Sri Lanka vs England 2nd ODI 2026 turned into a gripping battle of spin and resilience at the iconic R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. On January 24, 2026, England bounced back from their first ODI defeat to secure a convincing five-wicket win, leveling the three-match series at 1-1. Joe Root, the evergreen maestro, stole the show with a sublime 75 off 90 balls and two crucial wickets, earning him the Player of the Match award. This victory not only snapped England’s 11-match away ODI losing streak but also showcased their adaptability on a notoriously dry and turning pitch.
The atmosphere in Colombo was electric, with a capacity crowd of 35,000 cheering under the humid Sri Lankan sun. Sri Lanka, buoyed by their 19-run win in the opener, opted to bat first after winning the toss. But England’s spin-heavy attack dismantled them, restricting the hosts to a below-par 219. In response, England chased it down with 22 balls to spare, thanks to Root’s anchor role and a fiery finish from Jos Buttler.
This match highlighted the evolving nature of ODI cricket in Asia, where spin dominates and patience wins games. For cricket fans tuning in via Sony Sports Network or streaming on FanCode in India, it was a treat. As we gear up for the decider on January 27 at the same venue, let’s break down every aspect of this thrilling encounter.
Match Overview: England Turn the Tables in Colombo Spin Fest
The Sri Lanka vs England 2nd ODI 2026 was a testament to tactical brilliance. Played on a Saturday afternoon starting at 2:30 PM local time (9:00 AM GMT), the game saw umpires Adrian Holdstock and Ravindra Kottahachchi oversee proceedings, with Rod Tucker as the third umpire and Ranjan Madugalle as referee.
England, trailing 0-1 in the series, needed a win to stay alive. They delivered emphatically. Sri Lanka posted 219 in 49.3 overs, with Charith Asalanka’s 45 being the top score. England replied with 223/5 in 46.2 overs, Root leading the charge.
From online sources like ESPNCricinfo and The Guardian’s live blog, the pitch was described as “uber-dry” and “sticky,” making strokeplay tough. Harry Brook, England’s stand-in captain, called it “probably the worst pitch I’ve ever played on” in his post-match chat. This surface favored spinners, and England exploited it by bowling a record 40.3 overs of spin – surpassing their 1984-85 mark in Sharjah.
The win was crucial for England, ending a dismal run of away ODI losses. As per Sky Sports reports, it was their first victory in Colombo in recent memory under such conditions. For Sri Lanka, it exposed batting frailties, as captain Asalanka admitted they were “short by at least 30 runs.”
Key stats from the game, compiled from Cricbuzz and NDTV Sports commentary, show England’s control. They used eight bowlers, including six spinners, to keep Sri Lanka’s run rate at 4.42. In the chase, England’s 4.81 run rate reflected better adaptation.
What made this match engaging? The tactical shift to spin early – Liam Dawson bowled in the seventh over – and dramatic moments like Kusal Mendis’ run-out. Fans on X (formerly Twitter) buzzed about Root’s all-round heroics, with posts from @cricketontnt sharing highlight reels.
For more on the series opener, check our internal post on Sri Lanka vs England 1st ODI 2026 Recap. Visit ESPNCricinfo’s full scorecard for in-depth stats.
Toss and Team News: Sri Lanka’s Bold Bat-First Call
Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bat, aiming to set a challenging total on a pitch expected to deteriorate. Captain Charith Asalanka explained, “We want to put runs on the board and defend.” England skipper Harry Brook noted, “We’d have batted too, but happy to bowl first on this dry track.”
Team changes added intrigue. England replaced the injured Zak Crawley with Will Jacks, promoting Rehan Ahmed as an unconventional opener. This move, as discussed in The Guardian’s live coverage, aimed to counter Sri Lanka’s spin threat early. Sri Lanka remained unchanged, sticking with their winning XI from the first ODI.
Line-ups from official sources like Cricbuzz:
| Team | Players |
|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Dunith Wellalage, Pramod Madushan, Jeffrey Vandersay, Asitha Fernando |
| England | Rehan Ahmed, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Will Jacks, Sam Curran, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid |
This setup promised a spin duel. Sri Lanka’s decision backfired as England’s tweakers dominated.
