A masterful knock from Joe Root guided England to a snug five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka within the second ODI of the England tour of Sri Lanka 2026 on the R. Premadasa Stadium. Chasing a modest goal of 220, England confirmed composure and management to succeed in 223 for five in 46.2 overs and take the match with ease.
Sri Lanka battle to construct momentum after selecting to bat
Opting to bat first after successful the toss, Sri Lanka by no means fairly managed to grab management of the innings. Openers Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara failed to offer a powerful begin, departing early and leaving the hosts underneath strain. Whereas Kusal Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva tried to stabilise the innings, England’s disciplined bowling saved wickets falling at common intervals.
Charith Asalanka performed probably the most affected person knock for Sri Lanka, top-scoring with 45 off 64 balls, whereas De Silva contributed a gradual 40 from 59 deliveries. Decrease down the order, Pavan Rathnayake’s 29 and Dunith Wellalage’s brisk 20 added some late resistance, however Sri Lanka had been ultimately bowled out for 219 in 49.3 overs.
England’s bowlers shared the spoils successfully. Jamie Overton impressed along with his management, choosing up two wickets for simply 21 runs, whereas Adil Rashid and Root claimed two wickets apiece to make sure Sri Lanka by no means broke free.
Additionally READ: SL vs ENG, ODI Series: Broadcast, Live Streaming details – When and where to watch in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, UK & other countries
Joe Root anchors England’s calm and composed chase
England’s reply started on a cautious observe, with early wickets stopping a speedy begin. Nonetheless, Root as soon as once more proved why he stays the spine of England’s ODI batting. Taking part in with trademark magnificence, Root compiled a match-defining 75 off 90 balls, discovering gaps with ease and rotating the strike to perfection.
Ben Duckett supported him with a fluent 39, whereas Harry Brook’s affected person 42 ensured England remained firmly in management regardless of the floor providing some help to the spinners. Sri Lanka tried to use strain by De Silva and Jeffrey Vandersay, each of whom picked up two wickets, however England’s depth made the distinction.
Jos Buttler’s quickfire 33 off simply 21 balls introduced the chase to a swift conclusion, as England crossed the road with almost 4 overs to spare.
England have wrapped up the match with 22 balls to spare 💪#SLvENG #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/UKnHIs0nr2
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 24, 2026
Additionally READ: Bangladesh officially pull out of T20 World Cup 2026; ICC announces replacement
