Published on: Sep 21, 2026 4:41 pm IST | Updated on: Sep 21, 2026 4:01 pm IST
The T20I series is done and dusted. The hosts, England, made a mockery of the Sri Lankan team in the T20Is by whitewashing them 3-0. It’s now time for the ODIs to take center stage as the three-match series is set to get underway on Tuesday, September 22. The first of the three ODIs will take place at the Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street, and both teams will eye a winning start to the series to gain confidence heading into further matches. In this post, we have shared free expert tips for the 1st ODI, ENG vs SL, at the Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street.
After a horrendous effort in the T20Is, Sri Lanka’s confidence should be on the lower side. They weren’t at their best in T20Is, and transitioning into a format like ODIs could be even tougher for the visitors. Meanwhile, the hosts are brimming with confidence after a scintillating show in the T20Is. They now head into the ODI series with a mission, i.e., to carry on the good work done in the T20Is. Therefore, the win probability meter should lean in favor of the home side. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for the 1st ODI, ENG vs SL, at the Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street.
ENG: 78% win chance SL: 22% win chance
Harry had a terrific run in the T20Is and also performed well in the ODI series against India last month. The English skipper remains a key asset in this batting lineup.
In his last ODI knock, the English left-hand opener scored a 135 balls 141. He will look to continue from where he left off in the game against India.
Pathum has been in terrific form lately in ODIs having scored 451 runs in his last 10 outings, He averages around 50 in that span and will be a crucial bet in this game.
Charith will be a key asset in the middle order for Sri Lanka. The newly appointed vice-captain of the side should start off in a good way in the ODI series.
Check out our prediction for the ENG vs SL 1st ODI at the Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street.
England enter the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka brimming with confidence after a commanding 3–0 whitewash in the T20Is. The hosts made a mockery of the visitors with dominant performances across departments, and now the focus shifts to the three‑match ODI series, beginning Tuesday, September 22, at the Riverside Ground in Chester‑le‑Street.
Skipper Harry Brook continues to be the centerpiece of England’s batting unit, riding a rich vein of form that has made him one of the most consistent performers in recent months. Alongside him, the presence of Jos Buttler’s explosiveness, Ben Duckett’s stability, and Joe Root’s class ensures England boasts a formidable top order. In the middle overs, Adil Rashid’s spin variations provide control, while the pace duo of Jofra Archer and Jamie Overton add firepower capable of dismantling opposition batting lineups.
With depth in both batting and bowling, England looks well‑balanced and determined to extend their dominance. Sri Lanka, still reeling from their T20I drubbing, faces a daunting challenge to regroup quickly. Given form, momentum, and home advantage, England will undoubtedly start as the favorites in this ODI opener.
After a bruising T20I series defeat, Sri Lanka will be eager to reset and prove their mettle in the ODIs. The return of Kusal Mendis as skipper provides a timely boost, with his leadership and batting prowess expected to anchor the side. Equally significant is the comeback of Dasun Shanaka, whose experience and all‑round ability add depth to the squad after a fairly long absence from the ODI setup.
Sri Lanka’s hopes will also rest on the consistency of Pathum Nissanka at the top, while Wanindu Hasaranga’s all‑round brilliance remains a vital weapon in both spin and lower‑order hitting. The pace duo of Asitha Fernando and Dushmantha Chameera will be tasked with exploiting English conditions, aiming to strike early and contain England’s powerful batting lineup. Meanwhile, Charith Asalanka’s adaptability in the middle order could be crucial in stabilizing innings under pressure.
Though England start as favorites, Sri Lanka’s blend of returning seniors and proven match‑winners gives them a fighting chance. If their key players click in unison, the visitors could well script a turnaround and make the ODI series far more competitive than the T20Is. Let’s move ahead and check the cricket tips.
Matches Played: 79 SL won: 37 ENG won: 38 No Result: 4 Tied: 0 RECENT form SRI LANKA: L L W NR AB RECENT form ENGLAND: W W L W W
England and Sri Lanka have locked horns 79 times in ODI cricket. England barely overlaps Sri Lanka’s tally of 37 wins by winning 48 games. Four contests between these two ended as a no result.
How will the two teams, i.e., England and Sri Lanka, fare in the 1st ODI? Let’s take a look.
Kamindu Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana/Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga
Jordan Cox/Rehan Ahmed, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (WK), Will Jacks, Tom Banton/Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Josh Tongue
Here’s the pitch and weather report for the 1st ODI match between England and Sri Lanka at The Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street:
Expect seamers to dominate the early overs under cloud cover, with batting becoming easier as the innings progresses. Spinners may come into play in the middle overs. Weather looks favorable for a full contest, with totals around 280+ likely to be decisive. Chasing could be a better choice.
The 1st ODI match of the Sri Lanka tour of England will be live-streamed on the Sony LIV and FANCODE app. TV streaming for this series will be available on Sony Sports Channels.
England should start as the outright favorites in this game. Playing at home and heading into the series on the back of a brilliant 3-0 whitewash in the T20Is, the Englishmen will be looking to start well in the ODIs as well. Sri Lanka will have an uphill task to defeat a pumped-up English side. Therefore, as per our prediction, the hosts, England, are expected to win the ENG vs SL 1st ODI match at Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street.
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