England vs Sri Lanka Today's Match Prediction, 2nd ODI - Who will win today’s match?
Harry Brook, Kusal Mendis (Source: X/@OfficialSLC)
Published - 23 Sep 2026, 10:43 AM• Read time - 12 mins
After a comprehensive victory in the first ODI, England will be eager to seal the series as they take on Sri Lanka in the second fixture on Thursday, September 24, at Headingley, Leeds. After a good start, England failed to finish the innings well, getting bundled out for 265.
However, Will Jacks’ all-round brilliance sealed a massive 89-run win for the hosts, as he picked up a five-wicket haul (5/22, 7 overs) after scoring 46 (47) with the bat.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka managed to make a good comeback with the ball in the second half of the innings. However, they had a disappointing show with the bat, with only captain Kusal Mendis (42 off 60) and Dunith Wellalage (45 off 36) making decent contributions.
The visitors will be having their backs against the wall heading into a must-win fixture, while England will be confident to take an unassailable lead with another win in the second ODI.
ENG vs SL Match Info
| Date | Fixture | Match No | Venue | Start time (Local time) |
| Thursday, September 24 | England vs Sri Lanka | 2nd ODI | Headingley, Leeds | 12:30 PM |
Headingley Stadium Stats
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Matches Played | 48 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 18 |
| Matches Won Bowling First | 27 |
| No Result | 3 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 225 |
| Average 2nd Innings Score | 211 |
| Highest Total Recorded | 351/9 (50) by England vs Pakistan, 2019 |
| Lowest Total Recorded | 93/10 (36.2) by England vs Australia, 1975 |
| Highest Score Chased | 322 [324/2 in 37.3 overs] by Sri Lanka vs England, 2006 |
| Lowest Score Defended | 165/9 (60) by England vs Pakistan, 1979 |
Also Check: ENG vs SL 2026 Stats
Headingley Pitch Report and Playing Conditions:
| Aspect | Batters | Pacers | Spinners |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Assistance | Good | Good | Decent |
| Bounce | Good | Good | Moderate |
| Movement/turn | Good | Minimal after powerplay | Decent |
| Best Phase | Middle overs | With the new ball | Middle Overs |
ENG vs SL Head-to-Head record (ODIs)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 83 |
| England | 41 |
| Sri Lanka | 38 |
| Tied | 1 |
| No Result | 3 |
England vs Sri Lanka Predicted Playing 11
England (ENG):
Tom Banton, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook(c), Jos Buttler(w), Will Jacks, Rehan Ahmed, Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue
Sri Lanka (SL):
Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis(w/c), Pavan Rathnayake, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Sachindu Colombage, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka
Players to watch out for in ENG vs SL
Jos Buttler (ENG):
The wicketkeeper batter failed to convert his good start in the first ODI, getting dismissed for 31 (33). Buttler will be hungry for a big score in the upcoming fixture, especially after his terrific show in the T20I series.
Dilshan Madushanka (SL):
The left-arm speedster registered economical figures of 1/45 in ten overs in the first ODI. Madushanka will again shoulder the responsibility of giving a good start with the new ball in the second ODI for Sri Lanka, who will be desperate to save the series.
Today's Match Prediction: England to win
Disclaimer: This prediction is based on current form, team balance, and available match data. Cricket remains unpredictable, and actual results may vary.