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

Sri Lanka are all set to begin their three-match ODI series against England on September 22, 2026, with the first game scheduled at the Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street. After a challenging T20I series against England, Sri Lanka will now switch their attention to the 50-over format, where they will be looking for a much stronger response.

The ODI series is an important opportunity for Sri Lanka. Kusal Mendis will lead the side, with Charith Asalanka serving as his deputy. The squad contains a mixture of experienced international players and younger names who are looking to establish themselves in Sri Lanka's ODI setup.

With the first ODI just around the corner, here is our predicted Sri Lanka Playing XI vs England for the 1st ODI.

Sri Lanka Predicted Playing XI vs England

1. Pathum Nissanka
2. Kamindu Mendis
3. Kusal Mendis (Captain & Wicketkeeper)
4. Pavan Rathnayake
5. Charith Asalanka
6. Janith Liyanage
7. Wanindu Hasaranga
8. Dilshan Madushanka
9. Maheesh Theekshana
10. Dushmantha Chameera
11. Eshan Malinga

This combination gives Sri Lanka a balanced top order, several all-round options and a varied bowling attack.

1. Pathum Nissanka

Pathum Nissanka is expected to open the innings and will be one of Sri Lanka's most important batters in the series.

The right-hander has been in strong form recently and was specifically highlighted by the ICC as a key part of Sri Lanka's batting group for the England tour.

Against England's quality new-ball attack, Nissanka's role will be extremely important. If he can survive the first few overs and build a partnership, Sri Lanka can create a strong foundation for the middle order.

His ability to rotate the strike while also finding boundaries makes him an important player in the 50-over format.

2. Kamindu Mendis

Kamindu Mendis could partner Nissanka at the top or play a flexible role depending on Sri Lanka's final combination.

His ability to contribute with both bat and ball gives the team additional flexibility. Sri Lanka have several all-round options in this squad, and Kamindu's presence can help the team maintain balance.

If Sri Lanka lose an early wicket, Kamindu can also provide stability rather than forcing the middle order to arrive too early.

3. Kusal Mendis – Captain & Wicketkeeper

Kusal Mendis will be one of the central figures of the Sri Lankan team.

The wicketkeeper-batter has been appointed captain across both formats on this England tour, giving him a major leadership responsibility.

With the bat, Sri Lanka will expect Mendis to control the middle phase of the innings and convert starts into a substantial score.

His experience will also be valuable behind the stumps, particularly against England's aggressive batting lineup.

4. Pavan Rathnayake

Pavan Rathnayake is one of the younger names who could receive an opportunity in the ODI series.

He is part of Sri Lanka's announced ODI squad and has been included among the team's middle-order options.

The first ODI could be a significant opportunity for him to show that he can handle international cricket against a strong England side.

Sri Lanka will want their younger players to play positively without losing the ability to build an innings.

5. Charith Asalanka

Charith Asalanka is expected to play an important role in the middle order and is also the team's vice-captain.

He brings experience, left-handed batting and the ability to accelerate when required.

His position could become especially important if England's new-ball bowlers create early pressure. Asalanka can provide stability before shifting gears during the later overs.

6. Janith Liyanage

Janith Liyanage is another player who can add depth to Sri Lanka's batting.

He was included in the ODI squad as part of a middle-order group containing Kamindu Mendis, Pavan Rathnayake and Charith Asalanka.

His role could depend heavily on the match situation. If Sri Lanka have a good start, he can look to increase the scoring rate. If wickets fall early, he may instead be required to rebuild.

7. Wanindu Hasaranga

Wanindu Hasaranga remains one of Sri Lanka's biggest weapons.

The leg-spinning all-rounder gives Sri Lanka an important combination of batting depth and wicket-taking ability.

In English conditions, his bowling could become particularly interesting during the middle overs. England's batters are known for aggressive cricket, so Hasaranga's ability to break partnerships could be crucial.

His presence also means Sri Lanka do not necessarily need to depend entirely on specialist bowlers for their full allocation of overs.

8. Dilshan Madushanka

Dilshan Madushanka is expected to lead the pace attack alongside Sri Lanka's other seamers.

His left-arm angle can create problems for right-handed English batters, particularly with the new ball.

The conditions in England during September can offer assistance to seam bowlers, and Sri Lanka will hope Madushanka can use movement and variations to create early pressure.

9. Maheesh Theekshana

Maheesh Theekshana is likely to be one of Sri Lanka's key spin options.

His ability to bowl in the powerplay and middle overs gives Kusal Mendis an additional tactical option.

Against England's attacking batting lineup, Theekshana's job will not simply be about containing runs. Sri Lanka will also need him to create opportunities and break partnerships.

10. Dushmantha Chameera

Dushmantha Chameera brings valuable experience to the bowling attack.

His pace can provide Sri Lanka with an important option during the opening and closing stages of the innings.

Chameera's experience in international cricket could be especially useful in England, where the ability to maintain discipline with the new ball can make a major difference.

11. Eshan Malinga

Eshan Malinga could complete Sri Lanka's predicted XI.

He is part of the ODI squad alongside experienced pace options such as Chameera, Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka.

His selection would give Sri Lanka another pace option and could provide an opportunity for a younger bowler to make an impact on the international stage.

The Big Selection Question

The biggest question for Sri Lanka could be the final bowling combination.

The squad includes Maheesh Theekshana, Sachindu Colombage, Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka.

That means the team management has several options.

A more pace-heavy attack could be useful in Chester-le-Street, while an additional spinner could become important if the pitch offers assistance.

The final decision could therefore depend on conditions on match day.

England Will Be a Tough Challenge

Sri Lanka will face an England side that has already announced its XI for the first ODI.

England's confirmed lineup includes Tom Banton, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler, Will Jacks, Rehan Ahmed, Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue.

That is a strong combination of experienced batters, aggressive middle-order players, all-rounders and high-quality fast bowlers.

England also enter the ODI series after winning the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka 3-0.

However, the move from T20 cricket to ODI cricket changes the equation.

The 50-over format demands greater patience, better strike rotation and stronger innings management. Sri Lanka will hope the longer format gives their batters more time to settle.

Conditions Could Influence Sri Lanka's XI

The first ODI will be played at Chester-le-Street on September 22. The venue and English conditions could make the opening overs particularly important.

Sri Lanka's fast bowlers will be expected to test England's top order, while their spinners may become more important as the innings progresses.

For the Sri Lankan batting lineup, the challenge will be handling England's pace attack without losing wickets too quickly.

The first 10 overs could therefore set the tone for the entire match.

Final Thoughts

Sri Lanka have enough quality in their squad to make the ODI series competitive, but they will need their experienced players to lead from the front.

Pathum Nissanka's opening batting, Kusal Mendis' leadership, Charith Asalanka's middle-order role and Wanindu Hasaranga's all-round contribution could be central to Sri Lanka's plans.

At the same time, the younger players such as Pavan Rathnayake and Eshan Malinga have an opportunity to make an impression on a major international stage.

The predicted XI provides Sri Lanka with a combination of batting depth, spin options and pace bowling. However, the final playing XI will depend on the team's tactical plans and the conditions at Chester-le-Street.

One thing is certain: after the T20I series, Sri Lanka will be desperate to start the ODI leg with a strong performance.

Sri Lanka Predicted XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis (c & wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dilshan Madushanka, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga.