Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs England National Cricket Team Match: England will look to take an unassailable lead when they face Sri Lanka in the second T20 International at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, February 1, 2026. England made a strong start to the three-match T20I series with a dominant win in the opening game. The series is the final preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from this month.
The visitors also won the preceding ODI series 2-1 and have carried that momentum into the shortest format. Led by Harry Brook, England are considered one of the strongest sides heading into the World Cup.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will be keen to bounce back after a poor showing in the first match. The hosts are placed in a tough World Cup group alongside Australia, Ireland, Oman and Zimbabwe, making this series important for form and combinations.
Match details
Match: Sri Lanka vs England, 2nd T20I
Date: Sunday, February 1, 2026
Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
Time: 7:00 pm IST
Squads
Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Pramod Madushan, Matheesha Pathirana, Eshan Malinga.
England: Harry Brook, Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Josh Tongue, Luke Wood.
Probable XIs
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga, Matheesha Pathirana.
England: Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Will Jacks, Sam Curran, Tom Banton, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer.
Pitch and weather
The Pallekele pitch is known for high-scoring games, with an average first-innings total around 175 to 180. While it generally suits batters, spinners can get some assistance as the match progresses. Square boundaries are shorter than the straight ones.
Weather conditions are expected to be moderate, with some cloud cover and a chance of light drizzle earlier in the day. Evening temperatures may drop to around 18 degrees, with some wind assisting seamers.
Live telecast and streaming
The match will be broadcast live in India on the Sony Sports TEN Network. Live streaming will be available on the SonyLIV app and website. FanCode will also provide live streaming coverage.
The second T20I is important for both teams. Sri Lanka will be looking for key players to return to form ahead of the World Cup, while England will aim to further settle their combinations and adapt to local conditions as the tournament approaches.
