Sri Lanka have been hosting England for the white-ball series, while the first match of the three-match SL vs ENG T20I series ended in favour of the Englishmen. England have extended their winning streak against Sri Lanka and have boosted their campaign in the shortest format of the game ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup.
England started the ODI series by winning it 2-1, and they have also made a winning start to the T20I series at Pallekele. The English skipper Harry Brook has been leading the team for the first time in an ICC tournament. England were champions of the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup and the semi-finalists last season against England.
This article provides a detailed match prediction for the SL vs ENG 2nd T20I, analysing head-to-head records, key match moments, and winning probabilities.
SL vs ENG Match Prediction: Who Will Win the 2nd T20I?
Match Details:
Match: England vs Sri Lanka, 2nd T20I
Date: February 1st, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM IST
Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele
Live Streaming: SonyLIV
Live Broadcast: Sony Sports TEN Network
SL vs ENG Match Prediction, Head-to-Head Record
Sri Lanka and England have not met very often in the shortest format of the game, but in as many games as have been played by these two teams, the two have played against each other in bilaterals and ICC tournaments, and the English have surely dominated the Lankans.
Out of 15 games that have been played by the two teams, Sri Lanka went on to win only 4 games, while on the other hand, England have won 10 games. Especially playing the last five matches over these years, England were the sole winners.
SL vs ENG Pitch Report & Conditions
The pitch at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium is known to be a batting paradise, as teams have been facilitated to bat first. It is a high-scoring venue, and the average first innings total here has been nearly 175-180 runs.
The pitch is a balanced pitch, which does not always facilitate batting and hence, is known to be a balanced pitch, with some help offered to spinners. The square boundaries are shorter than the straight boundary.
SL vs ENG Weather Report
According to Accuweather, the temperature is going to be moderate in the island nation. The sea-surrounded piece of land is likely to have a high wind speed, which will facilitate the seamers with the lighter new ball.
However, a cloud cover is likely to be prevalent over the region, and the afternoon period is suspected to have little drizzle. Hence, we can expect a flawless game of 40 overs, which will witness both teams giving their 100%, with the climate as well as the outfield conditions favouring play. During the nighttime, temperatures are likely to be reduced to 18 degrees.
SL vs ENG 2nd T20I Probable XIs:
England Playing XI: Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Will Jacks, Sam Curran, Tom Banton, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Liam Dawson, and Jofra Archer.
Sri Lanka Playing XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Dhananjaya De Silva, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga and Matheesha Pathirana
Toss Impact
Tosses often have a huge impact in such high-pressure games. The England team would be eyeing a series triumph in this game, and on the other hand, Sri Lanka will be hunting for their first win against England in many years. The captain winning the toss is likely to bat first at this venue.
Form And Fitness
England have marked the return of Jofra Archer ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup. After being injured in the Ashes series, Archer was ruled out and missed the ODI leg of the series. His return is a massive advantage for the Englishmen.
SL vs ENG Score Prediction
Pallekele is not one of the highest-scoring grounds; however, the ground is also not unfavourable for batters. With mixed results and a good bounce and carry as well as spin, the first innings score can be around 170, while a 180+ run total will be a competitive total.
SL vs ENG: Players To Perform Prediction
England: Phil Salt, Adil Rashid, Jos Buttler, Harry Brook, and Jamie Overton
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dasun Shanaka, and Maheesh Theekshana
SL vs ENG: Best Batter Prediction
England: Phil Salt, Jos Buttler and Harry Brook
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka and Dasun Shanaka
SL vs ENG: Best Bowler Prediction
England: Adil Rashid and Jamie Overton
Sri Lanka: Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana
Match Prediction: Who Will Win The SL vs ENG 2nd T20I?
Harry Brook led the English side to a victory in the first game of the series. The second T20I would mark an opportunity for them to win the series, while the Lankans would also look to bounce back. The Sri Lanka and England teams will be playing with their final XI for the T20 World Cup. The visitors are the heavyweights in the contest.
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