SL vs ENG Prediction, ODI Series 2026, Match 1, Match Winner, Team, Playing XI and Pitch Report

Sri Lanka will face England in the first ODI of the three-match series at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, starting on Thursday, January 22.

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Sri Lanka is entering this series on the back of a 0-3 ODI series defeat to Pakistan away from home in November 2025. On the other hand, England, led by Harry Brook, also suffered a 0-3 ODI series defeat to New Zealand away from home in November 2025.

SL vs ENG, ODI Series 2026, Match 1, Match Details

Match: Sri Lanka vs England, ODI Series 2026, Match 1

Time & Date: 2:30 PM IST, Thursday, January 22

Venue: R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

SL vs ENG, ODI Series 2026, Match 1 Pitch Report

The average first innings score at this venue is 258 in the last three ODIs played here. Interestingly, all three games witnessed the team batting first coming out on top. It’s a decent track for both batters and bowlers equally.

SL vs ENG, ODI Series 2026, Match 1 Probable XIs

Sri Lanka

Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Charith Asalanka (c), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga, Jeffrey Vandersay.

Pakistan

Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Sam Curran, Jamie Overton, Brydon Carse, Adil Rashid, Rehan Ahmed.

SL vs ENG, ODI Series 2026, Match 1 Winner Prediction

Match Winner: Sri Lanka

These two sides have played a total of 79 ODIs against each other. While Sri Lanka secured 37 wins, England managed to take a lead with 38 victories. Three encounters ended in a no-result, while one contest ended in a tie. With the hosts having a home advantage on their side, we can expect Sri Lanka to come out on top, thanks to the spin factor.

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