A master knock Joe Root leader England to a comfortable five-wicket win over Sri Lanka In the second ODI of the Sri Lanka 2026 England tour at the R. Premadasa Stadium. Chasing a modest target of 220, England showed composure and control to reach 223 for 5 in 46.2 overs and take the match with ease.
Sri Lanka struggle to build momentum after electing to bat
Sri Lanka, who preferred to bat first after winning the toss, were never able to gain control of the innings. Openers Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara failed to provide a strong start, leaving early and leaving the hosts under pressure. while Where in Mandy and Dhananjaya de Silva wickets continued to fall at regular intervals to England’s disciplined bowling as they tried to stabilize the innings.
Charith Asalanka He played the most patient batting for Sri Lanka, scoring 45 off 64 balls while De Silva settled for 40 off 59 deliveries. Lower order Pawan Rathnayake29 and Dunith Wellalage‘s quick 20 added some late resistance, but Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 219 in 49.3 overs.
England’s bowlers shared the spoils impressively. Jamie Overton Impressed with his control, picking up two wickets for just 21 runs Adil Rashid and Root claimed two wickets each to ensure that Sri Lanka were never free.
Joe Root backs England’s calm and composed pursuit
England’s reply started on a cautious note, with early wickets preventing a fast start. However, Root proved once again why he remains the backbone of England’s ODI batting. Playing with trademark elegance, Root composed a match-defining 75 to 90 balls, finding the gaps with ease and turning the shot to perfection.
Ben Duckett backed it up with a fluent 39 Harry BrookeA patient 42nd over ensured England remained firmly in control, despite the surface offering some help to the spinners. Sri Lanka tried to apply pressure through De Silva and Jeffrey Vandersayboth took two wickets, but England’s depth made the difference.
If Buttler‘s quickfire 33 off just 21 balls resulted in a quick chase, England crossed the line with about four overs to spare.
England finished the match with 22 balls 💪#SLvENG #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/UKnHIs0nr2
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 24, 2026
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