Every team will be looking to prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup with the final set of T20I games they are playing before the start of the prestigious tournament on February 7. Sri Lanka Playing XI vs England Playing XI An attempt will also be made to finalize the playing XI of both the teams, who will be seen playing in the World Cup next month.
England undoubtedly have one of the fiercest batting units, especially when it comes to the shortest format of the game. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, are largely dependent on the bowlers, especially their quality spinners, which gives them an edge in subcontinent conditions.
This article provides the probable playing XIs of England and Sri Lanka for the first T20I, along with possible player combinations and key players to watch out for in Pallekele.
Sri Lanka Playing XI vs England Playing XI – 1st T20I
Sri Lanka Playing XI vs England – 1st T20I
Openers: Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis
Sri Lanka is largely dependent on its opening pair for most of its run-scoring. Openers Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka could be the highlights of the Lankan innings. If Nissanka leads the way, Sri Lanka can achieve a respectable target.
On the other hand, if Nissanka moves forward, second-handed wicketkeeper batsman Kusal Mendis can play a subtle innings and can also take charge of the powerplay if Nissanka needs some time to settle down. Both of them have the best understanding of the game among modern-day opening batsmen.
Middle-order batsmen: Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka, Zenith Liyange, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga.
Experienced batsman Kusal Perera returns to the Lankan T20I squad, the only format he plays at the international level. Former captain Charith Asalanka will be crucial in the batting order, especially if early wickets fall and if there is a need to increase the scoring rate with some quick hitting.
Zenith Liyanage has more of an anchoring role in the middle-order, and then comes the pack of all-rounders led by captain Dasun Shanaka, who will look to hit boundaries more often.
Bowlers: Dunith Velalej, Dushmantha Chameera, Mahesh Theekshana, Mathisha Pathirana
Dunith Velez could be the ideal number. 8 Because he can be effective with the bat also. The spinner will be paired with Wanindu Hasaranga in the middle overs, while Mahesh Theekshana is ideal to take the new ball along with Dushmantha Chameera.
Mathisha Pathirana has often been seen playing matches as a death over specialist. The Sri Lankan youngster will be the captain’s only fast bowler at the end of the innings.
Sri Lanka Playing XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka, Zenith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Vellaage, Dushmantha Chameera, Mahish Theekshana and Mathisha Pathirana/Ishan Malinga.
England Playing XI vs Sri Lanka – 1st T20I
Openers: Phil Salt and Jos Buttler
England will welcome their most dynamic and explosive batting pair in the form of former captain Jos Buttler and RCB superstar Phil Salt. Salt is in some form in the shortest format of the game. The player has focused his attention on only one format and has not failed to perform well with the bat.
Butler is the most experienced in the team and will be given the responsibility of handling the innings by batting brilliantly. Buttler had a good season in the SA20 recently.
Middle-order batsmen: Jacob Bethel, Harry Brook, Will Jacks, Sam Curran, Jamie Overton
Jacob Bethell, the youngster, has been playing well for England in all formats of the game. Following Bethel will be the firepower of Captain Harry Brooke. Will Jack and Sam Curran will be the next all-rounders.
Curran has had some good performances on the Asian track in the ILT20, while he hasn’t had a bad start for Sydney Sixers in the BBL either. Jamie Overton remains England’s bowling all-rounder, but whenever England have needed runs, he has stepped up for his team.
Bowlers: Rehan Ahmed, Adil Rashid, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue
England will add two frontline pacers and two spinners to the team. Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed will be the frontline spinners in the team and both are leg spinners. Josh Tongue and Brydon Carse will be the two all-rounders along with fast bowlers who will also provide quality seam bowling for England.
England looks a very strong team and will be a strong contender in the series.
England’s playing XI: Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, Jacob Bethel, Harry Brook, Will Jacques, Sam Curran, Rehan Ahmed, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue.
Also Read: India Playing XI vs New Zealand Playing XI – 5th T20 Match, New Zealand tour of India 2026
