Sri Lanka and England lock horns in the second ODI of the three-match series with both teams desperate to regain momentum after recent setbacks in 50-over cricket. With conditions expected to assist spin as the match progresses, the contest at Colombo could play a decisive role in shaping the direction of the series.
Match details
Match: Sri Lanka vs England, 2nd ODI
Series: England tour of Sri Lanka 2026
Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026
Venue: R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Start time: 2:30 PM IST, 2:00 PM PST, 9:00 AM GMT
Series context and team overview
The ODI series began on January 22 and concludes on January 27, with all three matches scheduled at the R Premadasa Stadium. Both sides entered the tour under pressure after difficult ODI series in November 2025. England endured a heavy defeat against New Zealand, while Sri Lanka failed to secure a single win against Pakistan. With the ICC ODI World Cup 2027 set to be hosted jointly by India and Sri Lanka, this series holds added significance, especially for England, who will look to understand subcontinental conditions and refine their approach.
Sri Lanka view this series as an opportunity to reassert their authority at home. Playing in familiar conditions, the hosts aim to combine discipline with intent, particularly in front of a passionate Colombo crowd. England, under a new leadership phase, seek stability and consistency while backing their experienced core.
Squads, leadership, and key players
England announced a 15-member squad on December 30, 2025, naming Harry Brook as captain. The side features a mix of youth and experience, with Zak Crawley returning to the ODI setup and senior figures like Jos Buttler and Adil Rashid providing balance. England’s strength lies in their all-round options, allowing flexibility in team combinations.
Sri Lanka named a 17-member squad on January 21, just ahead of the series opener, with Charith Asalanka leading the side. The squad reflects depth in both batting and spin bowling, a combination well-suited to home conditions.
For Sri Lanka, Dhananjaya de Silva adds control and stability in the middle order with his all-round ability. Sadeera Samarawickrama continues to grow as a dependable ODI batter, while Janith Liyanage offers finishing power at an impressive average. Asalanka himself enjoys an excellent record in Colombo and remains central to Sri Lanka’s batting plans. Wanindu Hasaranga leads the bowling attack and stands out as the key match-winner, supported by Maheesh Theekshana’s control and variations. Asitha Fernando and Pramod Madushan handle pace duties.
England will look to Ben Duckett for aggressive starts, while Tom Banton partners him at the top. Joe Root anchors the innings and remains England’s most reliable ODI batter. Brook’s role as captain and middle-order enforcer remains crucial, while Buttler’s presence behind the stumps and with the bat adds experience. Sam Curran, Will Jacks, and Jacob Bethell provide valuable all-round depth, and Adil Rashid continues to spearhead the spin department alongside Brydon Carse and Jamie Overton.
Probable playing XIs
Sri Lanka probable XI
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (c), Dhananjaya de Silva, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando, Pramod Madushan, Jeffrey Vandersay
England probable XI
Ben Duckett, Tom Banton, Joe Root, Harry Brook (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Will Jacks, Sam Curran, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Brydon Carse
Head-to-head record
Sri Lanka and England have faced each other 79 times in ODI cricket. Sri Lanka have won 37 matches, England have claimed 38 victories, one match ended in a tie, and three produced no result. On Sri Lankan soil, the hosts enjoy a clear edge with 16 wins from 26 matches. At the R Premadasa Stadium, Sri Lanka dominate the rivalry with nine wins from ten encounters.
Pitch report and match scenarios
The R Premadasa Stadium offers a surface that starts flat with consistent bounce before slowing down as the match progresses. As the black-soil wicket wears, spinners gain grip and assistance, making stroke play increasingly difficult in the middle overs. Fast bowlers rely more on variations than pace, particularly in day-night conditions. Teams batting first generally aim for scores in the 260 to 280 range to remain competitive.
Live streaming and broadcast details
In India, the match will be broadcast on Sony Sports Network, with live streaming available on the Sony LIV app and website. Viewers in Pakistan can watch the game on PTV Sports and stream it via the PTV Sports digital platforms. In the United Kingdom, coverage will be available on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Go. Australian viewers can follow the action on Fox Sports and Kayo Sports. Global audiences can access live streaming through official ICC and regional broadcasting partners’ apps and websites.
Match prediction
Both teams possess strong spin resources, which are likely to dictate terms as the match unfolds. England’s batting depth offers flexibility, but adapting to prolonged spin spells remains a challenge in Colombo. Sri Lanka’s familiarity with conditions, combined with their dominant record at the venue, gives them a slight edge. A closely fought contest is expected, with Sri Lanka holding a marginal advantage heading into the second ODI.
