Welcome to IPL Star, your go-to source for niche cricket news and in-depth coverage. Sri Lanka vs England 1st ODI 2026 turned out to be a nail-biter at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, with the hosts clinching a hard-fought 19-run victory on January 22, 2026. This match, part of the England tour of Sri Lanka 2026, showcased classic subcontinental cricket drama—spin wizardry, resilient batting, and a late twist that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
If you’re a cricket enthusiast wondering how Sri Lanka turned the game around or why England’s Bazball approach faltered against spin, you’re in the right place. We’ll break it all down simply, with stats in easy-to-read tables, key moments highlighted, and insights drawn from reliable sources like ESPNcricinfo and Cricbuzz. Let’s relive this exciting clash that gave Sri Lanka a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.
Toss, Playing XIs, and Pre-Match Expectations
The toss often sets the tone in ODIs, especially on pitches like Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium, known for its spin-friendly nature as the game progresses. Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka won the toss and elected to bat first—a smart call given the venue’s history. Historically, teams batting first here have a win rate of around 55%, with average first-innings scores hovering at 250-270 on dry tracks. The pitch report indicated a dry surface with cracks, promising turn after the 25th over, which played right into Sri Lanka’s strengths with their quartet of spinners.
England, coming off a grueling Ashes series, looked to adapt their aggressive “Bazball” style to white-ball cricket in Asia. However, their struggles against spin in subcontinental conditions were a talking point pre-match. Experts on ESPNcricinfo predicted a close contest, with Sri Lanka favored due to home advantage. As one analyst noted, “England’s middle order will be tested by Sri Lanka’s spin depth.”
Here are the playing XIs:
| Team | Playing XI |
|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Dunith Wellalage, Pramod Madushan, Jeffrey Vandersay, Asitha Fernando |
| England | Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Sam Curran, Rehan Ahmed, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid |
Debuts added intrigue: Kamil Mishara made his ODI bow for Sri Lanka, bringing fresh energy to the top order. England fielded a balanced side with three spinners, signaling their intent to counter the conditions. No major injuries were reported, though England’s seamers were under scrutiny after recent form dips.
Pre-match buzz on social media, including X (formerly Twitter), highlighted fan excitement. Posts like those from @Bjsports_OFC discussed key players who could decide the outcome, emphasizing Mendis’ form and Rashid’s threat.
Sri Lanka Innings: Mendis’ Anchor and Wellalage’s Late Blitz Build Competitive Total
Sri Lanka’s batting innings was a masterclass in building on a tricky pitch. Opting to set a target, they posted 271/6 in 50 overs—a score that proved just enough. The knock was anchored by Kusal Mendis’ unbeaten 93, supported by Janith Liyanage’s aggressive 46 and a fiery cameo from Dunith Wellalage.
Powerplay: Solid Start Without Early Wickets
The openers, Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara, laid a foundation with a 50-run stand in the first 10 overs. Nissanka scored 21 off 30 balls, finding boundaries square of the wicket, while Mishara contributed 27 off 37, including a six off Adil Rashid. England started with Jamie Overton and Sam Curran, but the pair couldn’t break through early. Powerplay 1 yielded 49 runs for no loss— a steady if not explosive beginning.
Middle Overs: Wickets Tumble, Partnerships Rebuild
Things heated up in the middle phase. Sam Curran dismissed Nissanka in the 11th over, caught by Liam Dawson. Rashid then bowled Mishara with a googly, reducing SL to 54/2. Mendis joined Dhananjaya de Silva, and they added 43 runs, with Mendis aggressive against Rehan Ahmed, hitting successive boundaries.
Rashid struck again, trapping de Silva LBW for 10. Charith Asalanka survived two LBW shouts but scored 17 before an unlucky dismissal—sweeping Rehan onto his helmet, caught by Harry Brook at leg slip. At 124/4 in the 27th over, Sri Lanka needed stability.
