In a thrilling start to the three-match ODI series, Sri Lanka defeated England by 19 runs at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on January 22, 2026. Sri Lanka's spinners exploited the favorable home conditions, bowling England out for 252 after the hosts posted a total of 271/6.

Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat first. Kusal Mendis anchored the Sri Lankan innings with an impressive, unbeaten 93 off 117 balls, including 11 boundaries. Janith Liyanage contributed a valuable 46, helping Sri Lanka to a competitive total. Dunith Wellalage's 25* also helped boost the score.

England's chase began shakily, with Zak Crawley's early dismissal for 6. Ben Duckett and Joe Root attempted to rebuild with watchful half-centuries, but the innings faltered as Sri Lanka's spinners took control. The English side saw a promising start at 129/1, but then collapsed to 164/6. Jeffrey Vandersay and Dunith Wellalage picked up key wickets, finishing with 2-39 and 2-41 respectively. Pramod Madushan also contributed with three wickets. A late surge from Jamie Overton, who scored 34, briefly raised England's hopes, but it ultimately wasn't enough. England's last wicket fell when Overton was caught by Wellalage off Madushan.

Despite half-centuries from Joe Root (61) and Ben Duckett (62), England lost wickets at regular intervals and were unable to maintain the chase. England's number are grim, marking their 11th consecutive away loss in the format.

Kusal Mendis was the man of the match.