Sri Lanka R. India successfully defended their fort at the Premadasa Stadium and registered a 19-run win over England in the first ODI to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Choosing to bat first on a surface that historically favors teams setting targets, the hosts posted a competitive score of 271/6 with the help of a resilient, unbeaten 93 from Kusal Mendis. In reply, England looked set to chase the target with ease thanks to a century partnership between Joe Root (61) and Ben Duckett (62). However, a dramatic middle-order collapse caused by Sri Lanka’s disciplined spin trio saw the visitors collapse from 129/1 to 252 all out. Despite a sensational late robbery attempt from Jamie Overton, who scored 34 off just 17 balls, the Lankans showed courage to wrap up the contest in the final over.
With the impact of England’s spin attack, Kusal Mendis took Sri Lanka to 271 runs.
The early innings was a story of togetherness and late overs momentum as Sri Lanka overcame a dry, sluggish pitch to post a total of 271/6. After a steady 50-run partnership between Pathum Nissanka (21) and Kamil Mishara (27), Adil Rashid (3/44) led the fight for England by dismissing both the openers in quick succession. Kusal Mendis then took over, playing a masterclass in subcontinental anchoring. Battling back spasms that appeared midway through his innings, Mendis hit 11 fours in 117 balls and did not allow the English spinners to hold on. He found an ideal partner in Zenith Liyanage, who contributed a crucial 46 runs in an 88-run fifth-wicket partnership that stabilized the hosts after slipping to 124/4. An explosive late cameo from Dunith Welles (25* off 12), including a 23-run final over against Jamie Overton, provided the final flourish to the Sri Lankan total.
Joe Root and Ben Duckett’s half-centuries went in vain, England’s middle order collapsed
England’s chase began with the early loss of Zak Crawley, but Joe Root and Ben Duckett rebuilt the innings with a 117-run second-wicket partnership. Both batsmen reached their respective half-centuries – Root’s 44th in ODIs and Duckett’s 9th – mastering spin with reverse sweeps and nimble footwork. However, the game turned in the 28th over when Jeffrey Vandersay (2/39) trapped Duckett LBW. Due to the dismissal, the England team collapsed badly and lost eight wickets for only 84 runs. Captain Harry Brook and debutant Jacob Bethel were both deceived by the turn and were stumped by Mendis, while Dunith Velez (2/41) tore apart the lower middle order. From 129/1, England fell to 213/9, leaving an impossible mountain to climb despite Root’s anchor role on the first day.
England’s embarrassing performance continues as World Cup 2027 qualification approaches
This 19-run defeat is a serious milestone for the visiting team, as it is now England’s 11th consecutive defeat in the ODI format, spanning multiple series. England, currently ranked eighth in the ICC ODI rankings, are very close to the cutoff for automatic qualification for the 2027 World Cup.
Only the top eight teams (except hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe) are guaranteed a place, with England’s recent struggles away from home putting them in danger of being forced into qualifying tournaments against lower-ranked nations. The lack of a clear 50-over template and the continued absence of key fast bowlers like Jofra Archer has left Brendon McCullum’s team searching for answers. They will now have to win the remaining two matches in Colombo to avoid another defeat in the series and save important ranking points.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Sri Lanka defeated England by 19 runs in the first ODI played at RPS Colombo.
Sri Lanka is leading 1-0 in the three-match ODI series.
This is England’s 11th consecutive ODI defeat away from home. #SLVENG
– Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) 22 January 2026
Jamie Overton fought till the end but Sri Lanka won the first ODI by 19 runs and went 1-0 ahead
England has now lost its last 4 consecutive ODI matches#SLvENG
– ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) 22 January 2026
McCullum and Key have completely destroyed what was once an almost unbeatable white-ball team. dismissable offense #SLvENG
– Deano (@deanocx) 22 January 2026
We can’t go into the World Cup with Jamie Overton bowling in the death overs
– No Context County Cricket (@NoContextCounty) 22 January 2026
Oh, what a disappointing winter as an England cricket fan. 3-0 loss in the ODI series in New Zealand… 4-1 loss in the Ashes Test series in Australia and now the first ODI loss in Sri Lanka. I’ve seen every ball of every game, shocking. #SLvENG
– Bluenosebear⚽️🏏🐻💙 (@YouBearsssssss) 22 January 2026
He couldn’t do that, but also can’t blame him that the middle order played very poorly. From 129-1 they reached 165-6 in 12 overs. Another ODI defeat for England, they are really struggling in cricket #SLvENG
– Gaurav Jindal (@gj100596) 22 January 2026
what a game…well played @OfficialSLC Despite giving the last 3-4 overs and almost having a heart attack..
Good start to the series.. #SLvENG
-Ahmad Nishad (@AhmadNishad) 22 January 2026
Sri Lanka have never lost a white ball game on January 22nd and 2026, just proved it again! #SLvENG
✅ Australia vs Win – 2006
✅ Win vs South Africa – 2012
✅ Won vs South Africa – 2017
✅ Win vs England – 2026 pic.twitter.com/mGvO7e3ocA– Thurunu Jayasiri (@thurunuje) 22 January 2026
1️⃣-0️⃣ Uttar Pradesh! 🇱🇰”:”
Sri Lanka makes a strong start to the series against England with a 19-run win!#SLvENG #srilankacricket #Sri Lanka #cricketnation pic.twitter.com/e9nVqfTzIi
– Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) 22 January 2026
Sri Lanka has taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series with a 19-run win over England.#SLvENG #srilankacricket pic.twitter.com/QcM0aA9g67
– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) 22 January 2026
