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

The head-to-head record between the two teams in ODIs is level at 38 apiece.

By CricTracker Staff

Updated - 24 Jan 2026, 08:52 IST

7 Min Read

The second ODI of the three-match series between Sri Lanka (SL) and England (ENG) is scheduled to be played at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Saturday, January 24. The head-to-head record between the two teams in ODIs is level at 38 apiece.

The Lankans took a 1-0 lead by winning the first ODI by a narrow 19-run margin. Opting to bat first, the hosts posted 271/6 in their quota of 50 overs on the back of an unbeaten 93-run knock from Kusal Mendis. Janith Liyanage contributed with 46 as well. Adil Rashid secured three wickets to his name.

Half-centuries from Ben Duckett and Joe Root meant England were on track in their chase. However, their dismissals sparked a collapse from which the Harry Brook-led unit could just not recover. Dunith Wellalage, who had earlier in the match played a cameo with the bat, won the Player of the Match award for 2/41 as well as a couple of catches while not bowling.


SL vs ENG Match Details

Match Sri Lanka vs England, 2nd ODI, England tour of Sri Lanka 2026
Date and Time (IST) Saturday, January 24; 2:30 pm
Venue R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Broadcast & Live Streaming Details Sony Sports Network & SonyLIV, Fancode (app & website)

R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo: Pitch Report

Spinners reigned supreme in the series-opening clash, picking up 11 of the 16 wickets to fall across both innings. A similar pattern is likely to unfold at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Saturday as well. Batting for both teams outside the initial powerplay only becomes increasingly difficult as the match progresses. The average first innings score in the 185 ODIs played at the venue is 230, indicating how difficult it is for batters.


SL vs ENG Head to Head ODI Record

Matches Played 80
Won by Sri Lanka 38
Won by England 38
Tied 1
No Result 3
First-ever Fixture February 13, 1982
Most-recent Fixture January 22, 2026

SL vs ENG Predicted Playing XIs

Sri Lanka (SL):

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 (ENG):

Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Sam Curran, Rehan Ahmed, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid


SL vs ENG Probable Best Performers

Probable Best Batter: Joe Root

Returning to white-ball cricket after nearly three months, Root looked quite composed at the crease for his 61 in the first match. He was able to efficiently rotate strike and picked the gaps with ease. The senior pro can be expected to play another crucial knock.

Joe Root (Source: Sameera Peiris/Getty Images)

Probable Best Bowler: Dunith Wellalage

Wellalage will understandably be overjoyed with his performance in the previous match. He contributed in every department and was one of the major reasons for Sri Lanka's win. The left-arm spinner will be eager to carry forward with his good form.

Dunith Wellalage (Source: Krishan Kariyawasam/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Today's Match Prediction: Team batting first to win the match

SL

vs

ENG

England tour of Sri Lanka

Match Information

vs
Jan 24, 2026
R.Premadasa Stadium, Khettarama, Colombo, Colombo
09:00 AM

First To Bat

Powerplay: 40-50
245-265

First To Bat

Powerplay: 40-50
210-230

Win Probability

SL 60%
ENG 40%

Disclaimer

The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.

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