Enter the crucial 88-run fifth-wicket stand between Mendis and Liyanage. Mendis reached his fifty off 61 balls with elegant off-side drives. Liyanage was positive, smashing two sixes and five fours in his 46 off 53. They rotated strike well, scoring only 18 runs between overs 30-35 but accelerating later. Liyanage fell to a return catch by Rashid in the 43rd over.
Pavan Rathnayake added 12 before Dawson dismissed him, caught by Overton.
Death Overs: Wellalage’s Fireworks
The innings exploded in the final overs. Wellalage, unbeaten on 25 off 12 (three fours, one six), targeted Overton. The 50th over went for 23 runs! Mendis stayed not out on 93, missing a century but ensuring a competitive total.
England’s bowlers toiled: Rashid was outstanding with 3/44, using flight and variations masterfully. Dawson was economical (1/31), while Overton leaked 66 without a wicket.
Sri Lanka Batting Scorecard
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pathum Nissanka | 21 | 30 | 2 | 0 | 70.00 |
| Kamil Mishara | 27 | 37 | 2 | 1 | 72.97 |
| Kusal Mendis (wk) | 93* | 117 | 11 | 0 | 79.49 |
| Dhananjaya de Silva | 10 | 21 | 1 | 0 | 47.62 |
| Charith Asalanka (c) | 17 | 16 | 2 | 0 | 106.25 |
| Janith Liyanage | 46 | 53 | 5 | 2 | 86.79 |
| Pavan Rathnayake | 12 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 85.71 |
| Dunith Wellalage | 25* | 12 | 3 | 1 | 208.33 |
| Extras | 20 (lb 10, w 10) | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 271/6 (50 overs, RR: 5.42) | – | – | – | – |
Fall of Wickets
| Wicket | Score | Over | Batter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 50 | 10.3 | Nissanka |
| 2 | 54 | 13.4 | Mishara |
| 3 | 97 | 21.2 | de Silva |
| 4 | 124 | 26.3 | Asalanka |
| 5 | 212 | 42.5 | Liyanage |
| 6 | 239 | 47.2 | Rathnayake |
England Bowling Figures
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jamie Overton | 9 | 0 | 66 | 0 | 7.30 |
| Sam Curran | 8 | 0 | 40 | 1 | 5.00 |
| Liam Dawson | 10 | 1 | 31 | 1 | 3.10 |
| Adil Rashid | 10 | 0 | 44 | 3 | 4.40 |
| Rehan Ahmed | 10 | 0 | 61 | 1 | 6.10 |
| Jacob Bethell | 3 | 0 | 19 | 0 | 6.30 |
Partnerships Table
| Partnership | Runs | Balls | Batters |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 50 | 63 | Nissanka (21) & Mishara (25) |
| 2nd | 4 | 19 | Mendis (2) & Mishara (2) |
| 3rd | 43 | 46 | Mendis (28) & de Silva (10) |
| 4th | 27 | 31 | Mendis (10) & Asalanka (17) |
| 5th | 88 | 98 | Mendis (36) & Liyanage (46) |
| 6th | 27 | 27 | Mendis (14) & Rathnayake (12) |
| 7th | 32 | 16 | Mendis (3) & Wellalage (25) |
This innings showed Sri Lanka’s depth. Mendis’ knock was patient yet effective, while Wellalage’s late charge shifted momentum. For more on Mendis’ career ESPNcricinfo’s player profile.
England Innings: Promising Platform Crumbles Under Spin Pressure
Chasing 272, England needed a strong start but fell short at 252 in 49.2 overs. Ben Duckett and Joe Root’s fifties provided hope, but Sri Lanka’s spinners choked the middle order, leading to a collapse.
Powerplay: Early Setback, Steady Recovery
Asitha Fernando started with a maiden and dismissed Zak Crawley for 6, caught by Mendis. At 12/1, pressure was on. Duckett and Root stabilized, scoring boundaries regularly. Powerplay 1: 41/1. They ran hard, putting fielders under pressure.
