Get ready for some exciting cricket as Sri Lanka takes on England in the 1st ODI match at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on Thursday, 22nd January 2026 at 2:30 PM IST.
Get the best SL vs ENG Dream11 prediction, fantasy cricket tips, probable playing XI, and match insights for the 1st ODI match of the England Tour of Sri Lanka 2026. Expert analysis and more.
SL vs ENG Match Preview:
Sri Lanka will face England in the first ODI of the England Tour of Sri Lanka 2026, marking the beginning of this three-match ODI series in Colombo. This opening game is likely to set the tone for the rest of the limited-overs fixtures.
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Charith Asalanka will lead Sri Lanka, while Harry Brook will captain England. Sri Lanka’s batting depth of Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, and Kamindu Mendis makes them a strong contender at home. England will depend on power hitters, including Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, and dynamic all-rounders like Sam Curran.
Both teams are well-balanced, but conditions at Colombo often favor spin and batting depth, making this game a fascinating tactical contest. Expect both sides to unleash aggressive cricket from the start.
Also Read: ICC T20 World Cup finalists named ahead of the start of the tournament
SL vs ENG Head-to-Head Record:
|
Teams |
Matches Won |
|
Sri Lanka |
37 |
|
England |
39 |
SL vs ENG Weather & Pitch Report:
|
Temperature |
29°C |
|
Weather Forecast |
Humid & Clear |
|
Pitch Behaviour |
Batting-friendly |
|
Best Suited To |
Spin |
|
Average 1st innings score |
262 |
Record of chasing teams:
SL vs ENG Playing 11s (Predicted):
Sri Lanka Playing 11:
1) Pathum Nissanka
2) Kamil Mishara
3) Kusal Mendis (wk)
4) Charith Asalanka ©
5) Kamindu Mendis
6) Dunith Wellalage
7) Wanindu Hasaranga
8) Dhananjaya de Silva
9) Milan Rathnayake
10) Asitha Fernando
11) Maheesh Theekshana
England Playing 11:
1) Ben Duckett
2) Phil Salt
3) Jacob Bethell
4) Harry Brook ©
5) Jos Buttler (wk)
6) Sam Curran
7) Will Jacks
8) Brydon Carse
9) Adil Rashid
10) Liam Dawson
11) Jamie Overton
Hot Picks for SL vs ENG Dream11 Prediction and Fantasy Cricket Tips:
Captaincy Picks:
|
Harry Brook – Emerging as a dynamic middle-order force for England, the right-handed batter and occasional medium pacer has compiled 1,170 ODI runs in just 35 matches, showcasing assertive shot-making and rapid scoring progression in the 50-over game. |
|
Jos Buttler – A right-handed batter and wicketkeeper from England, he has been a cornerstone in One Day Internationals, compiling 5,463 runs across 196 matches with consistent impact at the crease. |
Top Picks:
|
Charith Asalanka – Operating as Sri Lanka’s ODI captain and a pivotal left-handed middle-order presence, he combines composed batting with occasional off-spin. Across 80 ODIs, he has accumulated 2,659 runs and taken 17 wickets, reflecting steady leadership and valuable all-round contribution. |
|
Wanindu Hasaranga – Renowned for elite wrist-spin and valuable late-order hitting, the Sri Lankan right-hander has produced 1,126 runs and 111 ODI wickets across 68 appearances, reflecting outstanding dual-discipline influence at international level. |
Budget Picks:
|
Jamie Overton – Adds pace and power for England as a right-handed batter and right-arm fast bowler, contributing valuable all-round versatility to the setup. |
|
Kamindu Mendis – Functions as a left-handed batter and left-arm orthodox spinner for Sri Lanka, offering balanced all-round depth through controlled stroke play and disciplined spin. |
SL vs ENG England Tour of Sri Lanka 2026 Captain and Vice-captain Choices:
|
Captain |
Jos Buttler & Harry Brook |
|
Vice-Captain |
Wanindu Hasaranga & Charith Asalanka |
SL vs ENG Dream11 Prediction Team 1:
- Keepers – Jos Buttler ©, Kusal Mendis
- Batters – Joe Root, Charith Asalanka, Harry Brook
- All-rounders – Dhananjaya de Silva, Sam Curran, Wanindu Hasaranga (vc)
- Bowlers – Adil Rashid, Brydon Carse, Maheesh Theekshana
SL vs ENG Dream11 Prediction Team 2:
- Keepers – Jos Buttler, Kusal Mendis
- Batters – Joe Root, Charith Asalanka (vc), Harry Brook (c)
- All-rounders – Sam Curran, Wanindu Hasaranga, Kamindu Mendis
- Bowlers – Adil Rashid, Jamie Overton, Maheesh Theekshana
SL vs ENG Dream11 Prediction Today Match 1st ODI England Tour of Sri Lanka 2026 Players to Avoid:
|
Players |
Dream11 Credits |
Dream11 Points (Last match) |
|
Tom Banton |
8.0 credits |
NA |
|
Pramod Madushan |
7.5 credits |
NA |
SL vs ENG Dream11 Prediction Today Match 1st ODI England Tour of Sri Lanka 2026 Expert Advice:
|
SL Captaincy Choice |
Jos Buttler |
|
GL Captaincy Choice |
Harry Brook |
|
Punt Picks |
Jamie Overton and Kamindu Mendis |
|
Dream11 Combination |
2-3-3-3 |
SL vs ENG Match Winner Prediction:
Looking at the squad strength, England is expected to win this match.