SL vs ENG Dream11 Prediction & Match Preview | Best Dream11 Team for 1st ODI 2026
- Published: January 21, 2026
- Updated: January 22, 2026
- By AllCric Team
The SL vs ENG Dream11 fantasy tips and match prediction are analyzed as the 1st ODI of England’s tour of Sri Lanka 2026 gets underway at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. Sri Lanka enjoy a strong home advantage here, having won 83 of 134 ODIs at this venue. England, meanwhile, have struggled in Colombo, losing 10 of their 12 matches at this ground.
Sri Lanka will depend on Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, and Wanindu Hasaranga to lead from the front with bat and ball. For England, players like Harry Brook, Jos Buttler, and Sam Curran will be key to steady the innings and create impact.
The pitch in Colombo offers balance, with spinners playing a big role in the middle overs, while pacers get early swing. Batting first is usually the better option, with 250–260 being a good total.
From a fantasy angle, the SL vs ENG Dream11 prediction today match and SL vs ENG ODI Dream11 prediction suggest picking in-form batters and quality spinners. Building the right SL vs ENG Dream11 team will be crucial. Overall, the SL vs ENG today match prediction slightly favors Sri Lanka, who look strong at home and start as favorites to win.
Match Details
- Match: Sri Lanka vs England, 1st ODI
- Tournament: England Tour of Sri Lanka 2026
- Format: ODI
- Date: Thursday, 22 January 2026
- Time: 02:30 PM IST
- Venue: R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo
SL vs ENG Pitch Report
The pitch at R. Premadasa Stadium is balanced but tends to slow down as the match progresses. Spinners get significant turn, while pacers can extract swing with the new ball. Batting becomes tougher in the second innings.
Competitive Score: 260-270 runs batting first
SL vs ENG Weather Report – Colombo
Mostly sunny conditions are expected with temperatures around 29°C. There is only a 10% chance of rain, with moderate humidity and winds, ensuring uninterrupted play.
SL vs ENG Recent Performances
Sri Lanka
Last 5 matches: W W L L L
- Matches won this season: 7 out of 13
- Key players: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga
England
Last 5 matches: L W L L L
- Matches won this season: 4 out of 15
- Key players: Harry Brook, Jos Buttler, Adil Rashid
SL vs ENG Head-to-Head in ODI
| Matches Played | Sri Lanka Won | England Won |
|---|---|---|
|
(Overall) 76
|
37 |
39 |
|
Last 4 matches
|
02 |
02 |
Latest meeting: Sri Lanka beat England by 8 wickets
Insight: With Sri Lanka’s strong home record at Colombo and England’s struggles at this venue, the hosts start as favourites in this SL vs ENG today match prediction.
SL vs ENG Probable Playing 11
Sri Lanka Probable Playing 11
Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Charith Asalanka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dhananjaya de Silva, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Maheesh Theekshana
England Probable Playing 11
Ben Duckett, Phil Salt, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Brydon Carse, Adil Rashid, Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton
SL vs ENG Toss Prediction
Batting first is the preferred option at Colombo, as the pitch slows down significantly and becomes difficult for chasing teams later in the match.
SL vs ENG Top Fantasy Picks
Batters to Watch
- Pathum Nissanka (SL) – 345 runs in 14 ODI matches at Colombo
- Kusal Mendis (SL) – 500 runs in 13 ODI matches last year
- Harry Brook (ENG) – Key middle-order batter and England’s ODI captain
Bowlers to Watch
- Wanindu Hasaranga (SL) – Match-winner at home, effective on turning tracks
- Maheesh Theekshana (SL) – Economical spinner, strong record in Sri Lanka
- Adil Rashid (ENG) – Lead spinner, proven wicket-taker in middle overs
SL VS ENG Dream11 Team Today
Wicketkeeper: Kusal Mendis (SL), Jos Buttler (ENG)
Batters: Pathum Nissanka (SL), Charith Asalanka (SL), Harry Brook (ENG)
All-rounders: Wanindu Hasaranga (SL), Dhananjaya de Silva (SL), Sam Curran (ENG)
Bowlers: Maheesh Theekshana (SL), Asitha Fernando (SL), Adil Rashid (ENG)
Captain Choices: Pathum Nissanka / Wanindu Hasaranga
Vice-Captain Choices: Kusal Mendis / Sam Curran
SL vs ENG Match Prediction- Who Will Win Today?
Sri Lanka’s dominant home record, strong spin attack, and England’s poor history at the R. Premadasa Stadium give the hosts a clear edge in this opening ODI. Despite the odds, Sri Lanka are well-positioned to take a 1–0 lead in the series.
SL vs ENG Winning Prediction:
👉 Sri Lanka to Win
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❓FAQs
Sri Lanka are favourites due to their strong home record and England’s struggles in Colombo.
A first-innings total of 250–260 runs is considered competitive.
Teams winning the toss are likely to bat first.
Pathum Nissanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Kusal Mendis, Sam Curran.