Overview:
At the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka have played 26 times with 12 wins and 11 defeats. Two games have been tied, with 1 match seeing no result. England own a 4-2 win-loss record from six matches here.
England and Sri Lanka gear up for Match 42 of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday, February 22. The match will be held at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
This is a crunch Super 8 Group 2 clash. Besides the two teams, the likes of New Zealand and Pakistan form this group. Earlier, Sri Lanka finished 2nd in the group stage. They were part of Group B, where Zimbabwe finished toppers. On the other hand, England finished 2nd in Group C behind the West Indies.
Sri Lanka, who have lost a couple of key personnel with injuries during the T20 World Cup, will be aiming to bounce back from their defeat against Zimbabwe. Meanwhile, England are aiming to come good and build fresh after a not-so-convincing group stage.
England T20 World Cup squad: Philip Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook (c), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jofra Archer, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid, Luke Wood, Josh Tongue, Rehan Ahmed, Jamie Overton, Ben Duckett.
England will hope the likes of Jos Buttler and Phil Salt fire for the team upfront. Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson are playing well, whereas Jacob Bethell and Will Jacks remain crunch all-rounders.
Sri Lanka T20 World Cup squad: Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Dushan Hemantha, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, Pramod Madushan.
What is the H2H record between Sri Lanka and England?
In terms of the head-to-head record, Sri Lanka and England have played 17 times to date. SL own 4 wins compared to England’s 13. At the T20 World Cup, England floored Sri Lanka, winning 5 of the six matches (L1).
Probable XI of both teams
Sri Lanka probable XI for the match versus ENG: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dushan Hemantha, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka.
England probable XI for the match versus SL: Philip Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook (c), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jofra Archer, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid, Jamie Overton.
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy & Key Details of the Stadium
The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium is located in Kandy. It was known as the Khettarama Stadium until 1994. The stadium was established in 2009. The stadium was built with an eye on the 2011 ODI World Cup. As many as 35,000 spectators can enjoy the game here.
What is the Pitch like at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium?
The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy is renowned for offering well-balanced surfaces that set the stage for exciting T20 contests. 33 international matches have been played here in the shortest format, with teams batting first. Three games have been tied, with one game not seeing a result.
The surface at Pallekele is generally known for being batter-friendly at the start. With a firm base and reliable bounce, stroke-makers can play through the line confidently in the powerplay and early overs. The ball comes on nicely, allowing teams to build momentum upfront.
As the match progresses, however, the pitch tends to lose pace. It becomes slightly tacky, bringing spinners and change-of-pace bowlers into the contest.
Key Stats & Records at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
Sri Lanka have played 26 T20Is here. They have won 12 and lost 11. Two games were tied, with one match seeing no result. Overall, 33 matches in T20Is have been held here. England have played six matches here and own a 4-2 win-loss record.
Australia hold the highest team total record here, scoring 263/3 in 20 overs versus Sri Lanka in 2016. Sri Lanka own the 2nd-highest team total, scoring 225/5 against Oman in the 2026 T20 World Cup.
New Zealand’s score of 88 versus Sri Lanka is the lowest team total at this venue. Sri Lanka have recorded the next two lowest scores (116 each).
Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis owns the most runs here (522). He has hit four fifties here. Kusal Perera (415) and Pathum Nissanka (399) are next.
Former fast bowling legend Lasith Malinga has picked the most wickets (18). Among active players, Maheesh Theekshana has collected 12 scalps at 20.41.
SL vs ENG: Weather Forecast – Will Rain Play a Role?
Evening conditions in Pallekele are expected to be cool and slightly damp. The temperature is likely to hover around 24°C, with full cloud cover overhead. There is a high chance of rain, so interruptions cannot be ruled out. Humidity levels are forecast to be high at around 80%, which could make conditions a bit heavy, especially for the players. Winds are set to gust up to 19 km/h, potentially aiding swing bowlers early on.
Sri Lanka vs England: Pitch Advantage for Which Side?
All things considered, Sri Lanka will be the slight favourites, and one expects them to handle the threat England will provide. Recently, England beat Sri Lanka in a bilateral T20I series and will be keen to build on the same.
FAQs – Pitch Report for Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
What is the pitch report for Pallekele International Cricket Stadium?
The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy is renowned for offering well-balanced surfaces that set the stage for exciting T20 contests. 33 international matches have been played here in the shortest format, with teams batting first. Three games have been tied, with one game not seeing a result.
The surface at Pallekele is generally known for being batter-friendly at the start. With a firm base and reliable bounce, stroke-makers can play through the line confidently in the powerplay and early overs. The ball comes on nicely, allowing teams to build momentum upfront.
As the match progresses, however, the pitch tends to lose pace. It becomes slightly tacky, bringing spinners and change-of-pace bowlers into the contest.
What is SL and ENG’s record at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium?
At the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka have played 26 times with 12 wins and 11 defeats. Two games have been tied, with 1 match seeing no result. England own a 4-2 win-loss record from six matches here.