Duckett-Root Partnership: The Backbone
The duo added 117 for the second wicket. Duckett scored 62 off 76 (5 fours, 1 six), strong square. Root’s 61 off 90 (5 fours) was classic—nudges and drives. They reached fifties around the 25th over, taking England to 129/1. Boundaries off Asalanka and Vandersay kept the rate steady.
But overs 20-24 yielded only 15 runs as spinners tightened. Did England miss a gear shift here?
Middle-Order Meltdown: Spin Takes Over
The turning point: Vandersay trapped Duckett LBW on a reverse sweep (129/2). Root fell LBW to de Silva after a review (144/3). Brook was stumped by Asalanka for 6, advancing down the track. Bethell (15) was stumped by Wellalage. Curran (5) caught and bowled by Wellalage. From 129/1 to 165/6, England lost five wickets for 36 runs.
Jos Buttler scored 19 but was bowled by Madushan. The required rate climbed above 10.
Final Overs Drama: Overton’s Heroics Fall Short
Rehan Ahmed smashed 27 off 21 (5 fours), reducing to 72 off 36. He fell to Vandersay. Madushan took two in an over—Buttler and Dawson. Overton blasted 34 off 17 (4 fours, 2 sixes), needing 20 off the last over. But he miscued a full-toss to Wellalage, ending at 252.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers shone: Madushan 3/39, Vandersay 2/39, Wellalage 2/41. Spinners bowled 36 overs for 135/6 (econ 3.75).
England Batting Scorecard
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zak Crawley | 6 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 54.55 |
| Ben Duckett | 62 | 76 | 5 | 1 | 81.58 |
| Joe Root | 61 | 90 | 5 | 0 | 67.78 |
| Jacob Bethell | 15 | 33 | 1 | 0 | 45.45 |
| Harry Brook (c) | 6 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 50.00 |
| Jos Buttler (wk) | 19 | 20 | 0 | 1 | 95.00 |
| Sam Curran | 5 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 55.56 |
| Rehan Ahmed | 27 | 21 | 5 | 0 | 128.57 |
| Jamie Overton | 34 | 17 | 4 | 2 | 200.00 |
| Liam Dawson | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 100.00 |
| Adil Rashid | 0* | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Extras | 15 (lb 5, w 9, nb 1) | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 252 (49.2 overs, RR: 5.11) | – | – | – | – |
Fall of Wickets
| Wicket | Score | Over | Batter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 12 | 2.5 | Crawley |
| 2 | 129 | 27.1 | Duckett |
| 3 | 144 | 32.4 | Root |
| 4 | 157 | 36.4 | Brook |
| 5 | 159 | 37.3 | Bethell |
| 6 | 165 | 39.2 | Curran |
| 7 | 203 | 44.5 | Ahmed |
| 8 | 211 | 45.2 | Buttler |
| 9 | 213 | 45.4 | Dawson |
| 10 | 252 | 49.2 | Overton |
Sri Lanka Bowling Figures
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asitha Fernando | 8 | 1 | 64 | 1 | 8.00 |
| Pramod Madushan | 5.2 | 0 | 39 | 3 | 7.30 |
| Dhananjaya de Silva | 8 | 0 | 22 | 1 | 2.80 |
| Dunith Wellalage | 10 | 0 | 41 | 2 | 4.10 |
| Charith Asalanka | 7 | 0 | 33 | 1 | 4.70 |
| Jeffrey Vandersay | 10 | 0 | 39 | 2 | 3.90 |
| Kamil Mishara | 1 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 9.00 |
Partnerships Table
| Partnership | Runs | Balls | Batters |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 12 | 17 | Crawley (6) & Duckett (6) |
| 2nd | 117 | 146 | Duckett (56) & Root (56) |
| 3rd | 15 | 33 | Root (5) & Bethell (9) |
| 4th | 13 | 25 | Bethell (6) & Brook (6) |
| 5th | 2 | 5 | Bethell (0) & Buttler (2) |
| 6th | 6 | 11 | Buttler (1) & Curran (5) |
| 7th | 38 | 33 | Buttler (10) & Ahmed (27) |
| 8th | 8 | 3 | Buttler (6) & Overton (0) |
| 9th | 2 | 2 | Overton (0) & Dawson (2) |
| 10th | 39 | 22 | Overton (34) & Rashid (0) |
England’s chase highlighted their spin vulnerabilities. For video highlights, check YouTube’s full match recap.
