SL vs ENG 1st ODI Match Preview:

England is touring Sri Lanka for a three-match ODI series, followed by three T20IS. Today, they will kick-start the first game of the three-match ODI series at R.Premadasa Stadium, Khettarama, Colombo, Sri Lanka. Charith Asalanka will lead Sri Lanka in this ODI series, supported by Pathum Nissanka and Maheesh Theekshana. Recently, they suffered a 3-0 defeat in the ODI series against Pakistan.

Similarly, England enters this game after losing the recent ODI series against New Zealand 3-0. England, captained by Harry Brook, will be supported by experienced players such as Jos Buttler and Jamie Overton. Forgetting their recent past, both teams are eager to make a fresh start.

Recent Performance:

SL vs ENG 1st ODI Match Details:

• Series/Tournament: England Tour of Sri Lanka 
• Match: SL vs ENG 1st ODI
• Date: 22 Jan. 2026
• Match Start Time: 2:30 PM IST
• Stadium/Venue: R.Premadasa Stadium, Khettarama, Colombo, Sri Lanka
• Live Score: cricketwinner.com
• Live Streaming: Fancode.

SL vs ENG Head-to-Head Stats:

(Last 10 Matches)

SL vs ENG Pitch & Weather Report:

The weather during this match time is expected to remain cloudy, with a low possibility of rain. The temperature is expected to reach around 29.3°C. Based on previous stats, the average score at this venue ranges between 180 and 231 runs. The pitch offers little assistance to spinners.

R.Premadasa Stadium Stats: 

R.Premadasa Stadium pitch offers equal opportunity to both batters and bowlers. Spinners get a little more help with extra turn. Winning the toss and opting to bat first will be a wise decision on this surface.  

SL vs ENG 1st ODI Playing 11

Sri Lanka (SL) Probable 11:

Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Liyanage/Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh, Asitha Fernando, Pramod Madushan/J Vandersay

England (ENG) Probable 11:

Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Joe Root, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (C), Jos Buttler (WK), Sam Curran, Rehan Ahmed/L Dawson, Adil Rashid, Brydon Carse, Luke Wood

SL vs ENG- Top Picks from SL

SL vs ENG- Top Picks from ENG

Cricket Winner Player’s Insight:

• Pathun Nissanka (SL) is expected to open the innings for SL. He is an excellent player on the power play.
• W Hasaranga (SL) is an excellent all-rounder who can trouble the opponent on their own home ground. 
• L Dawson (ENG)is the most experienced all-rounder. He has scored 205 runs in the last three ODIs with two half-centuries.
• Harry Brook (ENG)  is a talented batter in the England Squad. He has been in scintillating touch in ODIs.

SL vs ENG Captain & Vice-Captain Choices:

SL vs ENG Fantasy Team Suggestion:  

SL vs ENG Dream11 Prediction Expert Advice 

SL vs ENG Dream11 Prediction Probable Winners:

SL is expected to win this match. The Sri Lankan team playing at home is always a formidable unit. They are familiar with the conditions here, and English batters will find it tough to get going on slow and turning wickets.

SL vs ENG 1st ODI FAQ

Who is likely to win the SL vs ENG match today?

Sri Lanka (SL) is expected to win this match.

Who is ahead in head-to-head stats?    

England

Who are the top fantasy picks for the SL vs ENG Dream11 team?

Harry Brook, L Dawson, W Hasaranga, Pathun Nissanka, J Root and Dunith Wellalage

What is the pitch report for this match?

The surface is balanced, and we can expect an average score range between 180 and 231 runs.