Sri Lanka vs England 2nd ODI Highlight was shaped by patience rather than power. On a slow Colombo surface, Sri Lanka scraped to 219, a total that felt competitive but never fully convincing. England responded with control first, choking the middle overs with spin, then clarity in the chase. Joe Root once again became the stabiliser, Harry Brook absorbed pressure during the hardest phase, and Jos Buttler finished the job late. After losing the opener, England adjusted smarter to conditions, used their bowling depth wisely, and showed they could win without dominating, levelling the series at 1-1.
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Stoped Them Right There!
England’s bowling plan was simple but effective: protect straight boundaries, bowl into the pitch, and force Sri Lanka to manufacture shots. Adil Rashid was central to that control, breaking rhythm and attacking the stumps, while Jamie Overton mixed seam and cutters to keep batters guessing. Sri Lanka found singles hard to come by, especially once the ball softened. They were never allowed a free passage through the middle overs, which kept the total in check.
Flicked hard off the pads… and OUT! ❌
Adil Rashid scampers round at fine leg to take a low catch. Janith Liyanage gone for 12.
🇱🇰 1️⃣5️⃣1️⃣-5️⃣ pic.twitter.com/3O03G3375X
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) January 24, 2026
Good Wickets by Liam Dawson and Will Jacks
Liam Dawson and Will Jacks provided crucial breakthroughs just as Sri Lanka looked to build momentum. Dawson’s accuracy made stroke-making risky, while Jacks’ sharp fielding and tidy overs turned pressure into wickets. Kusal Mendis’ run-out, sparked by Jacks, summed up England’s alertness. These were not flashy spells, but they shortened Sri Lanka’s innings and ensured no batter could dominate for long.
Pavan Rathnayake holes out to Liam Dawson and Will Jacks has his first.
🇱🇰 1️⃣9️⃣3️⃣-7️⃣ pic.twitter.com/8jqmVBgz4A
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) January 24, 2026
Not Easy, but England Need this Win
Chasing on this surface was never going to be smooth. England knew that after losing the first ODI, another defeat would deepen doubts about their overseas form. The key was resisting panic. Early runs were earned rather than gifted, and the focus was on staying in the contest rather than racing ahead. Someone needed to bat deep, and England trusted their experience to carry them through.
Joe Root takes two in two to end the Sri Lanka innings.
We require 220 to win.
🇱🇰 2️⃣1️⃣9️⃣ pic.twitter.com/kGkNxu0Nde
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) January 24, 2026
Made it! Lions Took one Back
England crossed the line with five wickets in hand, but the margin did not reflect how carefully the chase was managed. When Sri Lanka sensed an opening after a couple of wickets, England shut the door quickly. Buttler’s late hitting ensured there was no final twist, and England finally converted control into points, tying the series and restoring belief.
England chase it down to win by 5 wickets. The series is tied at 1-1 with one to play. 🏏#SLvENG #SriLankaCricket pic.twitter.com/8TXqG7utf8
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) January 24, 2026
Joe Root’s Consistent Shined the Way
Joe Root was the difference. His 75 was not about domination but about timing the chase perfectly. He rotated strike effortlessly, punished loose balls, and neutralised Sri Lanka’s spinners by playing late and straight. On a pitch that demanded restraint, Root showed why he remains England’s most reliable ODI batter in tough conditions.
Joe Root top-scores with 75 as ENGLAND WIN! 😍
🤝 @IGcom pic.twitter.com/skwvBAuax4
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) January 24, 2026
Gotta Gave them Credit, Root and Brook
Charith Asalanka, Sri Lanka Captain: “At least 30 runs short when batting. Kusal’s run-out, my dismissal and Dhananjaya’s… areas to improve. WIth this heat, it’s hard to push singles to seconds. Have to concentrate and save energy. Credit goes to their batters, especially Root and Brook.
Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka admitted his side were short by around 30 runs and praised England’s batting, especially Root and Harry Brook. Brook’s contribution was quieter but just as important. He absorbed pressure, defended well against spin, and allowed Root to dictate tempo. Together, they built the partnership that decided the match.
Sri Lanka vs England Match Result：Scorecard
| Sri Lanka | England |
| 219 | 223/5(46.2) |
Tied, One Winner Next Match
With the series level, the decider now comes down to adaptation. Sri Lanka will look for more intent from their middle order, while England will trust Root’s form and Rashid’s control again. If conditions remain slow, discipline rather than aggression will decide the series. England have shown they can learn quickly. Sri Lanka must now do the same.
