Published on: Jan 21, 2026 2:29 pm IST | Updated on: Jan 21, 2026 2:29 pm IST
England is all set to tour the shores of Sri Lanka for a 6-match white-ball series. After a disappointing showing down under during the Ashes, this is going to be England’s first assignment. The 3-match ODIs will be the first in line, followed by the 3 T20Is. The first of the 3 ODIs will be played on January 22 at the iconic R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. All three games of the ODI series will take place in Colombo, whereas the three T20Is will take place at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele. In this post, we have come up with free expert tips for the 1st ODI Match, SL vs ENG at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.
The Sri Lankan team playing at home is always a formidable unit. They are familiar with the conditions here, and English batters will find it tough to get going on slow and turning wickets. There’s no shortage of talent in the English squad, but the unfamiliarity of playing on rank turners and slow surfaces of Sri Lanka makes them the second favorite in this game. Therefore, expect the win probability meter to favor the hosts. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for the 1st ODI Match, SL vs ENG, at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.
SL: 56% win chance ENG: 44% win chance
The Sri Lankan opener will be looking to score runs ahead of the T20 World Cup. His recent form hasn't been great, but with the talent he has got, expect him to score heavily in this home series.
The Sri Lankan skipper has been in scintillating form oflate. The left-hander has scored 490 runs in the last 9 ODI innings at a scintillating average of 61.25.
Joe Root had his best Ashes down under with the bat. He scored twin tons in the series and will look to transform the same in this series as well. He has been in scintillating touch in ODIs as well, having scored 508 runs in his last 10 games.
Buttler's experience in Sri Lanka would be handy. He will be the accentuator in the lower middle order for the side.
Check out our prediction for the SL vs ENG 1st ODI match at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.
Sri Lanka will look to capitalize on home advantage as they prepare to host England in a six-match white-ball series, starting with three ODIs at the iconic R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. After England’s disappointing Ashes campaign, this marks their first assignment of the year, and the hosts will be eager to strike early.
The conditions in Colombo are expected to favor Sri Lanka’s spin-heavy attack, with Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana likely to play pivotal roles in the middle overs. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis will anchor the batting, while Charith Asalanka and Kamindu Mendis add depth and flair to the middle order. The pace department, led by Asitha Fernando and supported by Pramod Madushan or Eshan Malinga, will aim to exploit any early swing under lights.
Sri Lanka’s familiarity with the slow, turning surfaces at Premadasa gives them a significant edge, especially against an England side still adjusting to subcontinental conditions. With the crowd behind them and a balanced XI at their disposal, the hosts will be determined to use home advantage to set the tone for the series and put England under immediate pressure.
After a disappointing Ashes campaign, England will be eager to bounce back in the white-ball format as they begin their tour of Sri Lanka. Their recent ODI form, however, has been far from convincing. England were blanked 0-3 in New Zealand and have managed just one win in their last five ODIs, raising questions about their consistency and adaptability.
The upcoming series offers a chance for redemption, with a fresh lineup expected to take the field. Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley are likely to open, followed by the experienced Joe Root and promising youngster Jacob Bethell. Harry Brook, captaining the side, will be central to England’s batting fortunes, supported by Jos Buttler’s explosive presence as wicketkeeper. The all-round skills of Sam Curran and the spin duo of Rehan Ahmed and Adil Rashid provide balance, while Brydon Carse and Luke Wood will shoulder the pace responsibilities.
England’s challenge will be to adapt quickly to subcontinental conditions, where spin and slower surfaces often dictate outcomes. With a blend of youth and experience, the team will look to reset their white-ball campaign and prove they can overcome recent setbacks to deliver strong performances against Sri Lanka. Let’s move ahead and check the cricket tips.
Matches Played: 79 ENG won: 38 SL won: 37 No Result: 3 Tied: 1 RECENT form SRI LANKA: W W L L L RECENT form ENGLAND: L W L L L
England and Sri Lanka have had some memorable battles in the past. In the 79 ODI meetings between the two sides, there’s not much to separate them, as England has won 38, whereas Sri Lanka has 37 wins to their name. Three games haven’t witnessed any result, whereas there has been one tie between the two sides.
How will the two teams, i.e., Sri Lanka and England, fare in the first ODI? Let’s take a look.
Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Joe Root, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (C), Jos Buttler (WK), Sam Curran, Rehan Ahmed, Adil Rashid, Brydon Carse, Luke Wood
Here’s the pitch and weather report for the 1st ODI between Sri Lanka and England at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo:
With spin expected to dominate later, batting first offers control. Sri Lanka may prefer runs on the board, while England could lean toward chasing with their depth. Expect the winning captain to choose batting first in Colombo’s conditions. However, England, who aren’t well versed with the surface here in Colombo, might force them to opt for bowling first.
The online live streaming of the 1st ODI match of the England tour of Sri Lanka will take place live on the SonyLIV app. The live TV coverage for this series will be available on the Sony Sports Network channels.
Sri Lanka’s spin-friendly conditions at the R Premadasa Stadium give them a clear edge, especially with Hasaranga and Theekshana in form. England’s recent struggles across formats and difficulty adapting to subcontinental pitches could hurt their chances. Expect Sri Lanka to capitalize on home advantage and emerge winners in this opening clash. Therefore, as per our prediction, the hosts, Sri Lanka, are expected to win the SL vs ENG 1st ODI match.
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