Sri Lanka Predicted Playing XI vs England- 1st ODI, 2026

Sri Lanka to take on England in the first ODI [Source: AFP]After getting hammered in the T20I series (0-3), the visiting Sri Lankan side is under immense pressure, but a new challenge lies ahead of them. The Lankan Lions will take on a red-hot English side in a three-match ODI series, starting on Tuesday in Chester-le-Street, Durham.The team will certainly be underconfident after failing to win any of their three T20I matches, but the ODIs suit their style of play, and the Asian team will fancy their chances in the opening game of the ODI leg.Ahead of the first ODI, we take a look at Sri Lanka’s predicted playing XI, and how the team could line up for the all-important game.Openers and top order: Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal MendisPathum Nissanka: One of the best openers in the modern era, Pathum Nissanka will be a key player for Sri Lanka in the upcoming ODIs. He has the ability to play as an anchor and can also score quickly if needed. The right-handed batter will need to be at his best against the English bowling attack.Also Read: Sri Lanka Squads For England ODIs T20Is Announced, Big Names Return From InjuryKamindu Mendis: A star for Sri Lanka in Tests, Kamindu Mendis has yet to prove his worth in ODI cricket. However, the management has backed him to open alongside Pathum Nissanka, and the right-handed batter will fancy his chance to score runs on flat English wickets.Kusal Mendis: The Sri Lankan captain was ruled out of the England T20Is due to an injury, but the right-handed batter is fit and has been given the clearance to play in the ODIs against the Three Lions. Kusal Mendis is most likely to bat at number 3.Middle order and all-rounders: Pavan Rathnayake, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu HasarangaPavan Rathnayake: Rathnayake has been Sri Lanka’s best ODI batter by a country mile in recent matches. The middle-order batter has played just six ODIs and has racked up 218 runs, with an average of 43.60, including a solitary hundred.Charith Asalanka: The first left-handed batter in the Sri Lankan playing XI, Charith Asalanka, is a brilliant spin player, and he can play both roles to perfection (an anchor and an aggressor). Plus, if needed, Asalanka can also chip in with his spin bowling to trouble the hosts.Janith Liyanage: Alongside Rathnayake, Janith Liyanage has also impressed the cricketing fraternity with his calming presence at the crease. In 36 matches, Liyanage has emerged as Sri Lanka’s crisis man, with 1034 runs at an average of 44.95. He will hold the key for the Lankan Lions in the middle-order.Also Read: England Level Pakistan's Record As Harry Brook's Co Whitewash Sri LankaDasun Shanaka: A medium-pace bowler with an ability to switch gears in ODIs, Dasun Shanaka is an excellent addition to the Sri Lankan playing XI, and he might have to bat at number 7, considering the top six slots are already filled.Wanindu Hasaranga: One of the best spin bowlers in the world, Wanindu Hasaranga can also chip in with runs down the order. England batters are excellent against quick bowlers, but they tend to struggle against quality spinners, and Hasaranga can be a massive threat to them.Bowlers: Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan MadushankaDushmantha Chameera: Sri Lanka have a quality pace attack, if utilised properly. Their main man is Dushmantha Chameera, who can wreak havoc with his pace. Chameera can be used inside the powerplay to take early wickets, and he can also come in the death overs to contain the flow of runs.Asitha Fernando: Another quality pacer with an ability to take wickets inside the first 10 overs, Asitha Fernando boasts a brilliant ODI record, with 39 wickets in 31 ODI games. The Chester-le-Street conditions will be useful for the pacers, and Fernando has the ability to nip the ball around to trouble the famed English batting lineup.Dilshan Madushanka: A different addition to Sri Lanka’s bowling attack, the left-arm seamer, Madushanka, will be tasked with containing the English batters early in the innings. He has the ability to swing the ball both ways, and with plenty of right-handed batters in the England lineup, Madushanka will fancy his chances of getting someone trapped LBW.Sri Lanka predicted playing XI Vs England, 1st ODIPathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis(c), Pavan Rathnayake, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan MadushankaAlso Read: CPL 2026 Team of the Tournament