The first ODI between Sri Lanka and England kicks off a crucial three-match series at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on January 22, 2026, starting at 2:30 PM IST (local time 9:30 AM). This match, part of the England tour of Sri Lanka 2025/26 season, sets the tone for both teams looking to build momentum in the 50-over format.
Expect mostly sunny conditions in Colombo with temperatures around 32°C and no rain interruptions forecast, perfect for uninterrupted play. The R. Premadasa pitch favors spinners, offering average scores of 231, though it provides little early assistance to them—batting first could target 250-290.
Both sides enter hungry for consistency after mixed results in recent white-ball games. England rides high from a gritty Ashes campaign and a strong ODI outing against New Zealand, where Harry Brook smashed a century. Sri Lanka, playing at home, aims to leverage spin-friendly conditions but must shake off a lean patch for captain Charith Asalanka, who hasn’t hit an international fifty since August.
Head-to-Head
England and Sri Lanka have clashed 79 times in ODIs, with England holding a slim 38-37 edge, including one tie and three no-results. Recent meetings tilt toward England, who have won eight of the last 12 since 2016 (Sri Lanka three wins, one tie, three NR). The last five encounters saw England triumph in three, Sri Lanka one, with one tie, highlighting tight battles.
SL vs ENG Match Details
- Match: 1st ODI Match
- Teams: Sri Lanka vs England 1st ODI
- Date: 22 January 2026
- Time: 2:00 PM 9:00 AM GMT / 2:30 PM LOCAL
- Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
SL vs ENG Live Streaming Info
Catch the Sri Lanka vs England 1st ODI live from various broadcasters depending on your location, with coverage starting around 2:30 PM IST.
- In India, tune into Sony Sports Network (Sony Sports 1, Sony Sports 5) or stream on Sony LIV and FanCode.
- Pakistan viewers can watch on PTV Sports, A Sports, or Ten Sports, with streaming available on Tapmad and Tamasha.
- For Sri Lanka, options include Siyatha TV, Channel Eye, and SLRC on TV, plus Sri Lanka Cricket YouTube and Dialog ViU online.
- UK fans have TNT Sports 1, Sky Sports Cricket, and talkSPORT on television, alongside Discovery+, Sky Go, and NOW TV for streaming.
- In South Africa, SuperSport covers it on TV and via their app, while
- Australia might check Fox Sports for TV (TBD) and Kayo Sports for live streams. Subscriptions often apply, and VPNs can assist with geo-blocks where permitted.
How to Watch the Match for Free:
On TV: The match is available free on DD Sports if you have a DD Free Dish connection; this lets you watch the game without any extra subscription fee.
On apps/sites: Live streaming is officially on JioCinema/Disney+ Hotstar (as per current rights), but these usually require at least a basic mobile or bundled plan; full live action is not generally free, though highlights are often available at no cost after the match.
Live Streaming Info:
The 1st ODI will be live on Willow Cricket.
Live Score Info:
Probable XIs
Sri Lanka Probable XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (c), Dhananjaya de Silva, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Maheesh Theekshana
England Probable XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Will Jacks, Sam Curran, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid.
Team Analysis: Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s strength lies in their spin attack and middle-order resilience, with Wanindu Hasaranga grabbing 18 wickets at 19.66 economy since last year and chipping in with handy runs. Asitha Fernando has been sharp, taking 23 wickets at 21.3 in ODIs, while Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis anchor the top order. Weaknesses show in batting depth during pressure, especially with Asalanka’s form dip, but home spin could exploit England’s middle overs.
Team Analysis: England
England boasts explosive batting led by Joe Root’s 808 runs at 57.71 strike rate 95.5 since 2025, including three hundreds. Adil Rashid leads the bowling with 30 wickets at 23.63 in 15 ODIs post-2025, and Harry Brook’s captaincy adds aggression despite a 36-average in the format. Their pace unit with Sam Curran and Jamie Overton provides balance, though spin-heavy pitches test their lower order.
Prediction
England holds a slight edge with deeper batting and recent momentum, likely posting 270+ if batting first on this spin track. Sri Lanka’s home spin could pull off an upset, but England’s form tips the scales—expect a close England win by 20-30 runs or 4-5 wickets.