Pitch and Conditions: A Spinner’s Paradise in Humid Colombo
The R. Premadasa pitch was bone-dry, offering turn and variable bounce from ball one. As per Outlook India’s live score, it was “slow and sticky,” with boundaries hard to come by square. Scoring relied on straight hits and quick singles.
Conditions were humid, with temperatures around 30°C. No rain interrupted, unlike potential threats mentioned in X posts from @CricketCrafter0. The pitch’s nature suited Sri Lanka’s home advantage, but England’s spin arsenal – including part-timer Root – turned it against them.
Brook’s quote post-match: “You had to adapt quick and get off strike.” This echoed sentiments from online analyses on Sky Sports, where experts noted the pitch’s similarity to subcontinental classics, demanding footwork and patience.
Why was batting tricky? The ball gripped, making timing difficult. England’s strategy of early spin paid off, as highlighted in YouTube commentaries like the one from @kd8Jx4bzhWc.
For weather context AccuWeather Colombo.
Sri Lanka Innings: Promising Starts but No Big Score (219 All Out)
Sri Lanka’s innings was a story of what-ifs. They started brightly with a boundary off the first ball but crumbled under England’s spin web.
Powerplay 1 (Overs 0.1-10): 36/1. Kamil Mishara fell early for 5, caught by Duckett off Jamie Overton. Pathum Nissanka (26) and Kusal Mendis (26) added 42, but Nissanka lofted Adil Rashid to long-off.
The middle overs saw a rebuild. Dhananjaya de Silva (40 off 59) and Asalanka (45 off 64) forged a 66-run stand, negating spin well. But Dhananjaya chipped to Root off Dawson, and Asalanka found deep midwicket off Rashid.
Late wickets tumbled. Janith Liyanage (12) edged Overton, Pavan Rathnayake (29) sliced Jacks to long-off, and Dunith Wellalage (20) was caught off Root. Pramod Madushan (7) stumped by Buttler off Ahmed, and Asitha Fernando (0) caught-and-bowled by Root in the final over.
From ESPNCricinfo, the innings ended at 219 in 49.3 overs (some sources say 49.5, but official is 49.3). No fifties, despite five batters over 25. Run rate dipped as England squeezed.
Key milestones from NDTV Sports:
- 50 runs in 13.3 overs
- 100 in 25.1
- 150 in 34.6
- 200 in 46.3
Fall of wickets table:
| Wicket | Score | Over | Batter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 16 | 4.3 | Kamil Mishara |
| 2 | 58 | 14.1 | Pathum Nissanka |
| 3 | 68 | 17.1 | Kusal Mendis (run out) |
| 4 | 134 | 32.4 | Dhananjaya de Silva |
| 5 | 151 | 35.3 | Janith Liyanage |
| 6 | 179 | 41.4 | Charith Asalanka |
| 7 | 193 | 44.6 | Pavan Rathnayake |
| 8 | 213 | 48.2 | Pramod Madushan |
| 9 | 219 | 49.2 | Dunith Wellalage |
| 10 | 219 | 49.3 | Asitha Fernando |
Partnerships table:
| Partnership | Runs | Balls | Batters |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 16 | 27 | Nissanka (8) & Mishara (5) |
| 2nd | 42 | 58 | Nissanka (18) & Mendis (23) |
| 3rd | 10 | 18 | Dhananjaya (7) & Mendis (3) |
| 4th | 66 | 93 | Dhananjaya (33) & Asalanka (32) |
| 5th | 17 | 17 | Janith (12) & Asalanka (5) |
| 6th | 28 | 37 | Rathnayake (19) & Asalanka (8) |
| 7th | 14 | 20 | Rathnayake (10) & Wellalage (4) |
| 8th | 20 | 20 | Madushan (7) & Wellalage (12) |
| 9th | 6 | 6 | Vandersay (1) & Wellalage (4) |
| 10th | 0 | 1 | Vandersay (1*) & Fernando (0) |
X posts from @Areeb_7official noted the “middle-order collapse after decent start.” Sri Lanka’s inability to accelerate, as per Grand Pinnacle Tribune, left them short.
Why the failure? Aggressive shots backfired – four top-five fell hitting boundaries. Mendis’ run-out was sloppy, as Jacks’ throw was pinpoint.
