With the 2026 T20 World Cup on the horizon, England and Sri Lanka have intensified their preparations for the global event. England are touring Sri Lanka for a white-ball series involving three ODIs and three T20Is. Both teams would understand the value of this assignment in their preparation for the World Cup. The series will begin with three ODIs to be played at the iconic R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

The slow pitches will provide England with a massive opportunity to adapt to subcontinental conditions ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The first ODI is set to take place on Thursday, providing both sides a huge opportunity to get themselves into rhythm.

Their last ODI meeting between these two teams came during the 2023 ODI World Cup, where Sri Lanka claimed an easy win over England. Meanwhile, both sides' recent assignments have been disappointing. Sri Lanka are coming off a difficult ODI series loss to Pakistan last November, where they were outplayed across all three matches. England, meanwhile, endured a bruising experience at home against New Zealand, suffering a 3–0 defeat. However, heading into their latest series, both teams are packed with strong lineups. Notably, England have named their playing XI for the first game. 

Head-to-head

Matches - 79

SL won - 37

ENG won 38

NR - 4

Sri Lanka likely XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Eshan Malinga, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando

England XI:⁠ ⁠Zak Crawley, ⁠Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Jacob Bethell, ⁠Harry Brook (c), ⁠Jos Buttler (wk), ⁠Will Jacks, Sam Curran, Jamie Overton, ⁠Liam Dawson, ⁠Adil Rashid