England came into the second ODI on a sluggish R Premadasa surface with a challenge and left Colombo having delivered a statement. Chasing 220 to stay alive in the three-match series, Joe Root produced a commanding innings that combined authority with calm calculation, steering England to a five-wicket victory with 22 balls to spare and levelling the series 1–1.
Root’s knock of 75 off 90 balls, his second successive half-century, was the defining feature of a disciplined chase. Anchoring partnerships with Ben Duckett and young captain Harry Brook, Root dictated terms, finding gaps and managing the strike while England’s bowlers ensured Sri Lanka’s total remained within reach. His brilliance was complemented by his own impact with the ball earlier, claiming 2 for 12 off 2.3 overs to finish off the Sri Lankan innings and underline his all-round influence.
England stumbled briefly when Rehan Ahmed was dismissed for 13 by Dhananjaya de Silva in the fifth over, but Duckett and Root stabilised the chase, putting on a crucial 68 for the second wicket. Duckett made 39 before being bowled by Jeffrey Vandersay, while Jacob Bethell’s cameo ended quickly as he chipped a delivery from de Silva to cover for six. Even these minor hiccups could not slow the inevitable. Root continued to press, methodically punishing any loose deliveries and keeping England on track. Brook provided steady support, adding 42 runs before falling to Vandersay. Jos Buttler’s unbeaten 33 guided the side home in the closing stages.
Earlier, Sri Lanka’s innings never reached the level required on a pitch that demanded patience and discipline. They were bowled out for 219 in 49.3 overs, despite starts from Charith Asalanka (45) and Dhananjaya de Silva (40). Kamil Mishara (5) and Pathum Nissanka (26) fell cheaply, while Kusal Mendis (26) was run out in the 17th over, triggering a collapse. Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, and the tail offered sporadic resistance, but the innings lacked authority and cohesion.
England’s bowlers exploited the conditions with precision. Jamie Overton (2 for 21), Adil Rashid (2 for 34), Liam Dawson (1 for 41), Will Jacks (1 for 47) and Root ensured Sri Lanka never built partnerships of significance. Even the spinners bowled 40.3 overs collectively—a record for England in ODI cricket—proving relentless pressure can dismantle a lineup, even on a batting-friendly surface.
Sri Lanka’s chaseable total was undermined by poor shot selection and slow scoring, allowing England to dictate the game with method rather than brute force. The wickets of Asalanka and de Silva were key moments, but the outcome was already slipping from the hosts’ grasp as Root’s authority dominated the middle overs.
With the series now level, the decider in Colombo promises high drama. England, with momentum firmly on their side, have shown they can control the narrative on foreign soil. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, must regroup and address both intent and execution if they are to seize the advantage in the final ODI.
England 223/5 (46.2 overs) beat Sri Lanka 219 (49.3 overs) by 5 wickets. Player of the Match: Joe Root.
