SL vs ENG, 2nd ODI Match Prediction: Who will win today’s match between Sri Lanka and England?

The stage is set for a high-stakes encounter at the R. Premadasa Stadium England try to align the series with a revival Sri Lanka side. After a clinical 19-run win by the hosts in the first match, the 2nd ODI on January 24 will be a “must-win” for Harry Brook‘s young team.

Sri Lanka is going into this match with all the momentum. Their strategy of using “mystery” and orthodox spin has proven to be England’s Achilles heel. Where in Mendi is in sublime form, after 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.

The English ‘Bazball’ philosophy is being severely tested in Colombo. While Joe Root And Ben Duckett showed they have the technique to deal with spin with their 117-run stand in the first game, the subsequent collapse remains a major problem. England need more from their middle class, especially Brook and Jacob Bethelto navigate the spinning 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
• Location: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

SL vs ENG, Head-to-Head Record (ODIs):

Matches played: 80 | Sri Lanka won: 38 | England won: 38 | No result/draw: 4

R. Premadasa Stadium Field Report

The R. Premadasa Stadium surface remains one of the most tactical in the subcontinent. It is traditionally a slow and low track, but offers a clear advantage for teams that can handle the spinning ball. Expect the pitch to offer a lot of grip and turns, especially in the middle overs. The first ODI saw Sri Lanka’s spinners – Hasaranga, Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage – effectively stifle the flow of runs. This is rarely a 300+ location. A target of 260-280 is considered very competitive and difficult to chase under lights.

Also WATCH: Sri Lanka unveils ICC T20 World Cup 2026 trophy in 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 power play score: 40-50
• England total score: 250-260

Case 2:

• England wins the toss and bowls first
• Powerplay score Sri Lanka: 50-60
• Sri Lanka total score: 270-290

Match result: Team to bowl first to win the match

Also READ: Fans react after England’s miserable away match continues as Kusal Mendis steers Sri Lanka to hard-fought victory in 1st ODI