England and Sri Lanka are set to face each other in the first ODI of their three-match series at the Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street. The two teams recently met in the T20I series, where England dominated the visitors, and Sri Lanka will be hoping for a much-improved showing in the longer white-ball format.

Harry Brook’s side has played only two ODI series in 2026, beating Sri Lanka 2-1 away from home before defeating India by the same margin in July. Their batting lineup has several players in strong form, while their pace attack has also been impressive during the current tour.

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will be looking to regain some confidence after a difficult spell of cricket. They have already secured their qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup, but the series provides an opportunity to test their players in English conditions and prepare for the challenges they could face on the bouncier pitches of southern Africa.

ENG vs SL, 1st ODI: Match Details

• Date and Time: September 22, 12:30 PM Local / 11:30 AM GMT / 5:00 PM IST
• Venue: Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street

ENG vs SL Head-to-Head ODI Record

Matches played: 79 | ENG Won: 38 | SL Won: 37 | No Result: 3 | Tied: 1

Riverside Ground Pitch Report

The surface at the Riverside Ground was showing a noticeable amount of green ahead of the match, which could initially encourage the seamers. However, with plenty of sunshine expected to hit the pitch before the game, the conditions should become increasingly favourable for batting as the contest progresses.

The new-ball spell could be crucial, especially for Sri Lanka’s seamers against England’s aggressive top order. Bowlers who can extract movement from the surface and maintain tight lines will have an opportunity to create early pressure. As the innings develops, however, batters who settle in should be able to score at a good rate.

Teams may therefore prefer to make the most of the early assistance with the ball before looking to build a strong total. A first-innings score in the region of 280-300 could provide a competitive platform, while a side with a well-set batting lineup could look to push beyond 300.

Squads

Sri Lanka: Kusal Mendis (c & wk), Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Pavan Rathnayake, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Maheesh Theekshana, Kamil Mishara, Dunith Wellalage, Sachindu Colombage, Eshan Malinga

England: Harry Brook (c), Ben Duckett, Tom Banton, Joe Root, Jos Buttler (w), Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Josh Tongue, Sonny Baker, Jamie Overton, Jordan Cox, Rehan Ahmed, Henry Crocombe

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ENG vs SL, 1st ODI: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• ENG wins the toss and bowls first
• SL’s powerplay score: 45-50
• SL’s total score: 250-270

Case 2:

• SL wins the toss and bowls first
• ENG’s powerplay score: 55-60
• ENG’s total score: 290-310

Match Result: Team bowling first to win the match.

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