ENG vs SL Match Prediction — Who Will 1st ODI? England vs Sri Lanka

England will face Sri Lanka in the opening ODI of Sri Lanka's tour of England in 2026 on 22nd September at Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street. England delivered an excellent performance in the T20 series, winning 3-0 against Sri Lanka. The focus now shifts to the ODI series. Having defeated Sri Lanka 2-1 on their home ground in the last ODI series, England aims to replicate that success.

Sri Lanka, however, has struggled significantly, especially in English conditions, losing all three T20 matches easily. Their recent ODI results have been mediocre, but they are hoping to leave those setbacks behind and perform strongly in the upcoming series.

Read also: How to watch England vs Sri Lanka live: Match time, TV channel, streaming and full schedule

ENG vs SL Match Details – 1st ODI 

• Match: England vs Sri Lanka, 1st ODI 

• Date: 22 September, 2026

• Time: 5:00 PM IST

• Venue: Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street 

• Live Streaming: Sony LIV 

ENG vs SL Pitch Report - Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street 

Riverside Ground, Chester-Le-Street, is a small ground with short square boundaries. Batters who get their eyes in have done well. However, the wicket here is lively, and fast bowlers have earned rewards from this track.

• Win Batting First: 60%

• Win Bowling First: 40%

Average Scores

• Average 1st Innings: 295

• Average 2nd Innings: 245

ENG vs SL Weather Report – Chester-le-Street Conditions 

ENG vs SL Recent Form

ENG vs SL Head-to-Head Record (Last 10 T20I)

ENG vs SL Injury News & Team Updates – 1st ODI

ENG: All players are fit and available for the match

SL: Fully fit squad available for this match 

ENG vs SL Win Probability – 1st ODI 

ENG vs SL Key Player Battles to Watch 

ENG vs SL Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1: If SL Bat First

• Powerplay Score: 40–45

• Predicted Total: 245-250

• Match Result: ENG to win

Scenario 2: If ENG Bat First

• Powerplay Score: 50–60

• Predicted Total: 280–310

• Match Result: ENG to win

ENG vs SL Toss Prediction – 1st ODI 

Teams batting first have won the last four out of five games. Therefore, the toss-winning captain opted to bat first here.

Prediction: ENG to win the toss and elect to bat first 

ENG vs SL Probable Playing

England (ENG)

Tom Banton, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook (c), Jos Buttler, Will Jacks, Rehan Ahmed, Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue.

Sri Lanka (SL)

Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis (c), Pavan Rathnayake, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka.

ENG vs SL 1st ODI Player of the Match Prediction

• Jos Buttler 

• Joe Root 

• Kusal Mendis 

Who Will Win ENG vs SL Today? — Expert Prediction 1st ODI

According to our ENG vs SL who will win today, England are the favourites to win the 1st ODI expert predictions. The likes of Tom Banton, Ben Duckett and Jofra Archer will be key players to watch out for.

ENG vs SL, who will win today: England to win 

ENG vs SL Match Result  – 1st ODI Results 

(To be updated after the match - 22 September, 2026)