Sri Lanka and England open their three match ODI series in Colombo with both sides eager to reset after difficult recent outings. Conditions, history at the venue, and squad balance make this a tightly poised contest despite England entering as slight favourites.
Match Details
Match Sri Lanka vs England, 1st ODI
Tournament England tour of Sri Lanka 2026
Date Thursday, January 22
Venue R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Start time 2:30 PM IST, 1:00 AM PST, 9:00 AM GMT
Team Overview
Sri Lanka begin this home series looking to restore confidence after a disappointing away tour of Pakistan, where they suffered a 0-3 ODI whitewash. Home conditions remain their biggest strength, especially at the R Premadasa Stadium, where slow surfaces and spin assistance suit their core bowling attack. Charith Asalanka leads a squad that blends experience with variety, and the presence of multiple spin options gives the hosts tactical flexibility as the pitch wears. Sri Lanka will rely heavily on their top order to post competitive totals, knowing their bowlers can defend scores effectively in Colombo.
England arrive in Sri Lanka after a difficult 2025, highlighted by a 0-3 ODI defeat against New Zealand. The tour forms part of their long-term preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup, and the management has shown trust in Harry Brook as captain for this assignment. England’s batting unit carries depth and intent, but adapting to slower conditions will be key. Their spin resources, led by Adil Rashid, will play a decisive role, particularly in the middle overs where control often decides matches at this venue.
Key Players to Watch
Pathum Nissanka remains Sri Lanka’s most reliable top order batter in the format. His ability to score freely against pace during the powerplay allows Sri Lanka to build momentum before the pitch slows. With over 2,800 ODI runs and seven centuries, his form at the top could define the hosts’ innings.
Harry Brook stands out as England’s most influential batter and leader. Coming off a century in his previous ODI appearance, Brook’s capacity to rotate strike against spin while accelerating when required makes him central to England’s plans in Colombo.
Head to Head Record
Sri Lanka and England have faced each other 79 times in ODIs, with England holding a marginal edge with 38 wins compared to Sri Lanka’s 37, along with one tie and three no results. At the R Premadasa Stadium, England dominate the venue record, winning nine of the ten ODIs played between the sides there, a statistic that adds weight to their favourite tag despite playing away from home.
Pitch and Conditions Report
The R Premadasa Stadium traditionally offers a batting-friendly surface early in the innings, with the new ball coming nicely onto the bat. As the match progresses, the pitch slows and brings spinners into play, making stroke-making increasingly difficult. The average first innings score at the venue is 231, though totals above 260 often prove challenging to chase. Weather conditions are expected to remain humid and cloudy, with temperatures ranging between 25 and 28 degrees Celsius and no rain forecast.
Probable Playing XIs
Sri Lanka are likely to field Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis as wicketkeeper, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka as captain, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Janith Liyanage, Jeffrey Vandersay, Asitha Fernando, and Eshan Malinga.
England’s probable XI includes Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook as captain, Jos Buttler as wicketkeeper, Sam Curran, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, and Adil Rashid.
Match Scenarios and Toss Factor
Teams winning the toss at this venue usually prefer batting first, and historical data supports that approach. Batting first sides have won 86 of the 155 ODIs played here. If Sri Lanka bat first and post a total around 250 to 265, their spin attack gives them a strong chance to control the chase. If England bat first and reach the 265 to 275 range, their superior venue record could tilt the match in their favour.
Live Streaming and Broadcast Information
The match will be televised in India on the Sony Sports Network, with live streaming available on SonyLiv and FanCode. Viewers in Pakistan can watch through Sony Sports channels and associated digital platforms. In the United Kingdom, the series will be broadcast on Sky Sports Cricket and streamed via Sky Go. Australian viewers can follow the action on Fox Sports and the Kayo Sports app. Global audiences can access official regional broadcasters and licensed streaming services covering international cricket.
Match Prediction
Both teams enter the contest searching for stability and momentum, making the opening ODI critical. Sri Lanka’s familiarity with conditions and spin depth give them a realistic chance if they bat first and apply scoreboard pressure. England, however, carry a strong historical record at this venue and a deeper batting lineup capable of adapting across phases. On balance, England start as narrow favourites, but the margin for error remains small, and the toss and middle overs are likely to decide the outcome.