Match 2nd ODI
England Tour of Sri Lanka (3 ODIs)
January 24, 2026, 2:00 pm
Sri Lanka Logo
Sri Lanka
Odds » 2.02
VS.
England Logo
England
Odds » 1.80
R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

SL vs ENG Today’s Match Prediction & Cricket Betting Tips: England Tour of Sri Lanka, 2nd ODI, January 24

Published on: Jan 23, 2026 2:30 pm IST | Updated on: Jan 26, 2026 10:49 am IST

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The hosts have kicked off the 3-match ODI series on a positive note with a 19-run victory over England. It was a brilliant show with both bat and ball from the hosts in the previous game, and they ensured they were on the right side of the finishing line. The two teams will now square off in the second game of this series at the same venue. For Sri Lanka, it’s an opportunity to seal the series, whereas England will look to win this game to stay alive in the series. In this post, we have come up with free expert tips for the 2nd ODI Match, SL vs ENG at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.

Win Probability: SL vs ENG

The winning probability should lean in favor of the hosts, Sri Lanka, yet again. At home, the Lankans are a tough side to beat, but that doesn’t mean England won’t pose a threat to them. Interestingly, many sportsbooks have pipped England as the favorites in this fixture, but Sri Lanka’s home record should have the last laugh over the English side. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for the 2nd ODI match, SL vs ENG, at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.

SL: 56% win chance
ENG: 44% win chance

  • Sri Lanka has registered 2 wins and suffered 3 losses in the last 5 ODIs.
  • England has now lost their last 4 ODIs on the trot and have only a solitary win in the last 5 ODIs.
  • In their last 5 ODI meetings, both Sri Lanka and England have won two games each and one game ended without a result.

Cricket Betting Tips for SL vs ENG- 2nd ODI

Kusal Mendis to score Over 29.5

The wicket-keeper batter scored an unbeaten 93 off 117 deliveries. He was the top scorer in the previous ODI and will be a crucial bet in this match as well.

Pathum Nissanka to score Over 28.5

Pathum Nissanka did get a start in the last game, scoring 21 off 30. He has scored above 400 runs in the last 10 ODIs and will be a crucial bet in this game as well.

Joe Root to score Over 32.5

The English veteran scored a fifty in the previous fixture and has amassed 532 runs in his last 10 ODI innings. Expect Root to have yet another decent game with the bat.

Harry Brook to score Over 26.5

The English skipper got out cheaply in the previous fixture. However, he has scored 360 runs in his last 10 ODI knocks, averaging 40. He is a crucial bet in this match.

SL vs ENG Today’s Match Prediction

Check out our prediction for the SL vs ENG 2nd ODI match at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.

Sri Lanka eyeing to seal the series in the 2nd ODI itself

Sri Lanka will head into the second ODI against England with confidence and momentum after clinching a hard-fought 19-run victory in the series opener. The hosts showcased a balanced performance in the first game, with their batting unit laying a solid foundation and the bowlers executing their plans effectively to defend the total. Playing at the same venue, the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka, will be keen to replicate their winning formula and seal the three-match series with a game to spare.

For the home side, the focus will be on maintaining composure and consistency. Their spinners are expected to play a crucial role once again on the slow surface, while the batting lineup will aim to build partnerships and avoid collapses. England, on the other hand, find themselves in a must-win situation. Their batting faltered under pressure in the first ODI, and they will need to regroup quickly to stay alive in the series.

With both teams aware of the stakes, the second ODI promises to be a gripping contest. Sri Lanka will look to capitalize on home advantage and close out the series, while England will fight to force a decider.

England facing a precarious situation to stay alive in the series

England find themselves in a precarious position as they head into the second ODI against Sri Lanka, trailing 0-1 in the three-match series. Their 19-run defeat in the opener exposed vulnerabilities in the middle and lower-middle-order batting, leaving them with little margin for error. The batting unit, despite flashes of intent, failed to build partnerships under pressure, while the bowlers struggled to contain Sri Lanka’s middle-order surge on a slow, spin-friendly surface at the R. Premadasa Stadium.

