The Sri Lanka vs England 1st ODI of the Men’s One Day International Series kicked off with high intensity on Thursday, 22 January 2026, at Colombo, and the contest has already delivered gripping moments for cricket fans. With Sri Lanka opting to bat first after winning the toss, the match has showcased a fascinating battle between bat and ball on a turning track. As the game stands, Sri Lanka are 191 for 4 in 39.3 overs, with 10.3 overs remaining, setting the stage for a competitive total before England begin their chase.
Match Overview: Sri Lanka vs England 1st ODI
This Sri Lanka vs England clash is the first of a three-match ODI series, making it crucial for both teams to set the tone early. Sri Lanka, playing at home in familiar conditions, looked confident from the start, while England entered the game with a slightly reshuffled lineup due to illness in the camp.
Sri Lanka vs England,England made a forced change, with Rehan Ahmed coming into the XI to replace Will Jacks, who missed out due to illness. The decision added a fresh spin option for England, especially important on a surface already showing signs of turn and uneven bounce.
Sri Lanka Win the Toss and Bat First
Sri Lanka vs England,Winning the toss, Sri Lanka national cricket team chose to bat first, a decision that made sense given the dry Colombo pitch. The surface looked slow, and as the innings progressed, it increasingly favored spin, making batting in the second innings potentially tricky.
Sri Lanka’s intent was clear early on: build a solid base, rotate strike, and target the final overs for acceleration. The opening pair delivered just that, laying a steady foundation before England found breakthroughs.
England Strike Back After Solid Start
England’s bowlers had to be patient. The Sri Lankan openers put together a 50-run opening stand, countering pace with compact defense and calculated strokes. However, the momentum shifted when Sam Curran’s clever ‘moon ball’ delivery brought an end to the partnership, providing England with a much-needed breakthrough.
That dismissal opened the door for England’s spinners to take control. The turning track started assisting grip and drift, and England capitalized smartly in the middle overs.
Rashid’s Impact on a Turning Track
The standout performer with the ball for England has been Adil Rashid. Exploiting the conditions beautifully, Rashid picked up two key wickets, slowing Sri Lanka’s scoring rate at a crucial phase. His ability to vary pace and extract turn forced the batters to play cautiously, preventing any runaway momentum.
This spell once again highlighted why Rashid remains such a vital cog in England’s white-ball setup, especially on subcontinental surfaces.
Kusal Mendis Holds the Innings Together
At the heart of Sri Lanka’s innings has been Kusal Mendis, who played a composed and technically sound knock. Batting through pressure, Mendis reached 66 runs, anchoring the innings while wickets fell around him.
However, there was a moment of concern around the 38th over, when Mendis appeared uncomfortable after driving Sam Curran through the covers for four. He went down clutching his back, causing a brief pause in play. Though he continued batting, his movement looked restricted, something Sri Lanka fans will be watching closely.
Liyanage Provides Valuable Support
Supporting Mendis well was Liyanage, unbeaten on 33, who focused on rotating the strike and punishing loose deliveries. His partnership with Mendis has been crucial in steering Sri Lanka toward the final phase of the innings with wickets in hand.
With over ten overs still left, Sri Lanka will be aiming to push past the 260–270 mark, which could prove highly competitive given the nature of the pitch.
England Yet to Bat: Chase Won’t Be Easy
As things stand, England cricket team are yet to bat, but they are well aware of the challenge ahead. The pitch has already shown turn, and batting under lights could become even tougher if the surface slows further.
England’s batting depth is strong, but they will need solid starts and careful handling of Sri Lanka’s spinners. The likes of Rashid and Ahmed have already demonstrated how effective spin can be here, and Sri Lanka will look to replicate that with the ball.
Pitch and Conditions: A Key Factor
The Colombo pitch has played a major role in shaping this Sri Lanka vs England encounter. Early on, it offered reasonable bounce, but as the match progressed, it became slower and more responsive to spin. This has kept scoring in check and rewarded disciplined bowling.
Such conditions emphasize the importance of adaptability—something both teams are known for, but execution will be key in the second innings.
What to Expect Next
With 10.3 overs remaining, Sri Lanka will look to accelerate without losing wickets. A strong finish could put England under real pressure. For England, restricting Sri Lanka below 270 would be seen as a win, given their batting firepower.
This Sri Lanka vs England 1st ODI has already delivered drama, skill, and tactical intrigue, and the second innings promises even more excitement. As part of a closely watched series, the outcome of this match could heavily influence momentum going forward.
Final Thoughts
The opening ODI of the Sri Lanka vs England series has lived up to expectations so far. Sri Lanka’s disciplined batting, England’s intelligent use of spin, and the ever-changing pitch conditions have combined to create a compelling contest. As the match moves into its decisive stages, fans can look forward to a tense finish in Colombo and a fascinating start to what promises to be an exciting ODI series.
