England vs Sri Lanka Today's Match Prediction, 1st ODI - Who will win today’s match?
Who will win today’s 1st ODI match between ENG and SL? (Source: ECB)
Published - 21 Sep 2026, 11:48 AM• Read time - 12 mins
After a comprehensive win in the T20I series, England will next take on Sri Lanka in a three-match ODI series with the first match scheduled on Tuesday, September 22, at Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street. The hosts were clinical throughout the T20I series, completing a 3-0 whitewash and will look to continue their winning streak.
They beat India 2-1 in the last 50-over assignment and have a great chance to rise above Sri Lanka in the current ODI team rankings with another series win. On the other hand, Sri Lanka beat West Indies 1-0 in their last ODI assignment. However, the recent T20I whitewash must’ve hampered their confidence big time.
In the last ODI series played between the two teams in January earlier this year, England managed to register a 2-1 victory, winning their fourth successive ODI series against the Lankan Lions. On the other hand, Sri Lanka last beat England in ODIs in 2014. Hence, they will have to play out of their skins to register a brilliant comeback.
ENG vs SL Match Info
| Date | Fixture | Match No | Venue | Start time (Local time) |
| Tuesday, September 22 | England vs Sri Lanka | 1st ODI | Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street | 12:30 PM |
Riverside Ground Stadium Stats
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Matches Played | 22 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 08 |
| Matches Won Bowling First | 12 |
| No Result | 2 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 253 |
| Average 2nd Innings Score | 196 |
| Highest Total Recorded | 338/6 (50) by Sri Lanka vs West Indies, 2019 |
| Lowest Total Recorded | 99/10 (26.1) by England vs Sri Lanka, 2014 |
| Highest Score Chased | 311 [314/4 in 44.4 overs] by England vs Australia, 2018 |
| Lowest Score Defended | 256 by Sri Lanka vs England, 2014 |
Also Check: ENG vs SL 2026 Stats
Riverside Ground Pitch Report and Playing Conditions:
| Aspect | Batters | Pacers | Spinners |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Assistance | Good | Good | Decent |
| Bounce | Good | Good | Moderate |
| Movement/turn | Good | Minimal after powerplay | Decent |
| Best Phase | Middle overs | With the new ball | Middle Overs |
ENG vs SL Head-to-Head record (ODIs)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 82 |
| England | 40 |
| Sri Lanka | 38 |
| Tied | 1 |
| No Result | 3 |
England vs Sri Lanka Predicted Playing 11
England (ENG):
Ben Duckett, Aneurin Donald, Joe Root, Harry Brook(c), Jos Buttler(w), Jamie Overton, Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Josh Tongue
Sri Lanka (SL):
Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis(w/c), Pavan Rathnayake, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Eshan Malinga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando
Players to watch out for in ENG vs SL
Joe Root (ENG):
The star batter was in sensational form during the ODI series against India. Root has been the glue holding the England batting lineup together and will again prove to be a thorn in Sri Lanka’s flesh in the upcoming fixture.
Dushmantha Chameera (SL):
The right-arm speedster picked up a four-wicket haul in the only ODI appearance for his team in the ongoing year. Chameera will once again have the responsibility to help his team get off to a good start with the new ball.
Today's Match Prediction: England to win
Disclaimer: This prediction is based on current form, team balance, and available match data. Cricket remains unpredictable, and actual results may vary.