The second ODI in Colombo is shaping up to be a carbon copy of the first—at least if Sri Lanka has anything to say about it. After securing a 19-run victory in the opening match, captain Charith Asalanka won the toss and elected to bat first once again at the R. Premadasa Stadium. Relying on a “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it” philosophy, the hosts have named an unchanged XI, setting their sights on a target of 270 to put the scoreboard pressure back on the visitors.
England’s Bold Tactical Shuffle: Rehan Ahmed Promoted
The biggest talking point at the toss wasn’t just the sweltering heat, but England’s surprising tactical pivot. With Zak Crawley sidelined due to a knee injury, the fit-again Will Jacks returns to the lineup. However, in a move that caught many by surprise, Harry Brook confirmed that Jacks will not be taking the opening slot. Instead, teenage leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed has been promoted to the top of the order.
England is clearly looking to capitalize on Rehan’s fearless approach. After his cameo of 27 in the first game, the management hopes his promotion can provide a “pinch-hitting” spark to unsettle Sri Lanka’s disciplined new-ball attack. Brook, visibly frustrated by losing the toss on a punishingly humid day, emphasized that his side needs to execute their skills better—particularly when navigating the middle overs against Sri Lanka’s relentless spin battery.
Pitch Report and Playing Conditions at Khettarama
The surface for today’s clash appears even drier than the one used on Thursday, which suggests the spinners will have plenty of purchase as the match progresses. While the overhead conditions are typical for Colombo—hot and humid with a slight threat of afternoon rain—the weather isn’t expected to prevent a full result. The ground’s dimensions remain a challenge for the bowlers, with short 69-metre square boundaries offering plenty of incentive for the batters to clear the ropes.
The Starting Lineups:
- Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Dunith Wellalage, Pramod Madushan, Jeffrey Vandersay, Asitha Fernando.
- England: Rehan Ahmed, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Will Jacks, Sam Curran, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid.
England’s strategy of “keeping the stumps in play” will be vital today. If they can’t make early inroads into the Sri Lankan top order, they risk being strangled by spin on a dry deck late in the chase.