Standout Individual Performances
This match featured several stars. Kusal Mendis’ 93* was the innings’ backbone, showcasing patience on a turning track. His 11 fours came mostly from precise placement.
Dunith Wellalage earned Player of the Match for his all-round heroics: 25* with the bat and 2/41 with the ball, plus key catches. “Pace variations and line were key,” he said post-match.
For England, Ben Duckett’s 62 was fluent, while Joe Root’s 61 reminded why he’s a modern great. Adil Rashid’s 3/44 was England’s best bowling effort.
Pramod Madushan’s 3/39 in pace proved crucial in the death.
Key Stats and Records Table
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Highest Score | Kusal Mendis 93* |
| Best Bowling | Adil Rashid 3/44, Pramod Madushan 3/39 |
| Biggest Partnership | 117 (Duckett-Root) |
| Fastest Fifty | Duckett (67 balls), Root (72 balls) |
| Venue Record | SL’s 271 is the 15th highest at Premadasa in ODIs |
| Head-to-Head Update | SL now leads ENG 40-38 in ODIs |
| Milestones | Mendis’ 20th ODI fifty; Rashid’s 180th ODI wicket |
These stats, sourced from ESPNcricinfo, underline the match’s competitiveness.
Player of the Match: Dunith Wellalage’s All-Round Brilliance
Wellalage’s performance was game-changing. Batting at No. 8, he smashed 25* off 12, lifting SL past 270. With the ball, he dismissed Bethell and Curran, using sharp turn.
In his post-match interview (via Cricbuzz), Wellalage said: “Supporting Kusal was key, then maximizing the last overs. Bowling-wise, pace variation helped.”
At 22, Wellalage is a rising star—check his profile on Cricbuzz for more.
Turning Points of the Match
- Rashid’s Double Strike: Dismissing de Silva and Asalanka swung momentum to England mid-innings.
- Mendis-Liyanage Partnership: 88 runs stabilized SL, preventing a sub-250 total.
- Wellalage’s Cameo: 32 runs in the last 16 balls boosted SL to 271.
- Duckett’s Dismissal: Broke the 117-run stand, triggering England’s collapse.
- Overton’s Last Stand: Needed 20 off 6, but his miscue ended hopes.
These moments, as analyzed on BBC Sport, defined the thriller.
Tactical Breakdown: Spin Dominance and England’s Struggles
Sri Lanka’s tactics were spot-on: Bat first, build steadily, unleash spinners. Their four spinners (Wellalage, Vandersay, de Silva, Asalanka) shared 36 overs, conceding just 135 runs at 3.75 economy—choking England’s run rate below 5 for most of the chase.
England’s aggressive intent faltered; poor sweep shots and advancing led to stumpings. Bazball works on flat tracks, but here, adaptation was lacking. Harry Brook admitted post-match: “They challenged us with spin.”
Sri Lanka’s seamers held nerve in death, despite leaks. For deeper tactics, read ESPN’s report here.
What do you think—could England have rotated better against spin?
Post-Match Reactions
Charith Asalanka: “Not too worried at the end. Our spinners pulled it back after 30 overs. Wellalage was huge.” (via Hindustan Times)
Harry Brook: “Toss was crucial, but SL deserved it. Their spinners were exceptional.” (BBC Sport)
Wellalage: “Supporting Mendis and varying pace worked.” (Cricbuzz)
Fan reactions on X included praise for SL’s fightback, with videos like @SlSports5’s highlights going viral.
Series Context and Implications
This win gives Sri Lanka momentum in the 3-ODI series, reinforcing their home ODI record (win rate 60%+). England must address spin woes quickly—perhaps more sweep practice or lineup tweaks.
