England Break ODI Losing Streak With Gritty Win In Colombo

England have snapped their 12-game away ODI losing streak in emphatic fashion, leveling the three-match series against Sri Lanka with a composed five-wicket win in the second ODI at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium on January 24, 2026. After a tense opener that saw Sri Lanka take a 1-0 lead, the visitors bounced back, thanks to a gritty, match-defining 75 from Joe Root and a disciplined bowling effort that restricted the hosts to 219 all out on a tricky, spin-friendly surface.

Heading into this high-stakes clash, the pressure was squarely on England. Having lost the first ODI by 19 runs, the tourists knew that anything less than victory would hand Sri Lanka the series. Sri Lanka, buoyed by Kusal Mendis’s unbeaten 93 and the spin wizardry of Dunith Wellalage in the opener, looked to ride the momentum and seal the series with a game to spare. But England, led by Root’s experience and the resolve of their spin attack, had other plans.

The afternoon began with Sri Lanka winning the toss and electing to bat first—a decision that seemed logical given the reputation of the Colombo pitch for aiding spinners as the match progresses. The hosts fielded an unchanged XI, with Charith Asalanka once again captaining the side and Kusal Mendis donning the gloves. England, captained by Harry Brook, also stuck to their guns, relying on a mix of youth and experience, with Root and Ben Duckett anchoring the middle order.

Sri Lanka’s innings never really found top gear. Pathum Nissanka provided a steady start with 26 from 37 balls, but wickets fell at regular intervals. Kamil Mishara managed just 5 before being caught by Duckett off Overton, and Kusal Mendis, the hero of the first match, was run out by Jacks for 26. The backbone of the innings came from Charith Asalanka (45 off 64) and Dhananjaya de Silva (40 off 59), who stitched together a crucial partnership in the middle overs. However, the English bowlers, especially the spinners, kept a tight leash. Adil Rashid was the pick of the lot, claiming 2 wickets, while Joe Root and Jamie Overton chipped in with two apiece. Sri Lanka’s lower order, despite some resistance from Pavan Rathnayake (29) and Dunith Wellalage (20), couldn’t push the score beyond 219, with the team being bowled out in 49.3 overs. Extras added just 7 to the total—a testament to England’s discipline in the field.

England’s chase, set at a modest 220, was far from straightforward. The pitch had already shown signs of wear, with considerable turn and variable bounce making life tough for the batters. But Joe Root, ever the calm presence, anchored the innings with a measured 75. He was ably supported by Harry Brook, whose 42 off 75 balls was his slowest ODI 40 to date—a reflection of the challenging conditions. Brook’s strike rate of 56 per 100 balls was a far cry from his usual tempo, but it was exactly what England needed: patience, grit, and an unwavering focus on the target.

Ben Duckett and Jos Buttler played vital supporting roles. Duckett, who had shown flashes of brilliance in the first ODI, chipped in with important runs, while Buttler’s unbeaten 33 at the death ensured there were no late hiccups. Will Jacks provided the final flourish, flicking the winning runs through long on to seal the deal with 3.4 overs to spare. The relief was palpable among the England players, who finally broke their away hoodoo in ODI cricket.

The match wasn’t without its drama. Dunith Wellalage, Sri Lanka’s young spin sensation and Player of the Match in the first ODI, bowled seven overs before leaving the field with an injury. His absence was felt in the latter stages of England’s chase, as the hosts struggled to find breakthroughs. Jeffrey Vandersay’s dismissal of England captain Harry Brook briefly gave Sri Lanka hope, but Buttler and Jacks calmly steered the visitors home.

After the match, Joe Root was named Player of the Match for his crucial 75. Speaking at the presentation, Root didn’t mince words about the playing conditions: “I don’t think that’s a great wicket for ODI cricket if I’m honest. I always love coming to Sri Lanka, it’s a great country, I always feel extremely welcome and it is nice to get a win on an extremely difficult surface. The key is to take the ball as late as possible. I think just use experience really, I’ve played a lot of cricket here, know the different nature of the turn. You have to be precise with your footwork.”

Root’s assessment was echoed by many observers, with the pitch drawing criticism for its excessive turn and lack of true bounce. Yet, it was precisely this challenge that made the contest so compelling. England’s spinners, led by Rashid, exploited the conditions superbly, while Sri Lanka’s own slow bowlers kept things interesting right until the end. The tactical battle between bat and ball was riveting, with every run fiercely contested and every wicket celebrated with gusto.

The head-to-head record between these two sides remains as tight as ever, with both teams now locked at 39 wins apiece in ODI encounters. The series, poised at 1-1, will be decided in the final match on January 27, 2026—a mouthwatering prospect for fans of both nations.

Looking ahead, both teams have plenty to ponder. Sri Lanka will be hoping for a quick recovery for Wellalage and a more commanding performance from their top order. England, meanwhile, will take heart from the resilience shown by their senior players and the composure of their spinners under pressure. With the series on the line, expect both sides to come out all guns blazing in the decider.

For now, England can savor a hard-earned victory in Colombo, a win built on experience, discipline, and the cool head of Joe Root. The ODI series is alive and kicking, and cricket fans everywhere will be counting down the days to the finale.