The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy hosts a fascinating Super 8 clash between two sides who have transformed their tournaments through resilience and adaptability. England’s campaign has been a study in survival. After a scare against Nepal and a defeat to West Indies, they steadied the ship with back-to-back wins over Scotland and Italy, securing their Super 8 berth with three wins from four. Jacob Bethell has been their revelation, anchoring the innings with consistency. Sri Lanka, by contrast, has been on a roll. After a 3-0 drubbing by England just before the tournament, they turned things around spectacularly, finishing top of Group B with three consecutive wins, including a stunning demolition of Australia. Pathum Nissanka is in the form of his life, Kusal Mendis is contributing consistently, and their spin attack has been tournament-best. History favors England, they won the recent series 3-0. But Sri Lanka are a different side at home, on surfaces that suit their strengths. This is a genuine 50-50 contest, a test of nerve and adaptability, where the team that handles spin and pressure better will seize control.
England vs Sri Lanka Win Probability
RCBW vs DCW Batting Tips
ENG vs SL, Super 8 T20 World Cup 2026 42nd Match Details
| Match | ICC T20 World Cup 2026, 42nd Match, Super 8, Group 2 |
| Date | Sunday, February 22, 2026 |
| Time | 03:00 PM (IST) |
| Venue | Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy |
| Live Streaming (TV) | Star Sports Network |
| Live Streaming (Mobile) | JioHotstar |
ENG vs SL Team Form – Who Will Win Today’s Match?
England
England are in solid touch (W, L, W, W, W), with three wins in four tournament matches. Their key strength is batting depth. Jacob Bethell leads with 143 runs, anchoring the innings. Tom Banton has been in good touch (63 vs Scotland). The bowling attack, led by Adil Rashid (leading wicket-taker), is experienced and varied. The psychological edge comes from their 3-0 series win over Sri Lanka just before the tournament.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka are flying high (W, W, W, L, L), with three consecutive tournament wins. Their key strength is a red-hot top order. Pathum Nissanka leads with 199 runs, including a match-winning 100* off 52 against Australia. Kusal Mendis has 182 runs with three half-centuries. The spin attack, featuring Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage, is tournament-best. The psychological edge is home advantage and the momentum of beating Australia.
ENG vs SL Probable Playing XI
England Probable XI-
Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (WK), Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (C), Tom Banton, Will Jacks, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Reece Topley / Mark Wood.
Sri Lanka Probable XI-
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (WK), Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (C), Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana / Pramod Madushan.
ENG vs SL Head-to-Head Record (Recent Series)
| Total Match Played | 03 |
| ENG Won | 03 |
| SA Won | 00 |
| Draw/No Result | 00 |
ENG vs SL Pitch Report
The Pallekele pitch has historically favored teams batting first; the last two of three games at this venue have been won by the side setting a target. The surface offers assistance to spinners as the game progresses, with totals around 160-170 proving competitive. England, batting first, will target 170-180; Sri Lanka would aim for a similar range.
ENG vs SL Weather Report
Conditions will be cloudy with minimum chances of disruption. Maximum temperature will be around 24°C, with minimum around 19°C. Rain is unlikely to interrupt play.
ENG vs SL Toss Prediction
The captain winning the toss will likely choose to bowl first, despite the historical trend favoring batting first. Both sides prefer chasing, and in a high-stakes Super 8 clash, knowing the target is a clear advantage.
ENG vs SL Match Prediction
This is a clash between two in-form sides, but England have decisive advantages.
England’s case: They have dominated this fixture recently, winning 3-0 just before the tournament. Jacob Bethell is in career-best form, anchoring the innings with consistency. Their batting lineup is deeper and more explosive. Adil Rashid, the leading wicket-taker, is in sublime form. They have the confidence of knowing they’ve beaten this Sri Lankan side comprehensively on their own turf.
Sri Lanka’s case: They have home advantage and a world-class spin attack perfectly suited to these conditions. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis are in red-hot form, combining for 381 runs. They have the momentum of three consecutive wins, including a stunning victory over Australia.
The deciding factor will be how Sri Lanka’s batters handle England’s pace attack in the powerplay and how England’s batters counter Sri Lanka’s spinners in the middle overs. England’s recent head-to-head dominance suggests they have the answers.
Expect a tense, high-quality contest where England’s superior recent record and deeper batting lineup prove decisive. Sri Lanka will compete Nissanka may produce another masterclass, Theekshana may take wickets but England’s experience, depth, and psychological advantage should see them edge a thriller and start their Super 8 campaign with a vital victory.
ENG vs SL Dream11 Team
- Wicketkeeper: Jos Buttler, Kusal Mendis
- Batters: Pathum Nissanka, Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton
- All-rounders: Sam Curran, Wanindu Hasaranga, Kamindu Mendis
- Bowlers: Adil Rashid, Maheesh Theekshana, Jofra Archer
Captain (C) Pick: Pathum Nissanka, Adil Rashid.
Vice-Captain (VC) Pick: Jacob Bethell,Kamindu Mendis.
