The stage is set for an exciting start to the 2026 cricket calendar Sri Lanka host England For the three-match ODI series, which was played at Colombo’s prestigious R. Will start at Premadasa Stadium. This series serves as an important building block for both teams as they fine-tune their strategies for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World CupAlso hosted in the subcontinent.
led by charit asalankaSri Lanka is going into this series with a team that emphasizes consistency. Despite the recent tough series against PakistanThe selectors have retained faith in the core group. batting looks solid Pathum Nissanka And Kusal Mendis While at the top the emergence Kamindu Mendis Provides versatility in the middle order.
The Lions’ primary strength is their spin department. On the surface of Colombo, the trio known for holding Wanindu Hasaranga, Mahesh Theekshanaand experienced jeffrey wandersay Will try to suppress the aggressive English batsmen.
comes with England harry brook The top marks an important step in the team’s leadership transition. This team is a blend of world-class experience and fresh talent. the return of jack crawley The return to the ODI setup after a long gap (776 days) is a major talking point as England look to strengthen their opening pair.
The spin attack of the visiting team has been strengthened by the presence of adil rashid and young Rehan AhmedWho managed to join the team after visa delay. with Joe Root Providing the anchor role, England’s “baseball” influence on the white-ball game will be tested by Sri Lanka’s slow, turning tracks.
Sri Lanka vs England, 1st ODI: Match Details
- date and time: 22 January (Thursday); 2:30 PM IST / 9:00 PM GMT
- venue: R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Sri Lanka vs England, head-to-head record (ODI):
Matches played: 79 | England won: 38 | Sri Lanka won: 37 | No result/tied: 4
R Premadasa Stadium Pitch Report
on the pitch R Premadasa Stadium Colombo is expected to have a classic subcontinental surface, characterized by its slow nature and significant support for spin. Although the black soil track may provide consistent bounce and a bit of zip for the fast bowlers during the early powerplays under the afternoon sun, it is in danger of deteriorating rapidly as the match progresses. As the surface dries, it becomes firmer, making the middle overs a paradise for spinners, with the potential for variable bounce and sharp turn. With an average score of 232 in the first innings, bowling first is the preferred strategy to avoid challenging defense on a wet outfield due to dew.
squads
Sri Lanka: Charith Asalanka (captain), Kusal Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Pathum Nissanka, Pawan Rathnayake, Sadira Samarawickrama, Dhananjay de Silva, Zenith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Velalej, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Ishan Malinga, Pramod Madushan, Mahish Theekshana, Jeffrey vendors
England: harry brook (c), Tom Banton (wk), Jos Buttler (wk), Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Jacob Bethel, Brydon Carse, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Rehan Ahmed, Adil Rashid, Luke Wood.
SL vs ENG, 1st ODI: Today’s match prediction
Case 1:
- Sri Lanka won the toss and bowled first
- England Powerplay Score: 55-65
- England’s total score: 260-270
Case 2:
- England won the toss and bowled first
- Sri Lanka Powerplay Score: 55-65
- Sri Lanka’s total score: 300-310
Match result: Sri Lanka will win the competition
Also read: Pakistan postpones preparations for 2026 T20 World Cup to show solidarity with Bangladesh
