Sri Lanka and England clash in the opening ODI at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium on January 22, 2026.
Both sides arrive on the back of 0-3 series whitewashes and need results ahead of the 2027 World Cup qualification race.
The R. Premadasa pitch is expected to offer a significant turn. England’s batters face a stern test against Hasaranga and Theekshana.
Fantasy team selection for this sl vs eng 1st ODI Dream11 prediction today match hinges on spin-friendly conditions and how batters adapt to the slower surface.
This SL vs ENG 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction Today Match on 22 Jan 2026 focuses on key players suited to Colombo conditions.
SL vs ENG 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction Today Match
Form and role clarity matter more than reputation in fantasy formats.
Sri Lanka vs England 1st ODI Preview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Sri Lanka vs England, 1st ODI |
| Date | January 22, 2026 |
| Time | 2:30 PM IST / 9:00 AM GMT / 2:00 PM Local |
| Venue | R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo |
| Series | England tour of Sri Lanka 2026 |
| Format | 50-over ODI |
Series Schedule
ODI Matches:
- 1st ODI: January 22 – R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
- 2nd ODI: January 24 – R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
- 3rd ODI: January 27 – R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
T20I Matches:
- 1st T20I: January 30 – Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
- 2nd T20I: February 1 – Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
- 3rd T20I: February 3 – Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
Pitch Report
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Pitch Type | Slow turner, spin-friendly |
| Average ODI Score | ~231 runs |
| Pace Assistance | Early movement with a new ball only |
| Spin Assistance | Significant grip and turn, increases through innings |
| Boundary Dimensions | Square: 63-67m / Straight: 71-80m |
| Toss Impact | Batting first preferred; surface deteriorates |
The R. Premadasa surface traditionally favors spinners.
Grip increases as the match progresses, making run-scoring difficult in the second innings.
Teams batting first have historically posted competitive totals here.
Pacers get assistance only in the opening overs. Spinners dominate from the 15-over mark onwards.
Batters capable of playing spin aggressively hold significant value in this SL vs ENG 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction.
Weather Report
| Condition | Details |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 29-31°C |
| Humidity | High (~80%) |
| Rain Probability | Possible evening showers |
| Wind | Light to moderate |
| Match Impact | Hot and humid throughout; minor rain risk |
Injury Updates
Sri Lanka:
- No confirmed injury concerns reported
England:
- Jofra Archer ruled out with left side strain
- Archer is currently in rehabilitation for the T20 World Cup
- The rest of the touring squad is available for selection
SL vs ENG Head-to-Head Records
| Category | Stats |
|---|---|
| Total ODI Matches | 79 |
| Sri Lanka Wins | 37 |
| England Wins | 38 |
| Tied | 1 |
| No Result | 3 |
The head-to-head record shows near parity between both sides. England holds a marginal one-match advantage in ODI meetings. Recent encounters have been evenly contested across home and away venues.
Last Five ODI Meetings
- Sri Lanka won by 8 wickets (146 balls remaining) – October 26, 2023
- No result – July 4, 2021
- England won by 8 wickets (42 balls remaining) – July 1, 2021
- England won by 5 wickets (91 balls remaining) – June 29, 2021
- Sri Lanka won by 20 runs – June 21, 2019
Top Picks For The Match
| Player | Team | Role | Selection Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charith Asalanka | Sri Lanka | Captain/Batter | 490 runs in 9 ODIs at average 61.25; home advantage |
| Joe Root | England | Batter | 508 runs in 10 ODIs at average 56.44; strong vs spin |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | Sri Lanka | Leg-spinner | World-class on home soil; R. Premadasa suits his style |
| Maheesh Theekshana | Sri Lanka | Mystery spinner | 17 wickets in 8 matches at economy 4.68 |
| Asitha Fernando | Sri Lanka | Fast bowler | 19 wickets in 9 ODIs; exploits early movement |
| Kusal Mendis | Sri Lanka | Wicketkeeper-batter | 442 runs in 10 ODIs at average 44.2 |
Conclusion
The SL vs ENG 1st ODI Dream11 Prediction Today Match on 22 Jan 2026 revolves around spin-friendly conditions at Colombo.
Both teams need wins after recent series defeats. England’s ability to counter Hasaranga and Theekshana determines their chances.
Fantasy selections should prioritize:
- Sri Lankan spinners suited to R. Premadasa conditions
- Batters with proven records against spin bowling
- Wicketkeeper-batters for steady points accumulation
- Pace bowlers are effective with the new ball only
This SL vs ENG 1st ODI Dream11 Predictions focuses on form and conditions rather than team reputation.
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