Sri Lanka is hosting England for a three-match T20I series ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. This is the final preparation for the co-host and the three lions right before the marquee event.
Sri Lanka crushed by England
England sealed the series after winning the second T20I match on Sunday. The game was a rain-affected match it was reduced to 17 overs, with the English Lions winning the match by 6 wickets.
It is a warning sign for the Lankan Lions as they have failed to win a series, with this one a few days ahead of the T20 World Cup. More to add to the tension, Sri Lankan cricket, as reports arrive that pacer Eshan Malinga sustained a shoulder injury during the second T20I, is most likely to miss the ICC T20 World Cup.
Who will replace Eshan Malinga?
Reports suggest that Eshan Malinga has dislocated his shoulder last night and he is set to travel to Colombo for further scans as the official confirmation awaits on the majority of the injury, and it is believed Eshan Malinga will be out of action for four to six weeks. The reports also state that left-arm seamer Dilshan Madushanka or Pramod Madushan are two players in contention to replace Eshan Malinga in Sri Lanka’s squad for the major ICC tournament.
The 24-year-old seamer made his T20I debut in November 2025. Since then, Eshan has played eight matches and taken as many wickets in the game’s shortest format. Before sustaining the injury, Eshan Malinga bowled only 1.2 overs in the match and had given away 6 runs before leaving the field. Selectors also have additional pace options to consider, including Binura Fernando and Asitha Fernando. They will take the final call after official reports come out.
England seals the series after winning on Sunday
Coming to the match after being invited to bat first, the home side scored 189/5, with the top four batters scoring decent runs, and Pavan Rathnayake scoring 40 off 22 balls, which helped his side to post a defendable total. England is coming out to chase lost two wickets inside the powerplay. However, the experience of Jos Buttler and the explosive unbeaten innings from Tom Banton (54*) and captain Harry Brook (32) finished the rain-shortened match in favour of the visitors with two balls to spare.
Sri Lanka A will be facing Oman in the warm-up game on Tuesday. On the same day, the senior team will be facing England in the third and final T20I match. The co-hosts will be playing their first game on February 8 against Ireland at Colombo. Playing at home, the Lankan Lions will hope to win the championship for the second time after having won it back in 2014
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