England vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI Preview & Tips - More ODI pain for Sri Lanka

By Ben Darvill

23 Sep 2026

Ben Darvill 23 Sep 2026

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England lead the three-match ODI series 1-0 after one game
Joe Root scored 44 from 52 in the first ODI
Preview, stats & head to head

Kusal Mendis of Sri Lanka (Getty Images)

England vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI Preview & Tips
Head To Head
England Form
Sri Lanka Form

England vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI Preview & Tips

England cruised into a 4-0 aggregate lead over Sri Lanka as their simple 89-run win in the first ODI backed up a 3-0 T20 series win over their opponents.

It is a case of going back to the drawing board for Sri Lanka after a change in format did little to revive their woeful batting unit.

England have won their last three ODI matches
Joe Root is averaging 51.15 in the ODI game

Head To Head

England have won six of their last 10 ODI's against Sri Lanka, with the latter winning just four meetings in this time.

England Form

England were not at their best with the bat in the opening ODI against Sri Lanka as they were forced to really battle for a score of 265 after being bowled out in 48.1 overs.

However, instead of allowing their score of well below 300 to truly matter, they went about taking regular Sri Lankan wickets as they cruised to an 89-run win. Will Jacks impressed with a measured 46 not out from 47 in the first ODI before returning figures of 5/22 with the ball in a standout performance.

Joe Root also looked solid for his 44 as he continued his excellent ODI form. He has been the bane of Sri Lanka's bowling attack for years, averaging 67.86 in the ODI game against them. I back Root to continue to plunder runs against Sri Lanka as England storm into a 2-0 series lead over the tourists.

Sri Lanka Form

Sri Lanka were right in the game when they had England on the ropes after whittling their batting unit down from 182/3 to 196/6, but they could not apply the killer blow as they allowed their opponents to amass a score of 265.

Most other sides would have seen this total as entirely chaseable, but the tourists have been hugely disappointing with the bat across their tour. Despite nearly making it to 50 for the loss of only one wicket, Sri Lanka still crumbled as they were bowled out for 176.

The fact that number seven batter Dunith Wellalage posted a top score of 45 is a major worry for the touring side as they were once again found out with the bat. Their inability to play Will Jacks is another issue, with spin ultimately accounting for six of the touring side's wickets.

While there are positives to be taken from their own bowling performance, they simply do not have the batting power or consistency to back it up. Playing England in English conditions is always a tough job, but this task is made even more difficult when a batting unit is unable to score runs.

Verdict

England v Sri Lanka 2nd ODI

I am backing Joe Root to continue to score runs for England as the home side storm into an unassailable 2-0 series lead.

England

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