Joe Root produced a masterful innings to guide England to a crucial five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in Colombo, finally ending a dismal run of away one-day international results. This triumph in the second ODI marked England's first win in 11 away matches since Brendon McCullum assumed the white-ball coaching role alongside his Test duties.
A Long-Awaited Breakthrough for McCullum's Side
Since taking on the additional responsibility for England's white-ball teams in January 2025, Brendon McCullum had witnessed ten consecutive ODI defeats on foreign soil. The tourists arrived in Colombo knowing that another loss would mean securing just one victory from their last eight 50-over series, adding significant pressure to the encounter.
Captain Brook's Tactical Masterstroke
Captain Harry Brook implemented an impressive bowling strategy, deploying an extraordinary 41 overs of spin to dismantle the Sri Lankan batting lineup. This tactical decision proved decisive as England's six spinners combined to claim seven wickets for 180 runs, restricting the hosts to a modest total of 219 all out in the final over.
Sri Lanka's innings never gained momentum after openers Kamil Mishara and Pathum Nissanka departed cheaply. Kusal Mendis contributed 26 before running himself out, while skipper Charith Asalanka top-scored with 45. England's spin attack, led by Adil Rashid who took 2-34, consistently strangled the scoring rate throughout the innings.
Root's Imperious Innings Steadies the Chase
Facing a target of 220 on a slow wicket under lights, England's chase began unconventionally with the surprise promotion of 21-year-old Rehan Ahmed to open the batting. The gamble failed as Ahmed was bowled for 13, leaving England at 13-1 and creating early tension.
Joe Root immediately announced his intent, caressing his first ball to the boundary for four. He combined with Ben Duckett in a rapid partnership of 69 runs from just 65 balls, taking the attack to Sri Lanka's spinners. When Duckett fell for 39 to a brilliant delivery from Jeffrey Vandersay, England found themselves at 88-2 with 132 still required.
Composure Under Pressure
The dismissal of Jacob Bethell for just six increased the pressure further, but Root remained unflappable at the crease. He reached his 45th ODI half-century and formed a composed 81-run partnership with captain Harry Brook to steady the innings.
Root eventually departed for 75, trapped lbw by Asitha Fernando, with the 35-year-old visibly frustrated after DRS upheld the decision despite his belief he had edged the ball. Brook followed soon after for 42, missing a sweep shot off Vandersay, but Jos Buttler's unbeaten 33 ensured England crossed the finish line with five wickets in hand.
Broader Implications for England's Cricket Future
This morale-boosting victory comes at a crucial time for English cricket, following a disappointing Ashes tour that ended in a 4-1 defeat. The win helps limit damage to England's world ranking as pressure builds regarding automatic qualification for the 2027 World Cup.
By defeating Sri Lanka at their own game through extensive use of spin bowling, England demonstrated tactical flexibility and resilience. The series now stands level at 1-1 ahead of Tuesday's decisive third ODI, with McCullum's men having finally broken their away-day hoodoo and restored some confidence to the squad.
