The sl vs eng 2nd ODI Dream11 prediction today match on 24 Jan 2026 becomes critical as Sri Lanka look to seal the series at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Sri Lanka holds a 1-0 advantage after their 19-run victory in the opener.
England are desperate to level the series and avoid their seventh defeat in eight ODIs.
The Khettarama pitch favors spin, which dominated the first match.
Both squads will strategize around middle-overs control and managing the turning track.
SL vs ENG 2nd ODI Dream11 Prediction Today Match
This preview covers match details, pitch analysis, key players, and fantasy cricket picks for the crucial second ODI.
Sri Lanka vs England Match 2 Preview
Sri Lanka and England clash in the second ODI of their three-match series. The hosts dominated the opening game through spin and disciplined batting.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Sri Lanka vs England, 2nd ODI |
| Date | 24 January 2026 |
| Time | 2:30 PM IST / 9:00 AM UK |
| Venue | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo |
| Series | England Tour of Sri Lanka 2026 |
Kusal Mendis anchored Sri Lanka’s innings with an unbeaten 93 in the first ODI. The home spinners then strangled England’s chase, taking six wickets between them. England’s middle order collapsed from 180/3 to 215 all out.
Both teams are using this series to prepare for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in February. The format shift makes this ODI series a testing ground for core strategies and player form assessment.
Series Standings
- Sri Lanka’s Advantage
Sri Lanka hold a 1-0 lead after their comprehensive 19-run win. The hosts controlled all three phases of the game through disciplined bowling and smart batting. Their four-spinner attack proved decisive on the turning Colombo pitch.
- England’s Pressure Situation
England must win to stay alive in the series. They have lost six of their last seven ODIs, continuing their format struggles. Captain Harry Brook and Jos Buttler both failed in the opener, increasing pressure on the batting lineup.
- Impact on Team Selection
Sri Lanka are likely to retain their winning combination. England may consider changes to counter spin better, with Will Jacks potentially returning if fit. Both teams face selection dilemmas around spin-bowling balance and batting depth.
Pitch Report
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Pitch Type | Spin-friendly, slow turner |
| Average Score (ODI) | 231 runs |
| Favors | Spinners, especially in middle overs |
| Surface | Dry track offers grip and turn |
| Boundaries | Square: 63-67m, Straight: 71-80m |
| Toss Factor | 55% win rate batting first |
The R. Premadasa Stadium historically assists spinners. The surface offers significant grip as the match progresses. Sri Lanka’s spinners shared six wickets in the first ODI, completely choking England’s chase under lights.
Weather Report
| Condition | Details |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 28-30°C |
| Humidity | 75-85% |
| Wind Speed | Light |
| Rain Chance | Possible afternoon showers |
| Dew | Expected later in evening |
Typical Colombo weather in January brings afternoon shower possibilities. However, dew in the evening could assist chasing teams slightly. The pitch slowdown factor outweighs dew advantage at this venue.
Toss Prediction
- Why Batting First Matters?
The pitch slows down significantly under lights. The ball starts to grip and turn sharply as the surface dries. Teams batting first have a 55% win rate at Khettarama, making it a statistically safer option.
- Toss Strategy at Colombo
The captain winning the toss will likely bat first. Setting a target allows teams to dictate terms on a deteriorating surface. Chasing becomes extremely difficult when spinners operate in the middle overs on a used pitch.
Teams Injury Updates
Sri Lanka
- Key Player Updates
Charith Asalanka led effectively in the first ODI and also contributed with the ball. Kusal Mendis remains the backbone after his match-winning 93. Dunith Wellalage was Player of the Match with all-round contributions.
- Possible Playing XI Stability
Wanindu Hasaranga may return to the XI after missing the opener. Dushmantha Chameera has been rested for upcoming T20I commitments. Sri Lanka will likely maintain their winning combination with minimal changes.
England
- Fitness Concerns
Will Jacks missed the first ODI due to illness but could return. Zak Crawley scored just 6 in his ODI return. Harry Brook and Jos Buttler both failed, scoring 6 and 11 respectively.
- Spin-Handling Changes
England may restructure their middle order to counter spin better. Jamie Overton impressed with 34 off 17 balls, providing a template for aggressive lower-order hitting. Adil Rashid was their best bowler with 3/44.
SL vs ENG Head-to-Head Records
| Category | Stats |
|---|---|
| Total ODI Matches | 80 |
| England Wins | 38 |
| Sri Lanka Wins | 38 |
| Tied | 1 |
| No Result | 3 |
The head-to-head record stands perfectly level at 38-38 after 80 ODIs. Sri Lanka now lead 1-0 in this series and possess home advantage. England’s recent form shows six defeats in seven ODIs, while Sri Lanka bounced back from their Pakistan series losses.
Last Five ODI Meetings
- Most Recent Clash
Sri Lanka won by 19 runs on 22 January 2026 in the series opener. The hosts posted a competitive total before spinners dominated England’s chase completely.
- Previous Dominant Win
Sri Lanka crushed England by 8 wickets with 146 balls remaining on 26 October 2023. This comprehensive victory showcased Sri Lanka’s dominance in home conditions against England’s struggling ODI setup.
- No Result Encounter
Rain washed out the match on 4 July 2021 without a result. Weather interventions have occasionally disrupted this fixture, particularly during England’s home summer season.
- England’s Successful Chase
England won by 8 wickets with 42 balls remaining on 1 July 2021. Their batting lineup successfully chased down the target with considerable ease and time to spare.
- Series-deciding Moment
England won by 5 wickets with 91 balls remaining on 29 June 2021. This victory was part of England’s dominant home series performance during that period.
Top Picks For The Match
| Player | Team | Reason for Pick |
|---|---|---|
| Kusal Mendis | Sri Lanka | Unbeaten 93 in opener, high Dream11 points potential as wicketkeeper-batter |
| Dunith Wellalage | Sri Lanka | All-rounder delivered 25 runs, 2 wickets, 2 catches for maximum Dream11 points |
| Adil Rashid | England | 3/44 in first ODI, proven wicket-taker on turning tracks, captain/vice-captain option |
| Joe Root | England | Scored 61 in opener, averages 48 in ODIs, reliable points scorer in middle order |
| Jeffrey Vandersay | Sri Lanka | 2/39 including key wickets of Root and Duckett, wicket-taking option on spin-friendly pitch |
| Jamie Overton | England | Explosive 34 off 17 balls, differential pick for all-rounder slot with high strike potential |
| Charith Asalanka | Sri Lanka | Captain took wicket, provides captaincy bonus, batting and bowling flexibility for Dream11 |
Conclusion:
The sl vs eng 2nd odi dream11 prediction today match on 24 jan 2026 offers clear fantasy cricket opportunities based on pitch conditions and recent form.
Spin-bowling all-rounders and anchoring batters provide maximum Dream11 points potential on Colombo’s turning track.
England must counter spin better to stay alive in the series. Sri Lanka can seal the series with smart selection and disciplined execution.
Fantasy players should prioritize spinners and middle-order batters who handle pressure well.
Match Highlights:
- Match Date: 24 January 2026 at 2:30 PM IST
- Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
- Toss Importance: Critical for batting first advantage on a deteriorating pitch
Also Check:
- ENG vs SL Head To Head Records in All Format
- England vs Sri Lanka 2026 Ticket
- England Tour of Sri lanka 2026 Schedule
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