The series continues with the 2nd ODI on January 25 at the same venue, followed by the 3rd and three T20Is. A SL series win could boost their World Cup prep.
For England, it’s a reminder of Asian challenges post-Ashes.
England Tour of Sri Lanka 2026: Ultimate Preview Guide to the Thrilling 3-Match ODI Series!
Conclusion: A Classic Colombo Thriller
Sri Lanka vs England 1st ODI 2026 was pure cricket entertainment—a thrilling 19-run victory for the hosts, powered by Mendis’ grit and spin magic. England showed fight but succumbed to familiar foes.
At IPL Star, we bring you such detailed breakdowns to enhance your cricket love. What was your favorite moment? Share in the comments below, and follow for 2nd ODI updates. For more cricket news, explore Ground News summary.
FAQs for Sri Lanka vs England 1st ODI 2026
- Who won the Sri Lanka vs England 1st ODI 2026? Sri Lanka won the Sri Lanka vs England 1st ODI 2026 by 19 runs on January 22, 2026, at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. The hosts defended 271/6 to restrict England to 252, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series during the England tour of Sri Lanka 2026.
- What was the final score in SL vs ENG 1st ODI 2026? Sri Lanka posted 271/6, led by Kusal Mendis’ unbeaten 93 and a late 25* off 12 from Dunith Wellalage. Sri Lanka vs England 1st ODI 2026 England were bowled out for 252 in 49.2 overs, with Ben Duckett (62) and Joe Root (61) offering resistance.
- Who was Player of the Match in Sri Lanka vs England 1st ODI 2026? Sri Lanka vs England 1st ODI 2026 Dunith Wellalage was named Player of the Match for his all-round brilliance: 25* off 12 balls with the bat and 2/41 with the ball, including key wickets during England’s middle-order collapse.
- How did Kusal Mendis perform in the Sri Lanka vs England 1st ODI 2026? Sri Lanka vs England 1st ODI 2026 Kusal Mendis anchored Sri Lanka’s innings with an unbeaten 93 off 117 balls (11 fours), building crucial partnerships including an 88-run stand with Janith Liyanage (46) to set a competitive total.
- Why did England lose the 1st ODI against Sri Lanka in 2026? England lost due to a middle-order meltdown against spin. Sri Lanka vs England 1st ODI 2026 After a 117-run Duckett-Root partnership, they collapsed from 129/1 to 165/6 as Sri Lanka’s spinners (Wellalage, Vandersay, de Silva, Asalanka) took 6 wickets in the middle overs.
- What were the key turning points in SL vs ENG 1st ODI 2026? Sri Lanka vs England 1st ODI 2026 Major turning points included Adil Rashid’s 3/44 restricting Sri Lanka, the Mendis-Liyanage partnership rebuilding the innings, Wellalage’s late cameo adding 32 runs in the final 16 balls, Duckett’s dismissal triggering England’s collapse, and Jamie Overton’s late 34 off 17 falling short.
- How did spin bowling impact the Sri Lanka vs England 1st ODI 2026? Spin was decisive. Sri Lanka’s four spinners bowled 36 overs for 135 runs and 6 wickets (economy 3.75). England’s struggles against turn, especially poor execution of sweeps and advancing shots, led to multiple stumpings and LBWs.
- What is the series status after Sri Lanka beat England in the 1st ODI 2026? Sri Lanka lead the three-match ODI series 1-0. The 2nd ODI is scheduled for January 25, 2026, at the same venue (R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo).
- Who took the best bowling figures in the England tour of Sri Lanka 2026 1st ODI? Adil Rashid (England) took 3/44 in 10 overs, while Pramod Madushan (Sri Lanka) claimed 3/39 in 5.2 overs during the death.
- Where can I watch highlights of Sri Lanka vs England 1st ODI 2026? Official highlights are available on platforms like YouTube (search official broadcaster channels), ESPNcricinfo, and Cricbuzz. Fan-compiled clips were widely shared on X (formerly Twitter).
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