ENG vs SL Dream11 Prediction 2nd ODI 2026: Headingley Pitch Report, Playing XI & Best Fantasy Tips
ENG vs SL Dream11 Prediction 2nd ODI 2026: Fantasy Tips, Playing XI, Pitch & Match Analysis
England and Sri Lanka meet in the second match of their three-match One Day International (ODI) series at the historic Headingley ground in Leeds. Having taken a 1-0 lead after a competitive opening fixture, England enter this contest with momentum on their side. Sri Lanka, however, showed flashes of brilliance with the ball in the opening encounter and will be eager to level the series.
This comprehensive preview breaks down everything you need to know for the ENG vs SL 2nd ODI 2026 , including team news, pitch reports, head-to-head statistics, key player matchups, and optimized fantasy combinations for both small leagues and mega contests.
Table of Contents
Match Overview
The second ODI between England and Sri Lanka takes place at Headingley, Leeds. Here is a quick snapshot of the key match information:
| Parameter | Details |
| Match | England vs Sri Lanka, 2nd ODI |
| Series | Sri Lanka Tour of England 2026 |
| Date & Time | September 24, 2026 at 5:00 PM IST (11:30 AM Local Time) |
| Venue | Headingley, Leeds |
| Live Streaming / Broadcast | Sony Sports Network / Sony LIV |
| Series Status | England lead 1-0 |
Headingley, Leeds: Pitch Report & Weather Conditions
Pitch Behavior & Surface Analysis
Headingley is renowned for providing a balanced battle between bat and ball in 50-over cricket. Early on, seamers usually find significant lateral movement off the pitch and through the air due to atmospheric conditions. As the match progresses, the track tends to settle down, offering true bounce that allows stroke-makers to score freely once set.
- Average 1st Innings Score: ~226–250 runs
- Seam vs. Spin: Fast bowlers traditionally collect the majority of wickets at Leeds, leveraging the helpful conditions. Spinners play a crucial role during the middle overs to restrict scoring rates and build pressure.
- Chasing Advantage: Teams batting second have enjoyed a solid success rate at Headingley, winning approximately 55% of ODI matches played at this venue.
Weather Forecast
The forecast for Leeds predicts overcast conditions with temperatures hovering around 18°C. Cloud cover will aid swing bowlers throughout the match, and brief rain interruptions remain a possibility during the middle overs.
Team News & Form Guide
England Team Briefing
England come into the 2nd ODI following a disciplined performance in the series opener. Despite a slight batting collapse that saw them bowled out for 265 runs, their bowling unit stepped up remarkably. Led by exceptional performances from all-rounder Will Jacks , who starred with both bat and ball, England successfully defended their total by dismissing Sri Lanka for 176 runs.
Harry Brook continues to lead the side in this white-ball stretch, with top-order anchors like Joe Root and Ben Duckett looking to build substantial partnerships. In the bowling department, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, and Josh Tongue form a potent pace attack tailored for English conditions.
Sri Lanka Team Briefing
Sri Lanka demonstrated strong tactical discipline in the field during the 1st ODI. Sachindu Colombage and Dunith Wellalage proved effective with their spin and variation, keeping England’s scoring under control during key stages.
However, Sri Lanka’s top and middle-order batting failed to convert starts into big scores. Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, and Charith Asalanka will need to anchor the innings if Sri Lanka are to challenge England’s high-quality bowling lineup at Headingley.
Head-to-Head Record in ODIs
England and Sri Lanka share a closely contested rivalry in 50-over cricket. Over the decades, their ODI encounters have consistently delivered competitive matches.
| Outcome | Total Matches |
| England Wins | 39 |
| Sri Lanka Wins | 37 |
| No Result / Abandoned | 3 |
| Tied | 1 |
| Total Played | 80 |
Probable Playing XI
Both teams are expected to field strong lineups, balancing top-order stability with depth in bowling options.
| England Probable XI | Sri Lanka Probable XI |
| Ben Duckett | Pathum Nissanka |
| Tom Banton | Kamindu Mendis |
| Joe Root | Kusal Mendis (C & WK) |
| Harry Brook (C) | Pavan Rathnayake |
| Jos Buttler (WK) | Charith Asalanka |
| Will Jacks | Janith Liyanage |
| Rehan Ahmed | Dunith Wellalage |
| Jamie Overton | Dushmantha Chameera |
| Jofra Archer | Sachindu Colombage |
| Gus Atkinson | Asitha Fernando |
| Josh Tongue | Dilshan Madushanka |
Key Players to Watch for Dream11
1. Will Jacks (England)
Will Jacks has developed into an indispensable asset for England in white-ball cricket. His ability to deliver impactful spells during the middle overs combined with explosive strokeplay lower down the order makes him a top choice for the Captain role in fantasy leagues.
