SL vs ENG Match Prediction : 2nd ODI, England tour of Sri Lanka 2026
SL vs ENG Win Probability
100%
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka To Win, 2.00
Sri Lanka claimed the first ODI and will be high on confidence.
The home side’s spin attack is exceptionally well suited to subcontinental conditions.
Sri Lanka’s batting unit is far more comfortable building innings on slow pitches.
SL vs ENG Betting Tips
England total runs if batting first under 280.5
This line offers strong value given England’s ongoing struggle to adapt to slow subcontinental surfaces. In 2025, only one ODI at the R Premadasa Stadium saw a team cross the 280-run mark. With Sri Lanka’s spinners exerting control through the middle overs, England are likely to find sustained acceleration difficult again.
England not to hit a boundary four in the first over
England’s intent is usually aggressive, but Colombo’s surface makes early boundary-hitting risky. The new ball tends to grip slightly, forcing batters to prioritise strike rotation over power. Against disciplined opening spells, waiting beyond the first over for a boundary appears the more likely scenario.
Team form (Last 5 matches)
Sri Lanka
N/A
England
N/A
Sri Lanka’s familiarity with home conditions proved decisive in the first ODI. After both teams got a feel for the surface in the opening ODI, the hosts are well placed to push on further in the second match. Their superior control with the ball—particularly through spin—continues to be the biggest differentiator in this series.
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Sri Lanka vs England Head-to-Head Record
Sri Lanka edged England in the opening ODI of this series and also defeated them in their ODI World Cup meeting in 2023, underlining their growing dominance over England in home conditions.
Sri Lanka vs England Live-streaming and Broadcast
In India, the Sri Lanka vs England ODI series will be shown on the Sony Sports Network, with live streaming on SonyLIV and FanCode. Viewers in Sri Lanka can watch on local TV broadcasters, while England audiences can tune in via Sky Sports. The series will be available in Pakistan and Bangladesh through regional sports channels, in the USA on Willow TV, and in the UAE via Sony’s regional sports feeds and streaming platforms.
You can find live odds, updated tips after every day's play, and more information about this match at ocbsports.com.
SL vs ENG Team Previews
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka could not have scripted a better start to this ODI series. Posting a competitive 271 for 6 on a slow Colombo surface, the hosts showed composure and clarity with the bat. Kusal Mendis anchored the innings superbly with an unbeaten 93, while Janith Liyanage provided vital support. The late cameo from Dunith Wellalage turned a solid total into a match-winning one.
With the ball, Sri Lanka’s spinners applied relentless pressure. England were cruising at 129 for 1 before the middle overs saw a dramatic collapse. Dhananjaya de Silva, Dunith Wellalage, Charith Asalanka, and Jeffrey Vandersay combined for miserly spells, conceding at economy rates ranging from 2.75 to just under five runs per over.
That 19-run victory was not just a result—it was a statement. Sri Lanka’s blueprint of controlled batting followed by spin-led strangulation worked perfectly and is likely to remain unchanged.
Sri Lanka Expected Playing 11
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
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England
England’s first ODI performance in Colombo highlighted the same familiar issues. Conceding 271 suggested lapses in bowling discipline, with Jamie Overton proving particularly expensive.
With the bat, Ben Duckett and Joe Root did the heavy lifting through composed half-centuries, putting England firmly in control early. However, the middle order once again faltered against spin. Harry Brook’s scratchy innings and Jacob Bethell’s inability to rotate strike exposed England’s vulnerability in the middle overs.
A late surge from Jamie Overton briefly revived hopes, but being bowled out before utilising the full 50 overs underlined England’s inability to manage long chases on slow surfaces. With another stern spin test looming, England still appear some way off cracking the Sri Lankan conditions.
England Expected Playing 11
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 Toss Prediction
On a slow, spin-friendly surface like Colombo, batting first remains the preferred option. Every ODI played at this venue in 2025 was won by the side batting first, making the toss a potentially decisive factor once again.
Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
The R Premadasa Stadium traditionally favours spin, especially as the innings progresses. Bowlers who vary pace and trajectory are rewarded once the ball begins to grip. Batters who succeed here tend to rely on placement and strike rotation rather than raw power.
The average first-innings score at this venue in 2025 was 247. Conditions are expected to be warm and humid, with temperatures nearing 30°C. While Colombo can produce sudden showers, the forecast suggests only a minimal chance of rain.
SL vs ENG: Who Will Win?
Sri Lanka hold a clear early advantage in this series. Their ability to accumulate runs up top and then suffocate opposition batters with spin has proven highly effective against an England side low on confidence in ODIs. Unless England find significantly better answers against spin, the home side should remain in control.
Bet on Sri Lanka to win.
