The match between England and Sri Lanka can shake all the previous records. Sri Lanka has been playing excellent level cricket in its homeland, while England somehow managed to get past the group stage of the T20 World Cup 2026.
This article provides a detailed prediction for the England vs Sri Lanka (ENG vs SL) T20 World Cup match. It also includes pitch reports, key match statistics and best performing players, including probable playing XI and match winning probabilities.
ENG vs SL Match Prediction: Who will win the 42nd match of ICC T20 World Cup 2026?
Match Details: ENG vs SL, Round 8, T20 World Cup 2026.
Match: T20 World Cup 2026, Match No. 42
Date: Sunday, February 22
Time: 3.00 PM IST
Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Balagolla
Live Streaming: JioHotstar
Live telecast: Star Sports Network
ENG vs SL head-to-head record:
According to ESPNcricinfo, England and Sri Lanka have faced each other 17 times in the T20 International format, where the English have claimed 13 wins, and for the Sri Lankans, it is only 4 wins.
ENG vs SL Pitch Report and Conditions:
The pitch at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Balagolla is famous for its spin-friendly nature. But batsmen may also find it easier to score runs at a fast pace. At this venue, there are 4 T20Is when the total score of an innings crosses 200 runs.
ENG vs SL Weather Report:
According to the current weather forecast, there is a possibility of severe thunderstorms several times during the match. Overall, February 22 is expected to remain cloudy throughout the day.
England vs SL T20 World Cup 2026 Probable XI:
England playing XI: Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethel, Tom Banton, Harry Brook (c), Sam Curran, Will Jacques, Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid.
Sri Lanka’s probable playing 11: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wicketkeeper), Pawan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (captain), Dushan Hemantha, Dunith Vellaage, Dushmantha Chameera, Mahish Theekshana, Mathisha Pathirana.
Toss Effect:
Considering the weather, the toss will be very important. Since there is every possibility of rain disrupting the match, the team winning the toss may choose to bowl first.
Form and Fitness:
There has been no confirmation from the English camp about any injury or fitness related issue. Sri Lanka may have to be worried about the fitness of fast bowler Mathisha Pathirana.
ENG vs SL Score Prediction:
There are some very talented batsmen in both the teams. So a score of more than 200 is not impossible. But the total may be affected by the nature of the pitch and weather conditions. There will be a total of 180 challenges for the competition.
ENG vs SL Players’ Performance Predictions:
Sri Lanka’s key players: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Dushmantha Chameera and Mahesh Theekshana.
Key England players: Phil Salt, Tom Banton, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Jamie Overton and Jofra Archer.
ENG vs SL: Best Batsman Prediction:
SL: Pathum Nissanka or Kusal Mendis.
England: Tom Banton or Harry Brook.
England vs Sri Lanka Best Bowler Prediction:
SL: Dushmantha Chameera or Mahesh Theekshana.
England: Jamie Overton or Jofra Archer.
Conclusion: Who will win ENG vs SL T20 World Cup match?
The recent demonstrations are in support of Sri Lanka. But the all-time figures are inclined towards England. Since both teams have gone through changes over the years, and the match will be held on the island nation, Sri Lanka will be the favorite to win the match on February 22.
read more: Mathisha Pathirana replacement in KKR: 3 players who can replace the ₹18 crore fast bowler for IPL 2026