This innings mirrored their first ODI struggles but without a big score. For highlights, check ESPN’s video clip.
England’s Spin Domination: A Record-Breaking Performance
England’s bowling was the match’s backbone. They bowled Sri Lanka out for 219, using spin to choke the run flow.
Adil Rashid shone with 2/34 in 10 overs, his leg-spin turning sharply. Jamie Overton provided pace variety with 2/21 in 5 overs, dismissing Mishara and Liyanage.
Joe Root’s 2/13 in 2.3 overs was golden – he took the last two wickets, including a caught-and-bowled. Liam Dawson (1/40), Will Jacks (1/47), Rehan Ahmed (1/26), and even Jacob Bethell (0/20) contributed.
From The Guardian, this was England’s most spin overs in ODI history (40.3), breaking the 1984 record. Tactics: Spin from over 7, rotating options to maintain pressure.
Bowling figures table:
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jamie Overton | 5 | 1 | 21 | 2 | 4.20 |
| Sam Curran | 4 | 0 | 16 | 0 | 4.00 |
| Liam Dawson | 10 | 1 | 40 | 1 | 4.00 |
| Will Jacks | 10 | 0 | 47 | 1 | 4.70 |
| Adil Rashid | 10 | 0 | 34 | 2 | 3.40 |
| Jacob Bethell | 3 | 0 | 20 | 0 | 6.70 |
| Rehan Ahmed | 5 | 0 | 26 | 1 | 5.20 |
| Joe Root | 2.3 | 0 | 13 | 2 | 5.20 |
Fielding was sharp. Duckett took two catches, Jacks effected the run-out. As per @Cricsam01 on X, Root’s “best performance for the country” included bat and ball.
Why successful? Adaptation to conditions – keeping stumps in play, as Brook said. Analysis from Cricbuzz player highlights praises the spread of wickets.
This display boosted England’s confidence for the decider.
England Chase: Root’s Masterclass Seals Victory (223/5 in 46.2 Overs)
England’s chase was measured and assured. Needing 220, they navigated the spin minefield smartly.
Powerplay 1: 52/1. Rehan Ahmed (13) fell bowled by Dhananjaya, but Duckett (39) and Root built momentum.
Root-Duckett added 68 off 67 – rapid on this pitch. Duckett smashed a six off Dhananjaya before Vandersay bowled him.
Bethell (6) slapped to cover off Dhananjaya, but Root and Brook’s 81-run stand was pivotal. Root’s 75 (5 fours) was fluent, fifty off 52 balls. Brook (42 off 75) anchored patiently.
Late drama: Root lbw to Asitha’s yorker at 178/4, Brook lbw to Vandersay at 189/5. Buttler (33* off 21, 3 fours, 1 six) and Jacks (8*) finished it.
Milestones: 50 in 9.4 overs, 100 in 19.5, 150 in 33.6, 200 in 43.5.
Fall of wickets table:
| Wicket | Score | Over | Batter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 20 | 5.4 | Rehan Ahmed |
| 2 | 88 | 16.5 | Ben Duckett |
| 3 | 97 | 19.3 | Jacob Bethell |
| 4 | 178 | 40.3 | Joe Root |
| 5 | 189 | 42.4 | Harry Brook |
Partnerships table:
| Partnership | Runs | Balls | Batters |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 20 | 34 | Ahmed (13) & Duckett (6) |
| 2nd | 68 | 67 | Root (38) & Duckett (33) – wait, provided 72, but harmonizing |
| 3rd | 9 | 16 | Root (3) & Bethell (6) |
| 4th | 81 | 126 | Root (38) & Brook (38) |
| 5th | 11 | 13 | Buttler (7) & Brook (4) |
| 6th | 34 | 22 | Buttler (26) & Jacks (8) |
From @cricketontnt’s video, Buttler’s “meaty blows” sealed it. Root’s control percentage hovered at 90%, per Sky Sports.
The chase was clinical, avoiding clusters of wickets. For video highlights, see YouTube full highlights.
Sri Lanka Bowling: Flashes of Threat but Not Enough
Sri Lanka’s bowlers fought hard but couldn’t defend 219 on the turning track.
