betvisa888 liveJoe Root sizzles in England’s series-levelling win over Sri Lanka in 2nd ODI

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Sri Lanka struggle to build momentum after choosing to bat
Joe Root anchors England’s calm and composed chase

A masterful knock from Joe Root guided England to a comfortable five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the second ODI of the England tour of Sri Lanka 2026 at the R. Premadasa Stadium. Chasing a modest target of 220, England showed composure and control to reach 223 for 5 in 46.2 overs and take the match with ease.

Sri Lanka struggle to build momentum after choosing to bat

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Sri Lanka never quite managed to seize control of the innings. Openers Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara failed to provide a strong start, departing early and leaving the hosts under pressure. While Kusal Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva attempted to stabilise the innings, England’s disciplined bowling kept wickets falling at regular intervals.

Charith Asalanka played the most patient knock for Sri Lanka, top-scoring with 45 off 64 balls, while De Silva contributed a steady 40 from 59 deliveries. Lower down the order, Pavan Rathnayake’s 29 and Dunith Wellalage’s brisk 20 added some late resistance, but Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 219 in 49.3 overs.

England’s bowlers shared the spoils effectively. Jamie Overton impressed with his control, picking up two wickets for just 21 runs, while Adil Rashid and Root claimed two wickets apiece to ensure Sri Lanka never broke free.

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Joe Root anchors England’s calm and composed chase

England’s reply began on a cautious note, with early wickets preventing a rapid start. However, Root once again proved why he remains the backbone of England’s ODI batting. Playing with trademark elegance, Root compiled a match-defining 75 off 90 balls, finding gaps with ease and rotating the strike to perfection.

Ben Duckett supported him with a fluent 39, while Harry Brook’s patient 42 ensured England remained firmly in control despite the surface offering some assistance to the spinners. Sri Lanka tried to apply pressure through De Silva and Jeffrey Vandersay, both of whom picked up two wickets, but England’s depth made the difference.

Jos Buttler’s quickfire 33 off just 21 balls brought the chase to a swift conclusion, as England crossed the line with nearly four overs to spare.