On Saturday, January 24, R. of Colombo. Sri Lanka will face England in the second ODI of the three-match series at the Premadasa Stadium. This game is important for both the teams as the players look to acclimatise to the conditions ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, which will be played in subcontinent conditions.
England is under pressure after losing the opening match by 19 runs. The competition will test their team’s depth and ability to handle quality spin. Both teams have strong batting line-ups and diverse bowling attacks, and the Colombo conditions are expected to reward patient and disciplined stroke play.
This article takes a look at the probable playing XI for Sri Lanka and England, possible team combinations and key players to keep an eye on in the 2nd ODI.
Sri Lanka Playing XI vs England – 2nd ODI
Openers: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara
Pathum Nissanka is the leading batsman of Sri Lanka. He has scored 2,844 runs in 75 ODI matches at a strong average. Kamil Mishra is expected to be his partner at the top. Mishara has 121 runs in four ODI matches at an average of 30.25.
Middle-order and all-rounders: Kusal Mendis, Dhananjay de Silva, Sadira Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (captain), Zenith Liyange, Wanindu Hasaranga.
Kusal Mendis remains the most important cog in this batting unit. Mendis has scored 4,844 runs in 152 matches with 40 fifty-plus scores and can disappoint England if he settles down. The wicketkeeper-batsman scored 93 runs in 117 balls in the first ODI.
Dhananjaya de Silva, Sadira Samarawickrama and captain Charith Asalanka will strengthen the middle order. Zenith Liangz will aim to provide finalization.
Wanindu Hasaranga will lead the attack and is also a key all-rounder. He has scored over 1,100 runs and taken 111 wickets in 68 ODIs.
Bowlers: Mahesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando, Pramod Madushan
Mahesh Theekshana will complement Hasaranga with his spin. He has taken 79 wickets in 59 ODI matches at an average of 28.03. Asitha Fernando is a reliable fast bowler in this Sri Lankan team, having taken 37 wickets in 28 ODIs. Pramod Madushan completed the attack with 16 wickets in 12 ODIs.
Sri Lanka Playing XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamil Mishara, Dhananjay de Silva, Sadira Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (c), Zenith Liyange, Wanindu Hasaranga, Mahish Theekshana, Asitha Fernando, Pramod Madushan.
England Playing XI vs Sri Lanka – 2nd ODI
Openers: Ben Duckett, Tom Banton
Ben Duckett will aim to attack the home team with his aggressive approach from the start. After scoring 62 runs off 76 balls in the first match, Duckett will be hoping to win this match.
The left-handed batsman is likely to open with Tom Banton, who will look to provide a steady start. Banton has scored 180 runs in eight ODI matches at an average of 25.71. England may consider dropping Jack Crawley, who could only score six runs in the first match.
Middle-order batsmen and all-rounders: Joe Root, Harry Brook (captain), Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper), Jacob Bethel, Will Jacks, Sam Curran.
Joe Root is England’s leading ODI run-scorer with 7,391 runs at an average of 48.62. He had registered his 44th ODI half-century in the last game. Captain Harry Brook is a key figure in the batting line-up, having scored 1,176 ODI runs at an average of 35.6. Jos Buttler is nearing 5,500 ODI runs.
Jacob Bethel would like to contribute with his all-round skills. Will Jacques, who has been struggling with fitness, is another important option with bat and ball. He has scored 621 runs in 21 ODI matches at a strike rate above 104. Sam Curran comes in with confidence after strong performances in the ILT20 and BBL.
Bowlers: Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Liam Dawson
Jamie Overton gave 66 runs in the first ODI. With 238 wickets at an average of 31.41, Adil Rashid is England’s leading spinner and second-highest wicket-taker overall. Liam Dawson, who took one wicket for 31 runs in the opening match, has added another spin option to the attack.
England’s playing XI: Ben Duckett, Tom Banton, Joe Root, Harry Brook (captain), Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper), Jacob Bethel, Will Jacques, Sam Curran, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid.
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