2. Harry Brook (England)
Captain Harry Brook displayed strong form in the 1st ODI, scoring 67 crucial runs. Playing at his home county ground in Yorkshire, Brook understands Headingley’s dimensions and conditions thoroughly, making him a prime candidate for a high points tally.
3. Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka)
As Sri Lanka’s most consistent white-ball top-order batsman, Pathum Nissanka possesses the technical sound technique required to counter early swing in England. A solid start from him will be vital if Sri Lanka are to set or chase a large total.
4. Dunith Wellalage (Sri Lanka)
Dunith Wellalage offers high fantasy value through his dual capability. He picked up crucial wickets in the previous fixture while adding valuable lower-order runs (45 runs), making him an ideal Vice-Captain option.
5. Gus Atkinson (England)
Gus Atkinson’s pace, seam movement, and back-of-a-length delivery style suit the Headingley pitch well. Expect him to strike early in the powerplay and during the death overs.
ENG vs SL Dream11 Prediction Teams
To maximize your chances of winning across different formats, here are two optimized Dream11 combinations—one tailored for Small Leagues / Head-to-Head contests and another designed for Grand / Mega Leagues.
Combination 1: Small League / Head-to-Head Team (Safe Setup)
This combination focuses on reliable, high-ownership players with proven consistency to ensure steady points in head-to-head matches.
| Position | Player Name | Team |
| Wicket-Keeper | Kusal Mendis | Sri Lanka |
| Batters | Joe Root, Harry Brook (VC), Pathum Nissanka, Ben Duckett | ENG / SL |
| All-Rounders | Will Jacks (C), Jamie Overton, Janith Liyanage | ENG / SL |
| Bowlers | Gus Atkinson, Asitha Fernando, Sachindu Colombage | ENG / SL |
- Captain: Will Jacks
- Vice-Captain: Harry Brook
Combination 2: Mega / Grand League Team (Differential Setup)
This combination takes calculated risks by appointing differential captains and picking explosive dynamic players who can swing high-stakes mega contests.
| Position | Player Name | Team |
| Wicket-Keeper | Jos Buttler | England |
| Batters | Joe Root, Harry Brook, Pathum Nissanka (C) | ENG / SL |
| All-Rounders | Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Janith Liyanage, Kusal Mendis | ENG / SL |
| Bowlers | Gus Atkinson, Asitha Fernando, Dunith Wellalage (VC) | ENG / SL |
- Captain: Pathum Nissanka
- Vice-Captain: Dunith Wellalage
Detailed Fantasy Tips & Match Strategy
- Prioritize Top-Order Batters & Seam All-Rounders: Given the early movement at Headingley, top-order batters who can survive the initial 10 overs are critical. All-rounders who bowl pace or medium-pace carry extra value due to pitch dynamics.
- Death-Overs Bowlers are Essential: Bowlers who operate in the final 10 overs of an ODI innings consistently collect wickets through mis-timed shots. Ensure you feature strike bowlers like Gus Atkinson or Asitha Fernando.
- Toss Factor: The team winning the toss is highly likely to opt to bowl first to take advantage of early overcast conditions and Headingley’s solid chasing record (55% win rate for chasing teams). Adjust your bowling picks based on who bowls first in the powerplay.
- Players to Approach with Caution: High-credit players who lack bowl-first or high-order bat scenarios (such as single-discipline lower-order bowlers on flat surfaces) can be rotated out for higher-utility all-rounders in multi-entry contests.
Match Winner Prediction
England enter the 2nd ODI as clear favorites due to their overall squad balance, deep batting order, and home advantage. However, if Sri Lanka’s pace attack can early break through England’s top order under cloudy skies, they possess the talent to stay highly competitive.
Predicted Winner: England to win the 2nd ODI and seal the series 2-0.
