In a thrilling encounter at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, England clinched a commanding 5-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the second ODI of their three-match series on Saturday. Joe Root’s masterful 75-run knock proved decisive as the visitors leveled the series 1-1, setting the stage for a decider on January 27.
Sri Lanka, electing to bat after winning the toss, struggled from the outset. They lost Kamil Mishara for just 5 runs with the score on 16. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis tried to steady the ship with a 42-run stand for the second wicket, but both fell shortly after—Nissanka for 26 and Mendis for 26.
A brief resurgence came through Dhananjaya de Silva and captain Charith Asalanka, who added 66 runs for the fourth wicket, pushing the score to 134. De Silva smashed 40 off 59 balls with four boundaries, while Asalanka contributed 45. Lower down, Pavan Rathnayake made 29 and Dunith Wellalage 20, but the innings folded at 219 in 49.3 overs.
England’s bowlers were relentless. Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, and Joe Root each claimed two wickets, with Liam Dawson, Will Jacks, and Rehan Ahmed picking up one apiece. This collective effort dismantled the hosts’ batting lineup.
Chasing 220, England lost Rehan Ahmed early at 20 runs. Ben Duckett and Joe Root then forged a crucial 68-run partnership for the second wicket. Duckett departed for 39, followed by Jacob Bethell for 6, leaving England at 97 for 3.
Root took charge alongside skipper Harry Brook, adding 81 runs for the fourth wicket. Root’s elegant 75 came off 90 balls, featuring five fours, before Brook fell for 42. Jos Buttler sealed the chase with an unbeaten 33 off 21 balls, including four boundaries, guiding England home in 46.2 overs.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers fought back with Dhananjaya de Silva and Jeffrey Vandersay taking two wickets each, and Asitha Fernando claiming one. England’s composure under pressure has now made the final ODI a must-win for both sides.
