ENG vs SL: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 | Match Prediction, Squads, Live Score & Stats

• Fixture: England vs Sri Lanka
• Tournament: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 – Super Eights, Group 2
• Match: 42nd Match, Super Eights, Group 2
• Date & Time: 22 February 2026, 3:00 PM IST
• Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy, Sri Lanka

Match Preview

England will take on Sri Lanka in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eights stage in Kandy. Both teams qualified for this knockout round group after strong performances in the first round and will now aim to set the tone early in the Super Eights stage where every match counts.

England will enter this match with a strong T20 pedigree and the confidence gained from finishing second in Group C behind the West Indies. Their batting has been explosive from Harry Brook. They have been helped by Sam Curran’s all-round contribution. England’s bowling attack features experienced spin options like Adil Rashid and versatile pace options led by Jamie Overton and Liam Dawson.

Sri Lanka are playing at home which gives them an advantage. They come into this game after a strong performance in the group stage. Their famous eight-wicket win over Australia was highlighted by a century by Pathum Nissanka. He helped Australia chase down a target of 182. Sri Lanka’s batting line-up features top scorers like Kusal Mendis while bowlers Mahesh Thiksana and Dushmantha Chameera have played key roles in controlling the games at various stages.

This Super Eight encounter will test England’s balanced team against Sri Lanka’s home advantage and the momentum gained from their recent high-profile wins in familiar conditions.

ENG vs SL – Head to Head (T20Is)

Note: Prior to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, England and Sri Lanka have met 17 times in T20 Internationals. England have won 13 of those matches, while Sri Lanka have won 4. The most recent meetings included England’s 3–0 series sweep during England’s tour of Sri Lanka in February 2026.

ENG vs SL – Squad List

Pitch Report – Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy

Team Analysis

England

England have a strong batting core in Harry Brook, Jos Buttler and Ben Duckett and an all-rounder who can bowl quickly. They have a variety of bowling options, including the spin threat of Adil Rashid, who has considerable experience, and seam options in Jamie Overton and Liam Dawson who bowl a variety of lengths. He has proven success in ICC tournaments, and his team is well-balanced across all departments.

Their concern is that consistency in batting acceleration at crucial moments, especially against quality spin bowling in the difficult middle overs, can be variable.

Key players include Harry Brook who is the captain and an explosive run-scorer in the top order. Sam Curran is a vital all-round contributor with both bat and ball in a variety of match situations. Adil Rashid is a key spinner with vast international experience who can control the middle overs effectively.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka have a strong batting line-up that includes Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis, both of whom have been in great form throughout the tournament. They have an effective bowling line-up with pace bowlers like Dushmantha Chameera and spinners like Mahish Thiksana controlling the middle overs and consistently taking important wickets.

Their concern is their vulnerability at times against high-powered batting attacks. The pressure of expectations at home can influence tactical choices.

Key players include Pathum Nissanka, an in-form run-scorer and match-winner who scored a century against Australia. Kusal Mendis is an experienced middle-order anchor who builds partnerships. Dushmantha Chameera and Mahish Thiksana are strike bowling options who take wickets at various stages.

Toss Prediction

Kandy’s Pallekele Stadium offers a balanced surface with a chance of light mist in the afternoon matches, which will remain until the evening. The captain may choose to bat first and build up a challenging score for the defence before the mist makes bowling difficult in the second innings.

Cricbites Match Prediction

CricBites Prediction: England will win on the strength of depth and experience, but Sri Lanka’s pace and recent success at home mean this could be a tough contest.

Final Thoughts

This Super Eight clash between England and Sri Lanka promises to be a strategic and exciting T20 encounter. Both teams will look to establish their mark in the Super Eights with aggressive batting and strategic spin over and bowling variations. With match-winning players in both teams’ lineups, this clash could hinge on small tactical decisions and major individual performances.

Also Read: NZ vs PAK: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 | Match Prediction, Squads, Live Score & Stats

Disclaimer

These previews and predictions are based on tested teams, current form, history and pitch mood. However, cricket is notoriously unpredictable. Cricket results can vary depending on actual matchday conditions, toss results and individual talent.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Who is the captain of England in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026?

Harry Brook is the captain of England in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Q2. Who is the captain of Sri Lanka in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026?

Dasun Shanaka is the captain of Sri Lanka in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Q3. When and at what time will ENG vs SRI be played?

England will face Sri Lanka on 22 February 2026. This match is scheduled to start at 3:00 PM.

Q4. Where is the match being played?

The ENG vs SRI T20 World Cup 2026 match will be played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele, Sri Lanka.

Q5. What is the match number of ENG vs SRI in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026?

This match is the 42nd match of the Super 8 Group 2 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.