Between the three-match T20I series Sri Lanka and England It begins on January 30th and serves as the last high practice for both teams before the game. ICC T20 World Cup 2026 It starts on February 7. After England bounced back to win the ODI 2-1, the action moves to the picturesque Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
England enter the T20I leg with significant momentum Harry Brooke‘s sensational 136-run blitz in the last ODI. The T20 squad sees the return of specialist firepower like Jofra Archer Phil SaltSri Lanka will rely on their spin-heavy arsenal – management Wanindu Hasaranga and Mahesh Theekshana– to overwhelm the visitors.
The hosts will try to take advantage of the tendency of the surface to slow down. with Dasun Shanaka led by a settled core, expect Sri Lanka to favor disciplined middle-order bowling to force England’s aggressive batsmen into risky shots. Under Brook, England’s ‘attacking’ philosophy remains. Inclusion Liam Dawson and Adil Rashid Kandy suggest they are ready for a comeback, but their success will largely depend on how well Jos Buttler and Phil Salt set the tone in the Powerplay.
SL vs ENG T20I series, Squads
Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmanthame, Mashmanthahera Madana, Malinga
England: Harry Brook (c), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethel, Josh Butler, Braydon Kars, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Josh Tong, Luke Wood
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium Pitch Report
Historically, Pallekele offers a flat surface with the ball coming into the bat beautifully early in the series. The average first shot score is around 168-172. As the same square is used, the pitch is expected to hold more for the spinners in the 2nd and 3rd matches. Variation will be the main weapon; Pacers who can handle effective cutters and pace-off deliveries (such as Pathirana or Curran) will be more successful than those who rely on raw pace. In recent T20s here, pacers have taken about 58% of wickets compared to 42% for spinners, but spinners usually maintain a lower save rate. Under lights, the ball can hold a bit more in the second innings and chasing 180+ is a tough task. Expect the captains to win the toss and put runs on the board.
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Statistics and Records
- Total Matches: 27
- Matches won in first innings: 14
- Matches won in bowling: 10
- Average score in 1st innings: 167
- Average score in 2nd innings: 147
- Most recorded common: 263/3 (20 Overs) Australia vs Sri Lanka
- The lowest total recorded was: 88/10 (16 Overs) New Zealand vs Sri Lanka
- Highest Score Pursued: 178/2 (18.4 Overs) Pakistan vs Bangladesh
- Lowest score defended: 137/9 (20 Overs) India vs Sri Lanka
Also READ: Sri Lanka have announced a strong 16-man squad for the T20I series against England
