Overview:
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.
The Sri Lankan men’s cricket team is set to take on England in the 2nd T20I on February 1. The match will be held at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
After beating Sri Lanka 2-1 in the recently concluded ODI series, England won the first T20I by 15 runs via the DLS method. In a rain-hit 17-over contest, England were ahead in the chase when the match was called off.
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. Sri Lanka need a win to salvage the series or else they will lose the same.
For England, it’s about getting the basics right once again and looking to win the series. Meanwhile, 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 bowled well in the first clash and bowled the Lankans out for 133 in 16.2 overs. Adil Rashid and Sam Curran claimed three-fers. Sri Lanka were going along nicely at one stage before they suffered a collapse.
In response, England were 125/4 after 15 overs when rain played spoilsport. Phil Salt scored a valiant 46-run knock for his side.
In terms of the H2H record, Sri Lanka and England have faced each other 15 times in T20I cricket. Sri Lanka have claimed 4 wins with England managing 11.
As per ESPNcricinfo, on Lankan soil, the two sides have clashed 3 times. Hosts Sri Lanka have claimed 1 win compared to England’s two.
The 2nd T20I between Sri Lanka and England will start at 7:00 pm IST on February 1 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 2380 runs. He scored a 20-ball 23 in the first encounter.
Kusal Mendis (wk): He remains the most vital cog in this batting unit. From 98 T20Is, he has amassed 2367 runs at 25-plus. He scored a solid 37 in the 1st clash.
Kamil Mishara: He managed a 9-ball 16 in the 1st clash. He entertained with 2 fours and a six.
Dhananjaya de Silva: He suffered in the opening clash, scoring a laboured 12-ball 11.
Charith Asalanka: A fierce player, Asalanka failed to fire in the 1st clash. He faced 5 balls and scored 2 runs.
Dasun Shanaka (c): The skipper will be aiming to make his presence felt with his all-round exploits. He hit a 20-run knock from 16 balls in the series opener.
Janith Liyanage: He will aim to provide the finishing touches. He managed a dismal 2-ball 1 in the opener.
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. However, he went wicketless in the 1st clash.
Maheesh Theekshana: He was out for a 1st-ball duck in the opener. With the ball, he clocked 0/31 from 3 overs.
Eshan Malinga: The pacer was picked ahead of Dushmantha Chameera for the opener. He clocked 2/24 from 2 overs.
Matheesha Pathirana: His unique style will be of help to the Lankans. Bought by KKR in the IPL 2026 auction, the pacer owns 34 T20I scalps. He was solid, clocking 1/18 from his 4 overs.
Player to watch out for (Wanindu Hasaranga): The senior all-rounder will want to bring his A game. After failing to do well in the opener, he will be keen to up the ante.
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England – Probable Playing XI
Phil Salt : He scored a vital 46 from 35 balls, hitting 2 sixes and three fours in the opener.
Jos Buttler (wk): He entertained with a brisk 10-ball 17. He smashed 4 fours before being dismissed by Malinga.
Jacob Bethell: He will be aiming to bring a solid game into play. Bethell was pushed to play at number three and he scored an 11-ball 9.
Harry Brook (c): He scored an unbeaten 16 from 18 balls in the opener and will aim to build on it.
Tom Banton: He will be a key figure. He scored a neat 15-ball 29 in the opener. Banton hit three fours and two sixes.
Will Jacks: The all-rounder didn’t get a chance to bat, nor was he asked to bowl in the first clash. He will aim for a chance this time.
Sam Curran: He claimed a hat-trick in the 1st match, bouncing back after being costly in his first spell.
Jamie Overton: In 16 T20Is, he has picked 17 scalps at 17-plus. He will aim to do well again. He picked 2/17 from 2.2 overs in the opener.
Adil Rashid: He is England’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is. He is closing in on 150 scalps (148). He was solid, taking 3/19 from 4 overs.
Liam Dawson: He was picked over Rehan Ahmed for the series opener. Dawson did well, managing 2/31 from 4 overs.
Jofra Archer: He was superb in the opening clash. Although wicketless, he did well with 0/22 from three overs.
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 Banton.
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. Jofra Archer can be the pace option.
Captain and Vice-captain picks
Buttler can be an ideal captaincy option with Mendis 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 28 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 160. 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. England will fancy their chances of going 2-0 ahead.
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.