England and Sri Lanka begin their Super 8 journey with a high-stakes clash at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, February 22.
Both sides scraped through their respective groups with three wins apiece, each suffering just one defeat. But the real test begins now. With Pakistan and New Zealand also in Group 2, there is virtually no margin for error.
England arrive with a psychological edge. Just weeks before the World Cup, they swept Sri Lanka 3-0 in a T20I series at Pallekele. However, tournament cricket carries different pressure — especially when the hosts are desperate to respond in front of home support.
Sri Lanka’s campaign has revolved around the brilliance of Pathum Nissanka and the stability of their spin attack, while England will bank on depth and experience in crunch moments.
SL vs ENG Match Details
- Match: Sri Lanka vs England, Super 8
- Date: Sunday, February 22, 2026
- Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
- Start Time: 3:00 PM IST
- Toss Time: 2:30 PM IST
Where to watch SL vs ENG on TV in India?
The match will be broadcast live on:
- Star Sports Network
Where to watch SL vs ENG live streaming online?
Live streaming will be available on:
- JioHotstar app and website
SL vs ENG Pitch Report – Pallekele
Pallekele is traditionally a batting-friendly venue, with first-innings scores often hovering between 170–190. However, recent rain in Kandy has added moisture to the surface, making it slightly sticky.
Spinners could play a key role during the middle overs, while seamers may extract early movement. Afternoon humidity could also test fielding standards.
A total above 175 may prove competitive.
Head-to-Head Record (T20Is)
| Matches | England Won | Sri Lanka Won |
|---|---|---|
| 17 | 13 | 4 |
England have historically dominated this rivalry in T20Is, including their recent clean sweep in Sri Lanka.
Form Guide (Last 5 Matches)
- Sri Lanka: W, W, W, L, W
- England: W, L, W, W, W
Probable Playing XIs
Sri Lanka Probable XI
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Kusal Perera, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka
England Probable XI
Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (c), Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton/Luke Wood, Rehan Ahmed, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid
Key Players To Watch
Sri Lanka
- Pathum Nissanka – Already a centurion in this tournament.
- Wanindu Hasaranga – Match-winner with bat and ball.
- Maheesh Theekshana – Could thrive if the pitch grips.
England
- Harry Brook – Leading from the front in high-pressure matches.
- Jos Buttler – Still England’s X-factor.
- Adil Rashid – Crucial on slowing Sri Lankan surfaces.
Full Squads
Sri Lanka Squad
Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Dushan Hemantha, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Pramod Madushan, Dilshan Madushanka.
England Squad
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.
When will the Sri Lanka vs England T20 World Cup 2026 match take place?
The match will be played on Sunday, February 22, 2026.
Where will the SL vs ENG Super 8 match be played?
The match will be played at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy.
What time will the SL vs ENG match start?
The match will begin at 3:00 PM IST.
What time will the toss take place?
The toss will be held at 2:30 PM IST.
Where to watch Sri Lanka vs England live telecast in India?
The live telecast will be available on Star Sports Network.
Where to watch Sri Lanka vs England live streaming?
Live streaming will be available on the JioHotstar app and website.
What is the head-to-head record between Sri Lanka and England in T20Is?
England lead the rivalry 13-4 in 17 matches.