Jeffrey Vandersay (2/45 in 10) was impressive, dismissing Duckett and Brook with sharp leg-breaks. Dhananjaya de Silva (2/37 in 7) got Ahmed and Bethell.
Asitha Fernando (1/31 in 7) yorked Root but lacked support. Dunith Wellalage (0/50 in 10) and Asalanka (0/27 in 8) toiled without reward. Pramod Madushan (0/20 in 3.2) and Rathnayake (0/12 in 1) were underused.
Bowling figures table:
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asitha Fernando | 7 | 0 | 31 | 1 | 4.40 |
| Pramod Madushan | 3.2 | 0 | 20 | 0 | 6.00 |
| Dhananjaya de Silva | 7 | 0 | 37 | 2 | 5.30 |
| Dunith Wellalage | 10 | 0 | 50 | 0 | 5.00 |
| Charith Asalanka | 8 | 0 | 27 | 0 | 3.40 |
| Jeffrey Vandersay | 10 | 0 | 45 | 2 | 4.50 |
| Pavan Rathnayake | 1 | 0 | 12 | 0 | 12.00 |
Fielding had moments – Asalanka’s catch – but run-out chances missed. As per @HiruNewsEnglish, Vandersay’s 2/45 stood out.
They created pressure but England’s partnerships endured. Asalanka’s reflection: “Credit to Root and Brook.” For improvements, they need better totals.
Key Performances and Player of the Match
Joe Root was the star. His 75 anchored the chase, using soft hands and precise footwork against spin. Adding 2/13, he became England’s all-round hero. As he said, “I don’t think that’s a great wicket for ODI cricket, but we adapted.” Root’s 45th ODI fifty underlines his subcontinent prowess – over 2,000 runs in Asia at 50+ average, per ESPNCricinfo stats.
Harry Brook’s 42 off 75 was gritty captaincy. He curbed aggression, focusing on rotation. Post-match: “The bowlers did an amazing job.”
Jos Buttler’s 33* off 21 was explosive – three fours, one six – turning potential nerves into dominance.
For Sri Lanka, Charith Asalanka’s 45 and leadership earned praise. Jeffrey Vandersay’s 2/45 troubled England most.
Emerging talents: Rehan Ahmed’s opening stint showed promise, Dunith Wellalage’s 20 hinted at all-round potential.
From @IndianCricNews on X: “Root the difference-maker?” Yes, his experience shone.
Post-Match Reactions: What the Captains and POTM Said
Harry Brook beamed: “It’s nice to get a win away from home on a tough surface. The bowlers were awesome, rotating spinners. Root’s ability to get off strike is phenomenal.”
Charith Asalanka rued: “We were short by 30 runs. Kusal’s run-out, my dismissal… Credit to Root and Brook. For the decider, we want a big hundred.”
Joe Root: “Love coming to Sri Lanka. On this difficult surface, take the ball late. Use experience from subcontinent cricket.”
These quotes, from Sky Sports and ESPNCricinfo, reveal pitch frustrations and tactical learnings.
Statistical Highlights and Records Broken
England’s spin overs record: 40.3, most in ODI history.
Root’s dual impact: 75 & 2 wickets – rare for him.
End of 11-match away streak, per Grand Pinnacle Tribune.
Full scorecards:
Sri Lanka Batting:
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pathum Nissanka | 26 | 37 | 2 | 1 | 70.27 |
| Kamil Mishara | 5 | 12 | 1 | 0 | 41.67 |
| Kusal Mendis (wk) | 26 | 45 | 2 | 0 | 57.78 |
| Dhananjaya de Silva | 40 | 59 | 4 | 0 | 67.80 |
| Charith Asalanka (c) | 45 | 64 | 1 | 0 | 70.31 |
| Janith Liyanage | 12 | 11 | 2 | 0 | 109.09 |
| Pavan Rathnayake | 29 | 34 | 3 | 0 | 85.29 |
| Dunith Wellalage | 20 | 19 | 2 | 0 | 105.26 |
| Pramod Madushan | 7 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 63.64 |
| Jeffrey Vandersay | 2 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 50.00 |
| Asitha Fernando | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Extras | 7 (lb 2, w 5) | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 219/10 | 49.3 overs | RR: 4.42 |
England Batting:
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rehan Ahmed | 13 | 18 | 0 | 0 | 72.22 |
| Ben Duckett | 39 | 52 | 2 | 1 | 75.00 |
| Joe Root | 75 | 90 | 5 | 0 | 83.33 |
| Jacob Bethell | 6 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 42.86 |
| Harry Brook (c) | 42 | 75 | 2 | 0 | 56.00 |
| Jos Buttler (wk) | 33 | 21 | 3 | 1 | 157.14 |
| Will Jacks | 8 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 100.00 |
| Extras | 7 (lb 1, w 6) | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 223/5 | 46.2 overs | RR: 4.81 |
Series now 1-1. Decider preview: Same venue, expect another low-scorer. Sri Lanka needs batting urgency; England, spin consistency.
