The stage is ready for a high-stakes encounter on the R. Premadasa Stadium as England look to degree the sequence towards a resurgent Sri Lanka aspect. After a scientific 19-run victory by the hosts within the first recreation, the 2nd ODI on January 24 turns into a “must-win” for Harry Brook‘s younger squad.
Sri Lanka enters this match with all of the momentum. Their technique of using “thriller” and orthodox spin has confirmed to be England’s Achilles’ heel. Kusal Mendis is in chic kind, following his match-winning 93 within the opener, whereas the lower-order cameos from Janith Liyanage and Dunith Wellalage have given the tail some much-needed tooth.
England’s “Bazball” philosophy faces a stern check in Colombo. Whereas Joe Root and Ben Duckett confirmed they’ve the approach to deal with spin with their 117-run stand within the first recreation, the next collapse stays a serious concern. England want extra from their center order, particularly Brook and Jacob Bethell, to navigate the turning ball with out shedding wickets in clusters.
SL vs ENG, 2nd ODI: Match Particulars
- Date and Time: January 24; 2:30 pm IST / 9:00 pm GMT
- Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
SL vs ENG, Head-to-Head File (ODIs):
Matches performed: 80 | Sri Lanka gained: 38 | England gained: 38 | No outcome/Tied: 4
R. Premadasa Stadium Pitch Report
The floor at R. Premadasa Stadium stays one of the tactical within the subcontinent. Historically a sluggish and low monitor, it affords a definite benefit to groups that may deal with the turning ball. Count on the pitch to supply vital grip and switch, particularly within the center overs. The primary ODI noticed Sri Lanka’s spinners—Hasaranga, Theekshana, and Dunith Wellalage—choke the run circulation successfully. That is not often a 300+ venue. A goal of 260–280 is taken into account extremely aggressive and tough to chase below lights.
Additionally WATCH: Sri Lanka unveils ICC T20 World Cup 2026 trophy in a spectacular vogue 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 Wooden
SL vs ENG, 2nd ODI: Right now’s Match Prediction
Case 1:
- Sri Lanka wins the toss and bowls first
- England powerplay rating: 40-50
- England complete rating: 250-260
Case 2:
- England wins the toss and bowls first
- Sri Lanka powerplay rating: 50-60
- Sri Lanka complete rating: 270-290
Match outcome: Workforce bowling first to win the competition
Additionally READ: Followers react after England’s depressing away run continues as Kusal Mendis powers Sri Lanka to hard-fought win in 1st ODI
