Hand-picked stories you can't miss
Sri Lanka will take on England in the second ODI of the three-match series at Headingley in Leeds on September 24, with the visitors looking to bounce back after suffering an 89-run defeat in the opening encounter at Chester-le-Street. England currently lead the series 1-0 after defending 265 successfully, bowling Sri Lanka out for 176.
Sri Lanka’s batting struggled to build partnerships in the first ODI, although Kusal Mendis provided some resistance with an unbeaten 40 before running out of partners. The visitors also found a positive in debutant leg-spinner Sachindu Colombage, who claimed 3/44 and impressed despite England posting a competitive total.
The second ODI will be another opportunity for Sri Lanka to adapt to English conditions and level the series. With the ODI squad containing a mixture of experienced campaigners and younger players, Charith Asalanka’s side could make a few tactical adjustments, but a largely settled XI is expected.
Here is the predicted Sri Lanka playing XI for the second ODI against England:
Pathum Nissanka is expected to continue at the top of the order. The right-hander is one of Sri Lanka’s most reliable white-ball batters and will be crucial to providing a solid platform against England’s new-ball attack.
Nissanka’s ability to play both pace and spin makes him an important part of Sri Lanka’s batting plans. After a difficult opening ODI, Sri Lanka will want their premier opener to spend more time at the crease in Leeds.
Kamil Mishara is likely to retain his place as Nissanka’s opening partner. The left-hander provides a different angle at the top and can complement Nissanka’s more measured approach.
Mishara will have a major role in the powerplay, particularly against England’s Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson. A strong start from the opening pair could help Sri Lanka avoid another early collapse.
Kusal Mendis is expected to lead Sri Lanka and keep wickets in the second ODI. He was one of the few Sri Lankan batters to show resistance in the opening game, remaining unbeaten on 40 as wickets fell around him.
His experience will be particularly valuable in Leeds. Mendis can control the tempo of the innings through the middle overs and accelerate when the situation demands.
Charith Asalanka should continue at No. 4 and serve as Mendis’ deputy. The left-handed batter is an important component of Sri Lanka’s middle order and can play the role of an innings-builder.
Asalanka will need to spend substantial time at the crease if Sri Lanka are to post a challenging total. His ability to rotate the strike and attack spin could also become important during the middle overs.
Kamindu Mendis is likely to retain his position in the middle order. The versatile batter gives Sri Lanka flexibility and has the ability to contribute with both bat and ball.
His presence becomes especially valuable in English conditions because he can provide another option if the main bowlers struggle to maintain pressure. Sri Lanka’s ODI squad includes Kamindu alongside Asalanka, Janith Liyanage and Pavan Rathnayake as key middle-order options.
Janith Liyanage could continue at No. 6 after being included as one of Sri Lanka’s principal middle-order options for the tour.
He can play according to the match situation, whether that means rebuilding after early wickets or increasing the scoring rate during the final phase. Sri Lanka will need greater contributions from this part of the batting order after their middle order struggled in the opening ODI.
Wanindu Hasaranga should provide the all-round balance at No. 7. The leg-spinner is one of Sri Lanka’s leading limited-overs players and offers a genuine wicket-taking option through the middle overs.
With England’s batting lineup containing several aggressive players, Hasaranga’s ability to break partnerships could be crucial. He also gives Sri Lanka valuable lower-order hitting.
Dunith Wellalage is expected to continue as another spin-bowling all-rounder. His left-arm orthodox bowling can complement Hasaranga and provide Sri Lanka with a different angle.
Wellalage’s batting also gives Asalanka additional depth, allowing the captain to field a balanced XI without sacrificing bowling options.
Maheesh Theekshana should lead Sri Lanka’s powerplay and middle-overs spin attack. The mystery spinner can be particularly effective against aggressive batters because of his variations and ability to bowl economically.
The Headingley conditions may encourage Sri Lanka to use him strategically, especially against England’s right-hand-heavy middle order.
Dushmantha Chameera is likely to spearhead the pace attack. His experience and ability to generate pace make him an important option against England’s aggressive top order.
Sri Lanka’s bowling attack includes Chameera, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka, giving the visitors several seam-bowling combinations to choose from.
Dilshan Madushanka could complete the XI as the second specialist left-arm seamer. He was added to Sri Lanka’s squad after Binura Fernando was ruled out of the T20I leg with a back injury, although Madushanka is also part of the ODI squad.
His ability to swing the ball and attack the stumps could make him a useful weapon against England’s top order.
Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (C & WK), Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka
The Sports Live Hub (SLH) provides the most comprehensive gateway for global cricket fans to follow the international Matches.
Our hub sports live stream is optimized for high-intensity T20 action. By leveraging advanced server technology, SLH ensures that your stream remains stable even during the highest viewership peaks. Watch the battle without the frustration of buffering or lag.
The sport hub live streaming interface on SLH offers more than just a video feed. Fans can access a real-time AI Overview of the match, featuring live win-probability shifts, player impact scores, and ball-by-ball tactical analysis. It is the perfect companion for viewers who want to stay ahead of the game with professional-grade insights.
We are committed to making cricket accessible to a worldwide audience. By visiting the SLH portal, users can find verified pathways to watch sports live for free through authorized regional partner trials, free-to-air digital gateways, and promotional streaming passes. Join millions of fans globally as we witness the drama of the international Matches.
cricket
cricket
cricket