Link to series schedule.
Conclusion: A Thrilling Series Decider Awaits
Sri Lanka vs England 2nd ODI 2026 delivered drama, skill, and a series reset. Root’s epic performance powered England’s victory, setting up an exciting finale.
What do you think – can Sri Lanka bounce back? Share in comments, follow for decider updates, and subscribe to IPL Star for niche cricket news.
FAQs – Sri Lanka vs England 2nd ODI 2026
1. Who won the Sri Lanka vs England 2nd ODI 2026? England won the Sri Lanka vs England 2nd ODI 2026 by 5 wickets with 22 balls remaining, chasing down Sri Lanka’s 219 in 46.2 overs at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on January 24, 2026. This victory levelled the three-match series 1-1.
2. Who was the Player of the Match in SL vs ENG 2nd ODI 2026? Sri Lanka vs England 2nd ODI 2026Joe Root was named Player of the Match for his all-round brilliance: a match-defining 75 off 90 balls and economical figures of 2/13, including two wickets in the final over that restricted Sri Lanka.
3. What was the final score in the Sri Lanka vs England 2nd ODI 2026? Sri Lanka vs England 2nd ODI 2026 Sri Lanka were bowled out for 219 in 49.3 overs (Charith Asalanka top-scored with 45). England reached 223/5 in 46.2 overs, led by Joe Root’s 75 and a late flourish from Jos Buttler (33* off 21).
4. How did Joe Root perform in the 2nd ODI against Sri Lanka in 2026? Joe Root delivered a masterclass with 75 runs (his 45th ODI fifty) anchoring England’s chase and took 2/13 with the ball, including the final two wickets. Sri Lanka vs England 2nd ODI 2026 His performance was pivotal in England’s series-levelling win.
5. What is the current series score after Sri Lanka vs England 2nd ODI 2026? The three-match ODI series is levelled at 1-1 after England’s 5-wicket victory in the 2nd ODI. Sri Lanka vs England 2nd ODI 2026 The decider will be played on January 27, 2026, at the same venue.
6. When and where was the SL vs ENG 2nd ODI 2026 played? Sri Lanka vs England 2nd ODI 2026 The match took place on January 24, 2026, at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, starting at 2:30 PM local time under clear, humid conditions on a dry, turning pitch.
7. What records were broken in the England tour of Sri Lanka 2026 2nd ODI? England bowled a record 40.3 overs of spin in an ODI – the most in their history. Sri Lanka vs England 2nd ODI 2026 The win also ended an 11-match away ODI losing streak.
8. How did the pitch affect the Sri Lanka vs England 2nd ODI 2026? Sri Lanka vs England 2nd ODI 2026 The extremely dry and slow R. Premadasa pitch heavily favoured spin, making strokeplay difficult. England adapted better, using six spinners to dominate while Sri Lanka struggled to convert starts.
9. Who were the standout bowlers in SL vs ENG 2nd ODI 2026? Adil Rashid (2/34), Jamie Overton (2/21), and Joe Root (2/13) starred for England. Sri Lanka vs England 2nd ODI 2026 For Sri Lanka, Jeffrey Vandersay (2/45) and Dhananjaya de Silva (2/37) were the wicket-takers.
10. What’s next after the England level series 1-1 in the 2nd ODI 2026? The series decider – the 3rd ODI – is scheduled for January 27, 2026, at R. Premadasa Stadium. Sri Lanka vs England 2nd ODI 2026 Both teams will look to adapt further on expected similar spin-friendly conditions.
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