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The stage is set for a high-stakes encounter at the R. Premadasa Stadium as England look to level the series against a resurgent Sri Lanka side. After a clinical 19-run victory by the hosts in the first game, the 2nd ODI on January 24 becomes a “must-win” for Harry Brook‘s young squad.
Sri Lanka enters this match with all the momentum. Their strategy of utilizing “mystery” and orthodox spin has proven to be England’s Achilles’ heel. Kusal Mendis is in sublime form, following his match-winning 93 in the opener, while the lower-order cameos from Janith Liyanage and Dunith Wellalage have given the tail some much-needed teeth.
England’s “Bazball” philosophy faces a stern test in Colombo. While Joe Root and Ben Duckett showed they have the technique to handle spin with their 117-run stand in the first game, the subsequent collapse remains a major concern. England need more from their middle order, specifically Brook and Jacob Bethell, to navigate the turning ball without losing wickets in clusters.
SL vs ENG, 2nd ODI: Match Details
- Date and Time: January 24; 2:30 pm IST / 9:00 pm GMT
- Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
SL vs ENG, Head-to-Head Record (ODIs):
Matches played: 80 | Sri Lanka won: 38 | England won: 38 | No result/Tied: 4
R. Premadasa Stadium Pitch Report
The surface at R. Premadasa Stadium remains one of the most tactical in the subcontinent. Traditionally a slow and low track, it offers a distinct advantage to teams that can handle the turning ball. Expect the pitch to offer significant grip and turn, especially in the middle overs. The first ODI saw Sri Lanka’s spinners—Hasaranga, Theekshana, and Dunith Wellalage—choke the run flow effectively. This is rarely a 300+ venue. A target of 260–280 is considered highly competitive and difficult to chase under lights.
Also WATCH: Sri Lanka unveils ICC T20 World Cup 2026 trophy in a spectacular fashion at R Premadasa Stadium
Squads
Sri Lanka: Charith Asalanka (c), Kusal Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Pathum Nissanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dhananjaya de Silva, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga, Pramod Madushan, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay
England: Harry Brook (c), Tom Banton (wk), Jos Buttler (wk), Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Rehan Ahmed, Adil Rashid, Luke Wood
SL vs ENG, 2nd ODI: Today’s Match Prediction
Case 1:
- Sri Lanka wins the toss and bowls first
- England powerplay score: 40-50
- England total score: 250-260
Case 2:
- England wins the toss and bowls first
- Sri Lanka powerplay score: 50-60
- Sri Lanka total score: 270-290
Match result: Team bowling first to win the contest
