The first One-Day International of the three-match series between Sri Lanka and England is currently in progress at the R. Premadasa International Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka. 🇱🇰🏏🇬🇧
Match Context & Build-up
Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat first, opting to put runs on the board under lights in a day/night contest at this iconic venue.
Both teams are using this series as preparation for the T20 World Cup 2026, but pride and momentum in the 50-over format remain important.
England arrive in Sri Lanka following a difficult run of form in limited-overs cricket, including a disappointing Ashes campaign and mixed ODI results, placing emphasis on rebuilding confidence under captain Harry Brook.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, have shown strong home ODI performances in recent years and have named a balanced lineup despite resting a couple of frontline spinners with the T20 World Cup in mind.
Live Score & Key Match Action
Sri Lanka 129/4 (27.1 overs)
(as reported from live threads and updates)Kusal Mendis — 41 runs and holding the innings together
Janith Liyanage — contributing with useful cameos
England bowlers Jamie Overton and Rehan Ahmed have been effective, with Ahmed breaking through the Sri Lanka middle order.
Earlier in the innings, Sri Lanka had built a solid foundation through their openers, but a quick couple of wickets swung momentum slightly in England’s favour.
The batting team will look to recover and set a challenging total in the second half of their innings.
Live score snapshot (approx):
Sri Lanka 39/0 after 8.1 overs — steady opening platform in place early → 129/4 by the 27th over showing some England fightback.
Standout Performers So Far
🔹 Kusal Mendis (SL) – Anchoring the innings with a disciplined half-chance at the crease.
🔹 Jamie Overton (ENG) – Bowled his quota with control and built pressure upfront.
🔹 Rehan Ahmed (ENG) – Struck a breakthrough to keep England competitive.
Pitch & Conditions
The pitch at the Premadasa Stadium has offered good value to both batters and bowlers early on, with a slight inclination to assist pace in the powerplay before flattening out.
Spinners may come into play as the ball gets older under floodlights.
Tactical Notes
Sri Lanka’s decision to bat first reflects their confidence on home decks, historically favouring pace over spin early on before the surface slows.
England have shuffled their bowling attack slightly, with Rehan Ahmed replacing the unavailable Will Jacks and focusing on disciplined overs from seam and spin options.
What’s Next?
Once Sri Lanka complete their innings, England will chase the target with an eye on setting the tone for the series.
The next ODIs are scheduled for Saturday and next Tuesday, followed by a three-match T20I series.
