Sri Lanka and England will be on the same field on February 22 for the round of eight matches of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. Who will win the high-voltage match under the constant threat of rain? Let’s find out.
The article that follows includes a detailed preview of the England vs Sri Lanka, Round of Eight of the T20 World Cup 2026. The article will include their probable playing XI, best probable players, head-to-head record, and details of the broadcast of the game, along with the weather and pitch report at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Balagolla, Sri Lanka, on February 22.
ENG vs SL T20 World Cup Match Preview:
Match Date: The England vs. Sri Lanka match will be played on Sunday, February 22.
Venue: The match will take place at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Balagolla, Sri Lanka.
Time: The match is scheduled to start at 3.00 PM IST.
ENG vs SL Full Squads:
England cricket team: Harry Brook (c), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Josh Tongue, Luke Wood.
Sri Lanka cricket team: 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, Matheesha Pathirana, Eshan Malinga.
ENG vs SL Probable XIs:
England Playing XI: Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (WK), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook (C), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid.
Sri Lanka Playing 11: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (w), Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dushan Hemantha, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana.
ENG vs SL T20 World Cup Match Key Battles:
1. Pathum Nissanka vs Jofra Archer:
Pathum Nissanka and Jofra Archer are expected to meet during the initial stage of the match. The opener’s recent form is an asset for the Sri Lanka cricket team. On the other side, Jofra Archer is the leading face of England’s pace attack, though he is yet to deliver according to expectations. If Archar is unable to do his job precisely, then England may have to face some consequences.
2. Kusal Mendis vs Adil Rashid:
Because of the subcontinental conditions, spinners are often considered the major cards of any participating team in the ongoing competition. Like Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid also failed to deliver according to his calibre. Kusal Mendis, another in-form Sri Lankan batter, who has already smashed multiple half-centuries in the tournament, will love to take on the English spinner.
3. Harry Brook vs Maheesh Theekshana:
Harry Brook, the captain of England’s white-ball team, is known for his attacking batting approach. And Maheesh Theekshana has proved why he is essential for the Sri Lanka cricket team. He is not only a wicket-taker but also can round his arms in a most economical way. Theekshana will test Brook’s nerves in the match.
ENG vs SL Key Players:
England Key Players: Phil Salt, Tom Banton, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Jamie Overton, and Jofra Archer.
Sri Lanka Key Players: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Dushmantha Chameera, and Maheesh Theekshana.
ENG vs SL Live Streaming and Broadcasting:
ENG vs SL Broadcast in India: The England vs Sri Lanka match will be broadcast live across India on the Star Sports Network.
Online Live Streaming in India: The matches of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 can be streamed live on the Jio HotStar app with an active subscription.
ENG vs SL T20 World Cup Match Weather and Pitch Report—Sri Lanka:
ENG vs SL Weather Report in Balagolla:
As of now, the possible weather conditions may not be very suitable for a cricket match. According to weather reports, in Balagolla, on February 22, there will be enough chances to see spells of rain associated with heavy thunderstorms. If the reports turn true, then the upcoming match between England and Sri Lanka can be hampered because of foul weather.
Though the weather can change in the upcoming hours. In the recent past few days, constant threats of rain were there on matches. But, proving the predictions wrong, the games went on according to the original schedule.
ENG vs SL Pitch Report at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Balagolla:
Traditionally, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Balagolla offers a spin-friendly surface. Technically sound batters with composure can also gather an ample amount of runs on the surface. A well-balanced contest between bat and ball can be expected on February 22, 2026.
ENG vs SL Head-to-Head Records:
According to ESPNcricinfo, from 2006, Sri Lanka and England were involved with each other in 17 Twenty20 International matches. With a 76.74 win ratio, the National Cricket team of England claimed 13 matches, while the Sri Lanka cricket team claimed the remaining four matches, which made their win ratio against England 23.52.
| Matches | ENG Won | SL Won | Draw | Tie | No Result |
| Overall | 13 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| In Last 5 Matches | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| In T20 World Cups | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
ENG vs SL Last 5 Matches Results:
1. Sri Lanka vs England—England won by 12 runs at Pallekele on February 3, 2026.
2. Sri Lanka vs England—England won by 6 wickets at Pallekele on February 1, 2026.
3. Sri Lanka vs England—England won by 11 runs at Pallekele on January 30, 2026.
4. Sri Lanka vs England—England won by 4 wickets at Sydney on November 5, 2026.
5. Sri Lanka vs England—England won by 26 runs at Sharjah on November 1, 2021.
ENG vs SL T20 World Cup Match— Conclusion:
In most of the cases, England had the upper hand over Sri Lanka in this format. In the last 5 matches, England went on to win on each occasion. But the recent momentum is looking different. Sri Lanka is in good form, while England survived some close-fought contests in the group stage of the T20 World Cup 2026. It’s hard to predict the winner. Because of the home advantage, Sri Lanka can utilise this moment to continue their blazing form.
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