England level series after Root rescue act: 2nd ODI (RPS)

England squared the series with a composed five-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the 2nd ODI, chasing down 220 with time to spare.

After being put in to bat, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 219, with Charith Asalanka and Dhananjaya de Silva offering resistance but lacking sustained support as England’s bowlers kept things tight.

In reply, Joe Root anchored the chase with a classy, measured innings, guiding England through the middle overs before late contributions ensured a comfortable finish.

The victory leveled the series 1–1, setting up a decider in the third ODI.

England 223 for 5 (Root 75, Brook 42, Dhananjaya 2-37, Vandersay 2-45) beat Sri Lanka 219 (Asalanka 45, De Silva 40, Root 2-12, Overton 2-21, Rashid 2-34) by five wickets.

Jan 2026.