Sri Lanka will aim to build on their early momentum when they take on England in the second ODI of the ongoing three-match series on Saturday, January 24. The match will be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, with the hosts heading into the contest after winning the opening ODI match.
Sri Lanka began the ODI series with a 19-run win over England in Colombo on Thursday. After opting to bat, the hosts posted 271 for 6, with Kusal Mendis’ unbeaten 93. England struggled despite a late push from Jamie Overton and were bowled out for 252 in 49.2 overs at the R. Premadasa Stadium.
This article provides a detailed preview of the SL vs ENG second ODI, covering free live streaming details, pitch and weather reports, head-to-head records, and key stats.
SL vs ENG 2nd ODI Preview:
Date and Venue:
The R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo will host the second ODI of the series between Sri Lanka and England on Saturday, January 24.
SL vs ENG Squads:
Sri Lanka Squad: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando, Jeffrey Vandersay, Pramod Madushan, Dunith Wellalage, Pavan Rathnayake, Milan Priyanath Rathnayake, Sadeera Samarawickrama
England Squad: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook(c), Jos Buttler(w), Will Jacks, Sam Curran, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid, Luke Wood, Brydon Carse, Tom Banton, Rehan Ahmed
SL vs ENG Probable XIs:
England Playing XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook(c), Jos Buttler (wk), Rehan Ahmed, Sam Curran, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid
Sri Lanka Playing XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Pramod Madushan, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando
SL vs ENG 2nd ODI Key battles:
Wanindu Hasaranga vs Joe Root
Wanindu Hasaranga is the “trump card” for the hosts, particularly dangerous on home soil where his variations are lethal. With 111 scalps in 68 ODIs, he will be hunting for the big wicket.
Joe Root is England’s all-time leading run-scorer (7391 runs). Root is known for playing spin exceptionally well, using the sweep shot to disrupt rhythm. If Root settles, he can be “ominous,” but if Hasaranga spins a web early, England’s backbone could snap.
Maheesh Theekshana vs Ben Duckett
Ben Duckett will aim to “take on the home team from the start” with his aggressive play. However, his attacking intent will be tested by the guile of Maheesh Theekshana.
With 79 wickets at a tidy average of 28.03, Theekshana’s mystery spin in the powerplay and middle overs is designed to cramp stroke-makers. Duckett will look to hit over the top, while Theekshana will prey on a mistimed slice.
Charith Asalanka vs Adil Rashid
Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka is a strong competitor who controls the middle order and looks to take charge of the innings.
He is likely to face Adil Rashid, England’s main spinner with 235 wickets. Rashid often breaks partnerships in the middle overs. Asalanka’s skill in reading the googly and rotating the strike will be key if Sri Lanka want to build or chase a big total.
Janith Liyanage vs Sam Curran
Janith Liyanage has emerged as a reliable finisher for Sri Lanka, boasting a stellar average of 45-plus and the ability to provide “finishing touches.” He will be up against the death-bowling skills of Sam Curran.
Curran arrives with confidence from his ILT20 and BBL stints, offering left-arm pace angles and variations. Liyanage will look to launch him into the stands, while Curran will aim to cramp him with yorkers and cutters.
SL vs ENG 2nd ODI Key Players:
Sri Lanka – Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando
England – Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Adil Rashid
SL vs ENG 2nd ODI – Free Live Streaming and Telecast Details
TV Broadcast in India: The second ODI between Sri Lanka and England will be broadcast live across India on the Sony Sports Network.
Online Live Streaming in India: Fans can watch the match live on the SonyLIV and FanCode apps and websites. An active subscription may be required.
Match Date: The second ODI will be played on Saturday, January 24.
Venue: The match will take place at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
How to Watch on Television: Viewers can tune in to Sony Sports Network channels for the live telecast of the SL vs ENG second ODI.
How to Watch Online on Mobile and Web: Live streaming will be available via the SonyLIV and FanCode platforms on mobile devices and web browsers.
SL vs ENG 2nd ODI Weather and Pitch Report – Colombo
SL vs ENG: Weather Report in Colombo:
The weather in Colombo for the second ODI is expected to remain favourable for cricket. Conditions are likely to be mostly sunny, with daytime temperatures around 32°C, offering warm playing conditions at the R. Premadasa Stadium.
There is no rain forecast for match day, which reduces the chances of interruptions. With clear skies expected, fans can look forward to a full contest without weather-related delays.
SL vs ENG Pitch Report at R. Premadasa Stadium:
The pitch at the R. Premadasa Stadium is expected to offer even conditions early before changing as the match progresses. Batters can score freely at the start, with the surface providing good bounce.
However, the black-soil wicket slows down over time, bringing spinners into play as grip and turn increase, especially during the middle overs. Fast bowlers are unlikely to get much help, with limited swing or seam movement, particularly in day-night matches.
As the pitch wears, spin becomes the main factor, making team selection important. Both sides are likely to rely heavily on spinners, with Sri Lanka holding a slight edge due to home conditions and familiarity with the surface.
SL vs ENG Head-to-Head Records
| Stats | Matches | SL Won | ENG Won | Draw | Tied | NR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 80 | 38 | 38 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| In Sri Lanka | 27 | 17 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Last 5 ODIs | 5 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
SL vs ENG Head-to-Head Records: Key Statistics
As per ESPNcricinfo, Sri Lanka and England have played each other 80 times in ODIs, with the rivalry evenly balanced. Both teams have won 38 matches each, while one game ended in a tie and three produced no result.
In matches played in Sri Lanka, the two sides have met 27 times. Sri Lanka have the upper hand at home with 17 wins, while England have won nine matches. One fixture on Lankan soil ended without a result.
At the R. Premadasa Stadium, Sri Lanka have been especially dominant. The teams have faced off there 11 times, with Sri Lanka winning 10 matches and England managing just one victory.
SL vs ENG Head-to-Head Records: The Last 5 Matches
Sri Lanka have enjoyed more success in the recent ODI meetings against England. In the first ODI of the ongoing series, they defended their total at home in Colombo and won by 19 runs.
Before the ongoing sieres Sri Lanka had beat England by eight wickets while chasing a small target in the 2023 World Cup in Bengaluru.
During 2021, the series in England. England dominated the opening two matches and took control early in the series. In the second ODI, England cruised to an eight-wicket win and clinched the series win.
England won the first ODI by five wickets after successfully chasing Sri Lanka’s total of 185. The third ODI of that 2021 series did not produce a result, as rain ended the match early.
SL vs ENG Head-to-Head Records- Result of the last 5 games:
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Sri Lanka won by 19 runs in Colombo on January 22, 2026
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Sri Lanka won by 8 wickets in Bengaluru on October 26, 2023
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No Result in Bristol on July 4, 2021
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England won by 8 wickets at The Oval on July 1, 2021
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England won by 5 wickets at Chester-le-Street on June 29, 2021
SL vs ENG 2nd ODI – Conclusion:
During the second ODI between Sri Lanka and England, teams may prefer to bat first and post a competitive total, as scoreboard pressure could play an important role at the R. Premadasa Stadium.
Sri Lanka will look to build on their positive start to the series and continue their disciplined approach with both bat and ball, especially during the middle overs, where conditions can favour spin.
Sri Lanka hold a slight advantage after winning the opening match and playing at home. However, England have enough experience and depth to bounce back if they execute their plans well.
Both teams entered this series after difficult outings in their previous ODI assignments in November 2025. England endured a heavy defeat against New Zealand, while Sri Lanka went through a tough series where they were completely outplayed by Pakistan.
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