Sri Lanka vs England 2nd ODI 2026 Match Preview & Analysis

The second ODI between England and Sri Lanka will be a battle of momentum versus urgency. Sri Lanka comes into the game with their heads held high after an organized all-around performance in the first game, while England comes in after another mixed performance. 

Sri Lanka will aim to do the same in both the batting and bowling, but England will have to make swift changes. Tighter control in the crease and sharper execution of bowling plans will be essential if they hope to level the series. 

One strong performance can swing momentum entirely, which is why this SL vs ENG 2nd ODI becomes a decisive turning point in the Sri Lanka-England ODI series.

Match Details

• Match: Sri Lanka vs England, 2nd ODI
• Date: Saturday, 24 January 2026
• Time: 2:00 PM local time

The R Premadasa Stadium traditionally offers slow surfaces that reward discipline. Spinners often play decisive roles as the match progresses, especially under lights. Batters who adapt early and rotate strikes usually thrive here.

Recent Form Overview

Sri Lanka’s Recent Performance

Sri Lanka’s ODI record at home has been strong at the same time. Composure under pressure was brought into the limelight through their win in the first ODI against England. 

Before it, Sri Lanka found it difficult in a tough run of three consecutive ODIs against Pakistan. Those losses revealed batting failures and a lack of partnerships against quality pace attacks. But the experience of those defeats appears to be paying off now, especially with better shot selection and more discipline in the bowling. 

The victory in August over Zimbabwe proved that Sri Lanka was composed with its chases even in the tight conditions. In general, the team appears to be more prepared, particularly at home, where the circumstances are more conducive to their competence.

England’s Recent Performance

The ODI history of England is alarming. Their defeat in the first match with Sri Lanka was a continuation of a series of losses that dates back to their tour of New Zealand. England have often started well, but they end up failing to control the middle overs on several occasions with both bat and ball. New Zealand showed vulnerability to spin and low-speed pitches due to heavy defeats. 

The decisive victory over South Africa even comes off as an exception and not a pattern. The failure of England to adapt quickly in matches is still weakening their performances. 

Going to this SL vs ENG 2nd ODI, England has to solve the problem of tactical rigidity and enhance situational awareness. Any other loss would further undermine their future ODI planning.

Summary of the 1st ODI

Sri Lanka moved ahead in the series with a 19-run victory over England in the 1st ODI at Colombo. Batting first, the hosts posted 271 for 6, anchored by Kusal Mendis’ unbeaten 93 and a late flourish from Dunith Wellalage, who added a quick 25 off 12 balls to lift the total.

England remained competitive during the chase through solid half-centuries from Ben Duckett (62) and Joe Root (61). However, regular wickets in the middle overs slowed their progress. Dunith Wellalage produced a match-winning all-round performance, taking 2 for 41 and claiming three catches, as England were bowled out for 252 in 49.2 overs. 

Head-to-Head Record

The current history of head-to-head competition between Sri Lanka and England indicates a level of competition characterized by swings of momentum. The opening ODI in which Sri Lanka won by 19 runs has given the advantage. 

During October 2023, Sri Lanka defeated England in a convincing eight-wicket win. England continues to hold pleasant recollections in 2021, when they won two consecutive ODIs in a convincing manner. 

All in all, recent encounters indicate that Sri Lanka has played the home advantage well, whereas England relies on individual brilliance to turn the tide of play to their favour.

Batters to Watch

Sri Lanka’s batting strength revolves around stability, while England relies on adaptability and intent. Several players stand out heading into the Sri Lanka vs England 2nd ODI.

Key Batters – Recent Stats

Batter	Team	Matches	Runs	Average	Strike Rate
Kusal Mendis	Sri Lanka	10	516	57.33	89.58
Charith Asalanka	Sri Lanka	9	380	47.50	91.34
Joe Root	England	10	532	59.11	93.16
Harry Brook	England	10	360	40.00	107.46

Batting Analysis

Kusal Mendis holds innings and maintains a healthy strike rate. He manages spin and gains speed in a reasonable manner.

Charith Asalanka gives an element of calmness and leadership to the middle order. His composure under pressure enables Sri Lanka to recover or go faster according to the circumstances in a match. 

Joe Root remains the workhorse in ODI cricket in England. His method, forbearance, and handling spin render him the greatest prospect in hard-pitched England. When the Roots bat deep, England is able to remain competitive.

Harry Brook adds attacking dynamism to the England squad. The greater number of hits gives him impetus in the middle overs, but he has to take charge, yet remain responsible, to spin-heavy attacks.

Bowlers to Watch

Bowling is expected to play a decisive role at Colombo. Both teams possess bowlers capable of exploiting conditions effectively.

Key Bowlers – Recent Stats

Bowler	Team	Matches	Wickets	Economy	Strike Rate
Asitha Fernando	Sri Lanka	9	18	5.94	23.44
Wanindu Hasaranga	Sri Lanka	6	15	4.07	21.33
Adil Rashid	England	10	23	5.67	19.21
Brydon Carse	England	9	10	6.01	42.70

Bowling Analysis

Asitha Fernando has become a major strike bowler of Sri Lanka. His capacity to take movement with the new ball and discipline in the middle overs gives Sri Lanka early momentum.

Wanindu Hasaranga is the trump card of Sri Lanka. His mastery, variations, and wicket-taking skills in the middle overs tend to alter the momentum in the match. He is also a pressure player and will be at the centre of this battle.

Adil Rashid is the head of spin attack in England with experience and cunning. England is dependent on his success.

Brydon Carse offers speed and bounce, yet his high strike rate suggests he is not able to turn the pressure into wickets. England requires him to close the gaps and help Rashid in a proper way.

Squad Depth and Balance

Sri Lanka has both experienced and young talents that play well under the leadership of Charith Asalanka. They also have multiple match-winners, including Dhananjaya de Silva and Wanindu Hasaranga. 

England has a deep and experienced squad that is headed by Harry Brook and supported by the likes of Joe Root and Jos Buttler. But there is still the problem of finding balance in Asian conditions. 

Tactical Battle Points

Sri Lanka will strive to go first and score competitively. Their strategy is still to build partnerships and retain wickets till the last deliveries. Their main weapon will be spin bowling during the mid-overs.

England must deal with middle-order stagnation with the bat. Rotating strike and avoiding unnecessary risks will be vital. 

Match Prediction and Outlook

The Sri Lanka vs England 2nd ODI stands as a defining moment in this series. Sri Lanka holds momentum, home advantage, and tactical clarity. A win here would seal the series and underline their growing confidence in ODI cricket.

England faces a must-win scenario. Another defeat would raise serious questions about their adaptability and planning in subcontinent conditions. 

Expect a tightly contested match shaped by spin, patience, and execution under lights. Sri Lanka enter as slight favorites due to form and conditions, but England’s experience ensures a competitive contest.