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Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street will stage the first ODI on 22nd September at 5:00 PM IST, where England will compete against Sri Lanka.
Get the best ENG vs SL Dream11 prediction, fantasy cricket tips, probable playing XI, and match insights for the 1st ODI match of the Sri Lanka Tour of England 2026. Expert analysis and more.
Hot Picks for ENG vs SL Dream11 Prediction and Fantasy Cricket Tips:
Captaincy Picks:
Jos Buttler – Buttler has completed 202 ODIs, accumulating 5,578 runs with 11 centuries and 29 fifties. His highest score remains 162, while his wicketkeeping record includes 39 stumpings. |
Joe Root – Root’s remarkable ODI career now features 7,826 runs from 192 matches and 181 innings, including 20 centuries and 48 fifties. His career-best score is 166, underlining his consistency at the top level. |
Top Picks:
Harry Brook – Brook has rapidly built an impressive ODI record, reaching 1,385 runs in 41 matches and 41 innings, with 3 centuries and 6 fifties. His best score is 136, while he has also taken 19 catches. |
Wanindu Hasaranga – Sri Lanka’s all-rounder has made a substantial impact with the ball, claiming 113 ODI wickets in 71 matches, including four five-wicket hauls and best figures of 7/19. With the bat, he has added 1,142 runs and five fifties. |
Budget Picks:
Kamindu Mendis – Mendis has accumulated 539 runs in 29 ODIs, including three fifties, with a highest score of 64. His left-arm orthodox and right-arm off-break bowling has also produced 6 wickets, giving Sri Lanka a useful all-round option. |
Josh Tongue – Tongue has featured in 2 ODIs for England, taking 1 wicket with best figures of 1/50. The right-arm fast-medium bowler has also contributed 2 runs with the bat. |
ENG vs SL Sri Lanka Tour of England 2026 Captain and Vice-captain Choices:
Captain | Jos Buttler & Joe Root |
Vice-Captain | Harry Brook & Wanindu Hasaranga |
ENG vs SL Dream11 Prediction Team 1:
- Keepers – Jos Buttler, Kusal Mendis
- Batters – Joe Root ©, Ben Duckett, Harry Brook (VC), Pathum Nissanka
- All-Rounders – Jamie Overton, Wanindu Hasaranga, Will Jacks
- Bowlers – Jofra Archer, Dunith Wellalage
ENG vs SL Dream11 Prediction Team 2:
- Keeper – Jos Buttler ©, Kusal Mendis
- Batters – Joe Root, Harry Brook, Pathum Nissanka
- All-Rounders – Jamie Overton, Wanindu Hasaranga (VC), Kusal Mendis
- Bowlers – Josh Tongue, Jofra Archer, Dunith Wellalage
ENG vs SL Dream11 Prediction Today Match 1st ODI Sri Lanka Tour of England 2026 Players to Avoid:
Players | Dream11 Credits | Dream11 Points (Last match) |
Jordan Cox | NA | NA |
Kamil Mishara | NA | NA |
ENG vs SL Dream11 Prediction Today Match 1st ODI Sri Lanka Tour of England 2026 Expert Advice:
SL Captaincy Choice | Joe Root |
GL Captaincy Choice | Jos Buttler |
Punt Picks | Kamindu Mendis and Josh Tongue |
Dream11 Combination | 2-4-3-2 |
ENG vs SL Match Preview:
England will take on Sri Lanka in the first ODI of the three-match series on 22 September 2026 at 5:00 PM IST at Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street. England enter the 50-over series after completing a 3–0 T20I sweep against Sri Lanka, while the visitors will look to make a positive start in the longer format. Meanwhile, Harry Brook will lead England, with experienced players such as Joe Root, Jos Buttler and Jofra Archer adding considerable depth to the squad.
England have assembled a well-rounded ODI group that combines established top-order batters, versatile all-rounders and quality pace options. Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler and Will Jacks bring significant experience, while Sri Lanka will depend on Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka and Wanindu Hasaranga. In addition, Maheesh Theekshana and Dushmantha Chameera provide important bowling options. Sri Lanka’s ODI squad lists Kusal Mendis as captain and Charith Asalanka as deputy, although the announced XI for this match differs from that original squad.
The opening ODI gives both teams a fresh challenge after England’s strong T20I campaign. England can carry confidence from their recent white-ball results against India and the 3–0 T20I series victory over Sri Lanka, while Sri Lanka will need to quickly adjust to the 50-over format and English conditions. Furthermore, the first match begins a three-game ODI series, with the second fixture scheduled in Leeds on 24 September and the final match at The Oval on 27 September.
ENG vs SL Head-to-Head Record:
Teams | Matches Won |
England | 38 |
Sri Lanka | 37 |
ENG vs SL Weather & Pitch Report:
Temperature | 22°C |
Weather Forecast | Mostly Cloudy |
Pitch Behaviour | Batting-friendly |
Best Suited To | Pace |
Average 1st innings score | 253 |
Record of chasing teams:
Records | Neutral |
Winning % | 50% |
ENG vs SL Playing 11s (Predicted):
England Playing 11:
1) Jos Buttler (wk)
2) Ben Duckett
3) Joe Root
4) Harry Brook ©
5) Will Jacks
6) Jamie Overton
7) Liam Dawson
8) Adil Rashid
9) Jofra Archer
10) Gus Atkinson
11) Josh Tongue
Sri Lanka Playing 11:
1) Pathum Nissanka
2) Kamil Mishara
3) Lahiru Udara
4) Charith Asalanka
5) Dasun Shanaka
6) Kamindu Mendis
7) Wanindu Hasaranga
8) Tharindu Rathnayake
9) Maheesh Theekshana
10) Dushmantha Chameera
11) Eshan Malinga
ENG vs SL Match Winner Prediction:
Considering the home advantage, England is expected to win this match.
