort with balanced ODI templates in home conditions.
England, meanwhile, face familiar subcontinental questions. Their chase of 272 never collapsed but lacked sustained control in the middle overs. Despite depth and experience, England struggled to neutralize spin and shifting tempos. The challenge now is adjustment rather than overhaul, particularly against Sri Lanka’s left-arm and finger-spin options.
Also Read More: Sri Lanka vs England | 1st ODI | SL vs ENG | Jan 24 on Jeetbuzz News
Sri Lanka vs England Match Details
Match | Sri Lanka vs England | 2nd ODI | England tour of Sri Lanka 2026 |
Date | 24/01/2026 (Saturday) |
Time | BDT 3:00 PM / PKT 2:00 PM / INR 2:30 PM |
Format | ODI |
Venue | R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo |
Recent performance | Sri Lanka – W L L L W |
Live Streaming Details | Click here to watch the Live Stream on Sports Live Hub (SLH) |
R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo Pitch Report
R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
The R. Premadasa Stadium traditionally evolves through the innings. Early on, the surface allows stroke-making with even bounce, but as the match progresses it slows noticeably. Spinners find grip and variation becomes decisive, particularly in the middle overs. Scores around the 270–300 mark demand disciplined bowling plans and sharp fielding.
Weather Report
Conditions in Colombo are expected to be hot and sunny through the afternoon, placing physical demands on fielding sides. As evening sets in, dew is likely to play a role, slightly easing batting conditions under lights. Teams chasing may benefit marginally, but dew management for spinners remains a tactical concern.
SL vs ENG Head-to-Head Records
Matches Played | 80 |
SL Won | 38 |
ENG Won | 38 |
Tied | 1 |
No Result | 3 |
First-ever Fixture | February 13, 1982 |
Most-recent Fixture | January 22, 2026 |
Sri Lanka vs England Team Preview & Squads
Sri Lanka
Charith Asalanka’s captaincy continues to project calm authority. His decision-making in the first ODI balanced caution with intent, particularly in rotating bowlers through the middle overs. Asalanka’s leadership style suits Sri Lanka’s current transitional phase, emphasizing control rather than outright aggression.
Sri Lanka’s batting structure revolves around stability at the top and adaptability through the middle. Kusal Mendis anchors the lineup with fluency against both pace and spin, while Pathum Nissanka and Sadeera Samarawickrama offer tempo management. The lower-middle order provides functional acceleration without reckless exposure.
Bowling remains Sri Lanka’s defining strength. Dunith Wellalage’s left-arm spin and fielding excellence give the side tactical elasticity, complemented by Maheesh Theekshana’s control and Pramod Madushan’s pace variations. The attack is designed to suffocate rather than dominate, a formula well-suited to Colombo conditions.
Sri Lanka Squads
Sri Lanka Squads
Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Asitha Fernando, Wanindu Hasaranga, Janith Liyanage, Eshan Malinga, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Pathum Nissanka, Pramod Madushan, Pavan Rathnayake, Milan Rathnayake, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Dunith Wellalage
England
Harry Brook leads England with a modern, assertive approach, but subcontinental conditions demand patience alongside intent. His captaincy challenge lies in sequencing aggression rather than amplifying it, particularly when spinners dictate tempo.
England’s batting depth remains formidable. Ben Duckett’s adaptability at the top and Joe Root’s composure in the middle provide structure, while Jos Buttler and Will Jacks offer late-innings firepower. However, sustaining partnerships against spin remains their primary hurdle.
Bowling-wise, Adil Rashid remains England’s most potent threat, especially on wearing surfaces. Sam Curran’s all-round utility adds balance, but England’s seamers must find sharper lengths earlier. Without sustained middle-over control, England risk repeating familiar subcontinental patterns.
England Squads
England Squads
Harry Brook, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Rehan Ahmed, Joe Root, Luke Wood
SL vs ENG Prediction
Event | Sri Lanka | England |
Toss Winner | Sri Lanka | – |
Player of the Match | Kusal Mendis | – |
Top Run Scorer | Sri Lanka | Joe Root |
Top Wicket Taker | Dunith Wellalage | Adil Rashid |
Most Sixes | Sri Lanka | Joe Root |
Predicted Score | 290+ | 240+ |
Win Probability | 55% | 45% |
Sri Lanka vs England Winning Prediction
Sri Lanka are likely to lean into controlled accumulation and spin-based suffocation, carrying confidence from a disciplined first-ODI performance. England, by contrast, may counter with earlier batting intent and tighter spin matchups, seeking to disrupt Sri Lanka’s rhythm. The contest hinges on England’s adaptability versus Sri Lanka’s consistency in familiar conditions.
According to the above cricket analytical data, Sri Lanka have a 51% chance of winning.
FAQ: England tour of Sri Lanka 2026 2nd ODI
Who is the captain of Sri Lanka in the 2nd ODI against England?
Charith Asalanka is leading Sri Lanka in this match.
Where will the 2nd ODI between Sri Lanka and England be played?
The match will be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Where can fans watch the SL vs ENG 2nd ODI live?
The match will be streamed live on Sports Live Hub (SLH).
Disclaimer: The insights and analysis in this cricket prediction are based on the author’s perspective. Readers are encouraged to consider the points shared and form their own opinions.
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