With the series on the line, England must regroup quickly. Their top order needs to anchor the innings and convert starts into substantial scores, while the middle order must show greater resilience against spin. The bowling attack, too, requires discipline and sharper execution, particularly in the death overs, where runs leaked heavily in the first game.

Sri Lanka, buoyed by home advantage and momentum, will look to press hard and seal the series. For England, this contest is about survival, a must-win clash to force a decider and keep their hopes alive. The pressure is immense, and only a collective performance can rescue them from the brink. Let’s move ahead and check the cricket tips.

SL vs ENg Head-to-Head

Matches Played: 80
ENG won: 38
SL won: 38
No Result: 3
Tied: 1
RECENT form SRI LANKA: W L L L W
RECENT form ENGLAND: W L L L L

After a win in the last game, Sri Lanka has equaled England in terms of head-to-head wins in ODI cricket. In 80 ODIs so far, both England and Sri Lanka have secured 38 wins each, with 3 no results and a tied game. 

Team Analysis: Sri Lanka and England

How will the two teams, i.e., Sri Lanka and England, fare in the second ODI? Let’s take a look.

Sri Lanka (SL)

  • For precautionary measures ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, the spin duo of Wanindu Hesaranga and Maheesh Theekshana was rested.
  • With Sri Lanka winning the first game now, expect the team to field an unchanged eleven in this game.
  • However, Kamindu Mendis for Pavan Rathnayake could be an option the team management could consider.

Expected Starting 11

Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (WK), Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka (C), Pavan Rathnayake/Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Asitha Fernando, Jeffery Vandersay, Pramod Madushan

England (ENG)

  • Opting for three frontline spinners in Sri Lankan conditions was the right move from the English side.
  • Their batting faltered in the last game, especially in the middle order. The batters need to regroup and perform well in this fixture.
  • Jamie Overton could be replaced by Brydon Carse after the former gave away 66 runs in just 9 overs in the last game.
  • There is no injury concern for now in the squad.

Expected Starting 11

Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Joe Root, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (C), Jos Buttler (WK), Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton/Brydon Carse, Rehan Ahmed, Adil Rashid

Weather Conditions and Pitch Report

Here’s the pitch and weather report for the 2nd ODI between Sri Lanka and England at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo:

Pitch Report (R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo)Weather Report (Colombo)
– Traditionally a slow and low surface, assisting spinners.– Conditions: Warm and humid throughout the day.
– Batting is challenging; stroke play requires patience and timing.– Temperature: Around 29°C, typical tropical heat.
– Average first-innings score is usually 260–280 runs in ODIs.– Humidity: High (~70%), could test player fitness.
– Pacers get little help; reverse swing may come into play later.– Rain: Minimal chance of showers, mostly clear skies.
– Spinners dominate, especially in middle overs with grip and turn.– Wind: Light breeze, not expected to affect play.
– Overall: A bowler-friendly pitch, rewarding spin and discipline.– Overall: Hot, sticky conditions but no major rain threat.

Toss Prediction

At the R. Premadasa Stadium, captains will weigh spin-friendly conditions and humid Colombo weather. Winning the toss, the likely call is to bat first, aiming to post 270+ and let spinners exploit the slowing surface later. Dew under lights could aid chasing, but batting upfront remains safer.

Where to Watch Today’s Match

The online live streaming of the 2nd ODI match of the England tour of Sri Lanka will take place live on the SonyLIV app. The live TV coverage for this series will be available on the Sony Sports Network channels.

SL vs ENg: Today’s Match Predictions

Host Sri Lanka will be starting off as the favorites in this fixture. They have secured a win in the last ODI and have confidence heading into this game. On the other hand, England will be looking to bounce back and is desperate to break their 4-match losing streak, but for now, Sri Lanka should have their noses ahead in this contest. Therefore, as per our prediction, the hosts, Sri Lanka, are expected to win the SL vs ENG 2nd ODI match.

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Sri Lanka Logo
Odds » 2.02
VS.
England Logo
Odds » 1.80