Overview:
Of the 27 international matches played here in the shortest format, teams batting first have emerged victorious on 14 occasions, with the average first-innings total hovering around 162.
The Sri Lankan men’s cricket team is set to take on England in a three-match T20I series, starting January 30. Notably, the 2nd and third T20I will be played on February 1 and 3 respectively. All the three matches of this ODI series will be played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
Both sides come into this series on the back of a three-match ODI series in Colombo’s Premadasa Stadium. Sri Lanka took the 1st ODI before England bounced back and won the remaining two games and pocket the series 2-1.
With the ICC T20 World Cup starting on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka, this series is massive for both sides as they aim to get things right and tick the boxes.
For Sri Lanka, it’s about doing their homework well at home. Sri Lanka will want to perform well in front of their fans and play an impressive brand of cricket.
What is the Context of the SL vs ENG match?
England will be led by Harry Brook. The majority of names in the squad will be seen in the T20 World Cup, barring Brydon Carse, who was only named for the SL tour. Jofra Archer will link up with the squad ahead of the T20 World Cup.
Sri Lanka announced a 16-member squad for the three-match T20I series against England on January 28. The home team will be led by Dasun Shanaka. Notably, Sri Lanka retained the core team from the recent series against Pakistan which ended 1-1.
Sri Lanka and England have faced each other 14 times in T20I cricket. Sri Lanka have claimed 4 wins with England managing 10.
As per ESPNcricinfo, on Lanka soil, the two sides have clashed 2 times. Hosts Sri Lanka have claimed 1 win compared to England’s 1.
The 1st T20I between Sri Lanka and England will start at 7:00 pm IST on January 30 in Pallekele.
Sri Lanka – Probable Playing XI
Pathum Nissanka: The multi-format player can be a workforce. He is Sri Lanka’s leading scorer in T20Is with 2357 runs at 31.01.
Kusal Mendis (wk): He remains the most vital cog in this batting unit. From 97 T20Is, he has amassed 2330 runs at 25.32.
Kamil Mishara: He is likely to come in at number three. In 15 matches, he has managed 371 runs at 28.53.
Dhananjaya de Silva: He brings tuning in this middle order. An all-rounder, de Silva owns 879 runs at 20.92 from 47 matches.
Charith Asalanka: A fierce player, Asalanka boasts over 1300 runs in T20Is at 22.51. He has six fifties.
Dasun Shanaka (c): The skipper will be aiming to make his presence felt with his all-round exploits. He owns 1722 runs and 41 wickets.
Janith Liyanage: He will aim to provide the finishing touches. He owns 157 runs from 10 matches at 31.40.
Wanindu Hasaranga: He will lead the Lankan attack. Hasaranga is a trump card for the hosts. He is Sri Lanka’s highest wicket-taker with 151 scalps.
Maheesh Theekshana: He would be complementing Hasaranga with his spin show. The spinner owns 70 wickets from 74 T20Is.
Dushmantha Chameera: The pacer is a decent figure in this Sri Lankan side. He has been in good form of late. He has 78 scalps.
Matheesha Pathirana: His unique style will be of help to the Lankans. Bought by KKR in the IPL 2026 auction, the pacer owns 33 T20I scalps.
Player to watch out for (Wanindu Hasaranga): The senior all-rounder will want to bring his A game. He has a sound record in T20Is.
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England – Probable Playing XI
Ben Duckett : The England southpaw will aim to take on the home team from the start with his aggressive play. He owns 527 runs from 20 T20I matches.
Phil Salt : He played a massive role in winning successive IPL titles with KKR and RCB. A ferocious figure, Salt owns 1540 runs for England. He owns a strike rate of 168-plus.
Jos Buttler (wk): He will come in at number three. Buttler is England’s top scorer with 3869 runs at 35.49.
Harry Brook (c): The England skipper hit a sparkling ton in the 3rd ODI versus SL. In T20Is, he has amassed 1012 runs from 52 games.
Jacob Bethell: He will be aiming to bring solid game into play. Bethell owns 392 T20I runs from 20 matches (SR: 155.15).
Will Jacks: The all-rounder is another key option with bat and ball. He has managed 401 runs for England in T20Is. With the ball, he has three wickets.
Sam Curran: He comes to this series on the back of impressive shows in ILT20 and the BBL. Curran with his left-arm pace and big-hitting exploits will be a key figure. He has 57 scalps and 450 runs.
Jamie Overton: In 15 T20Is, he has picked 15 scalps at 17.73. He will aim to lead the pace attack.
Adil Rashid: He is England’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is. He is closing in on 150 scalps (145).
Brydon Carse: In 14 T20Is, he has 20 scalps under his belt at 20.60. He will aim to provide control.
Rehan Ahmed: He will be the 2nd main spinner in this side. In 12 matches, he has 13 scalps.
Player to watch out for (Phil Salt): He is a top T20I player and England will count on his attributes.
Top Batters for Dream11
In terms of the Dream11 team pick, among batters, the likes of Kusal Mendis, Phil Salt and Harry Brook can be wise picks alongside Pathum Nissanka and Ben Duckett.
Jos Buttler can be a differential pick. He promises stability and able partnerships.
Best All-Rounders to Boost Points
In terms of all-rounders, one can go with two sound options in the form of Sam Curran and Sri Lankan powerhouse Wanindu Hasaranga.
Bowlers to Watch in Dream11
With the surface expected to help spinners, the likes of Adil Rashid and Maheesh Theekshana can be wise picks. Dushmantha Chameera can be the pace option.
Captain and Vice-captain picks
Buttler can be an ideal captaincy option with Nissanka being the vice-captain pick.
One can mix it with Hasaranga being picked as captain and having Rashid as the vice-captain.
Pitch Report & Venue Conditions
The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy is renowned for offering well-balanced surfaces that set the stage for exciting T20 contests. Of the 27 international matches played here in the shortest format, teams batting first have emerged victorious on 14 occasions, with the average first-innings total hovering around 162. As the match progresses, the pitch tends to deteriorate, with cracks opening up and making run chases increasingly challenging. Given these conditions, opting to bat first has often proven to be the smarter and more rewarding strategy at this venue.
Match Prediction – Who Has the Upper Hand?
All things considered, both sides will be up for it on a surface that will help spin once the game progresses. Both teams are expected to go in with heavy spin options. Sri Lanka will be slightly ahead given the series is at home.
FAQs About SL vs ENG Playing 11
Who are the key players in the SL vs ENG clash?
For the Lankans, Wanindu Hasaranga will want to bring his A game. He has a sound record in T20Is. For England, Phil Salt can be ominous for Sri Lanka. He is a sheer run-scorer.