The first ODI between Sri Lanka and England is set to take place on January 22, 2026, at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The match is scheduled to begin at 2:30 PM IST. Following the ODI series, the two teams will compete in a three-match T20I series.
Live Streaming Details
Indian viewers can catch the live telecast of the first ODI on the Sony Sports Network. Live streaming will be available on the Sony LIV app and website, as well as on FanCode.
Team News and Predicted XIs
England has already announced their playing XI for the first ODI. Zak Crawley returns to the side and will open alongside Ben Duckett. Harry Brook will captain the side.
The confirmed England XI is: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (C), Jos Buttler (WK), Will Jacks, Sam Curran, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, and Adil Rashid.
Sri Lanka has named a 17-member squad led by Charith Asalanka. Dhananjaya de Silva has been recalled to the ODI squad.
Sri Lanka's predicted XI is: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka (C), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Eshan Malinga, Maheesh Theekshana, and Matheesha Pathirana. Other possible Sri Lanka XI: Nissanka, Mishara, Kusal, Asalanka, Dhananjaya, Liyanage, Hasaranga, Wellalage, Theekshana, Asitha, Madushan.
Form Guide and Predictions
Sri Lanka enters the series following a 0-3 defeat against Pakistan. England, on the other hand, is coming off a 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia. England also suffered a 0-3 whitewash against New Zealand in late 2025.
In ODIs, England holds a narrow head-to-head record of 38 wins against Sri Lanka's 37.
- The Sporting News predicts that if Sri Lanka bats first, they will score between 250 and 290 runs. If England bats first, they will score between 270 and 310.
- TSN's Top 3 Predictions: Sri Lanka to win the match, Joe Root to score 50+ runs, and Wanindu Hasaranga to take 3+ wickets.
Pitch Report
The wicket in Colombo is expected to be slow, favoring spin bowlers.
