England and Sri Lanka will face off in Match 42 of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday, February 22, at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
This is an important Super 8 Group 2 match, involving New Zealand and Pakistan as well. Sri Lanka secured 2nd place in Group B, with Zimbabwe at the top. England placed 2nd in Group C, finishing behind the West Indies.
Sri Lanka is looking to recover after a defeat against Zimbabwe, despite losing key players to injuries. England aims to improve their performance after a less impressive 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 hopes to see strong performances from Jos Buttler and Phil Salt at the top of the order. Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson are in good form, while Jacob Bethell and Will Jacks are key 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 their 17 encounters, Sri Lanka has won 4 times while England has won 13. In T20 World Cup matches, England has won 5 out of 6 matches played against Sri Lanka.
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 in Kandy, known as Khettarama Stadium until 1994, was established in 2009 and built for the 2011 ODI World Cup. The stadium can accommodate 35,000 spectators.
What is the Pitch like at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium?
The pitch at Pallekele is known for being balanced, providing excitement for T20 matches. A total of 33 international T20 matches have taken place here, with three ending in ties and one having no result.
The surface is generally good for batting early in the match, allowing stroke-makers to score freely. As the game progresses, the pitch may slow down, making spin bowlers more effective.
Key Stats & Records at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
Sri Lanka has played 26 T20Is at this venue, winning 12 and losing 11, with two matches tied and one having no result. England holds a 4-2 win-loss record from six matches played here.
The highest team total at this venue is 263/3 by Australia against Sri Lanka in 2016. Sri Lanka’s second-highest score is 225/5 against Oman during the 2026 T20 World Cup.
The lowest team total recorded here is 88 by New Zealand against Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka has two of the next lowest scores, both at 116.
Kusal Mendis has scored the most runs at this venue with 522 runs, including four half-centuries. Kusal Perera (415) and Pathum Nissanka (399) follow closely.
Lasith Malinga holds the record for the most wickets (18), while Maheesh Theekshana, among active players, has 12 wickets at an average of 20.41.
SL vs ENG: Weather Forecast – Will Rain Play a Role?
Evening conditions in Pallekele are expected to be cool and slightly damp, with temperatures around 24°C and full cloud cover. There is a high chance of rain, which could disrupt play. Humidity is predicted to be around 80%, making it challenging for players, while winds could gust up to 19 km/h, possibly aiding swing bowlers early.
Sri Lanka vs England: Pitch Advantage for Which Side?
Sri Lanka may have a slight advantage and are expected to manage the challenge England presents. England recently defeated Sri Lanka in a bilateral T20I series, and they will look to build on that success.
FAQs – Pitch Report for Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
What is the pitch report for Pallekele International Cricket Stadium?
The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium offers a balanced playing surface ideal for T20 matches. With 33 international matches held, it has shown a tendency to favor teams batting first.
The pitch is known for being batter-friendly initially, allowing aggressive batting during the powerplay. However, it can slow down later, giving bowlers a chance to make an impact.
What is SL and ENG’s record at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium?
Sri Lanka has played 26 times at this venue with 12 wins and 11 losses. They have had two tied matches and one without a result. England has a 4-2 record from six matches here.
