Cricket

Sri Lanka vs England ODI Preview & Tips - England to finally get ODI tri-series win

By Ben Darvill

2 hours ago

Ben Darvill 2 hours ago

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England have won six of their last 10 ODI's against Sri Lanka
Joe Root is averaging 85.00 in ODI's in 2026
Preview, stats & head to head

Joe Root of England (Getty Images)

Sri Lanka vs England ODI Preview & Tips
Head To Head
Sri Lanka Form
England Form

Sri Lanka vs England ODI Preview & Tips

Sri Lanka hammered Pakistan by eight wickets in their last outing as they starred with the ball before easing to a simple win with the bat.

England have threatened in each of their matches so far but this has done little to stop them from slumping to three successive defeats meaning they have missed out on the ODI tri-series final.

Joe Root averages 62.84 against Sri Lanka in ODI's
Sri Lanka have lost five of their last 10 ODI's (W5)

Head To Head

Across their last 10 ODI meetings, England have secured six wins while Sri Lanka have secured four victories.

Sri Lanka Form

Sri Lanka knew they could take all of the pressure off their final group game against England by beating Pakistan, which would secure their place in the final and eliminate England.

Against their hosts, Sri Lanka dominated what proved to be an incredibly fragile Pakistan batting unit. Babar Azam's 29 was the top score for Pakistan as they were skittled for 110. In reply, Sri Lanka started well as they surged to 50 without loss. While they did lose two quick wickets, they steadied themselves well as they roared to an eight-wicket win.

This was almost the perfect win for Sri Lanka as their bowlers tore through Pakistan and their batting unit shouldered the responsibility of chasing their target down. The one issue remains the form of captain Kusal Mendis. Currently averaging 48.33 in the ODI game in 2026, his average is being dragged down by a poor run that has seen him score 18, zero and eight in the tri-series.

This is Mendis' last chance before the final to find some form, with runs for a number three batter crucial. However, with his recent performances in mind, I am backing against Mendis rekindling his run scoring as his side are beaten.

England Form

It has continually been a case of what could have been for England after three matches they will feel they should have won.

Their opener against Pakistan saw England restrict their opponents to 133/5 only to allow them to rally to a winning score of 302/9 as England's batting unit collapsed. Against Sri Lanka, England's massive score of 429/4 was chased down by an opponent that should never have been allowed to get close to their target.

Their second game against Pakistan saw England rally from 19/3 to post 241 and despite having Pakistan on the ropes at 154/9, they once again let the opposing batting team off the hook in a chastening defeat.

Sometimes, matches just get away from a team. However, England have lost three games they should have won. Their last match against Sri Lanka is crucial as it gives them a chance to end a three-game losing run.

Consistency has been a real issue for England across the series, and their own Mr Consistent has struggled. Prior to the ODI tri-series, Joe Root had scored 61, 75, 111 not out, 76 not out, 99 not out, 74 not out, 44, 15 and 18. Root's average of 85.00 in 2026 is very impressive, and I predict that he will end the series with a good score.

Neither England's batting unit not their bowling unit can claim to be faultless across the series with both impressing at times and then failing at others. While I back England to secure a win in their final tri-series match, the English have a lot of soul-searching to do after a campaign to forget.

Verdict

Sri Lanka v England ODI

I am backing Joe Root to return to scoring runs as England beat Sri Lanka in their final tri-series match.

England

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Batter Milestones

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