England vs Sri Lanka, ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Get the latest weather update and pitch report for the Super 8 clash at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy on Sunday, February 22.
Sri Lanka vs England (Image Credits : X)
England will begin their Super 8 campaign at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a match against co-hosts Sri Lanka on Sunday, February 22, at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy. This is the second match of Group 2 in the Super 8 stage.
England won three of their four group-stage matches. Their only defeat came against the West Indies, who topped the group. They had close games against Nepal and Italy, but managed to win both. England will be hoping for a strong start in the Super 8s to build confidence.
Sri Lanka also won three out of four group matches but lost their final group game to Zimbabwe. Before that, they had beaten Australia and looked set to finish top. Their batting has been in good form, with Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis and Pavan Rathnayake performing well. However, their bowling has been a concern, especially with Matheesha Pathirana injured. England’s strong batting lineup could test Sri Lanka’s bowlers.
All Group 2 matches are being played in Sri Lanka, where rain has affected several games. The first Super 8 match between Pakistan and New Zealand in Colombo was washed out, and both teams shared points. This gives England and Sri Lanka a chance to move ahead with a win.
The weather forecast for Kandy on Sunday predicts rain, with a high of 24°C and 92% humidity. There is a 95% chance of rain, so interruptions or even a washout are possible.
The Pallekele pitch usually helps batters early on, with good bounce and carry. As the match goes on, it can slow down, helping spinners and slower bowlers. The average first-innings score is around 165–170, though totals above 200 have also been scored recently.
England: Philip Salt, Jos Buttler(w), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook(c), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid, Ben Duckett, Luke Wood, Josh Tongue, Rehan Ahmed
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis(w), Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka(c), Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Pramod Madushan, Dushmantha Chameera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Kamil Mishara
Sri Lanka (Predicted XI): Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis(WK), Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka(C), Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Dushmantha Chameera
England (Predicted XI): Jos Buttler (WK), Phil Salt, Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Craig Overton, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid
Looking at the head-to-head record, England clearly has the upper hand. The two teams have met 17 times in T20 internationals, with England winning 13 of those matches, while Sri Lanka has managed just four victories. The numbers show England’s strong dominance in this contest. However, records do not always decide matches. With both teams showing mixed form in the tournament so far, past results may not have much impact once the game begins.
