Sri Lanka vs England Playing 11: Expected teams with pitch conditions, toss timing, and live telecast info

Following the end of the three-match ODI series in Colombo, Sri Lanka and England shift focus to the three-match T20I series, beginning on Friday, January 30, in Pallekele. The series is significant for both sides as it is their final T20I assignment ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 next month.

Sri Lanka will look to recover from a disappointing ODI series and make a strong start at home. The hosts are expected to benefit from spin-friendly conditions at Pallekele, with bowlers such as Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana forming the core of the attack. Attention will also be on Sri Lanka’s middle order, which has shown inconsistency, with Charith Asalanka and Dhananjaya de Silva expected to anchor the innings. Openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis will be tasked with providing stability at the top.

The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium pitch offers good bounce and pace early on, allowing batsmen to score freely during the powerplay. As the match progresses, the surface slows down, bringing spinners into play in the middle overs. A first-innings total of around 165 is expected to be competitive.


Sri Lanka and England have played once at this venue in T20s, with the hosts winning that encounter in 2012 by 19 runs.

Sri Lanka vs England Live streaming

The first T20 between Sri Lanka and England will be played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. The toss is scheduled for 6.30 pm IST, with the first ball to be bowled at 7 pm IST. The match will be telecast on the Sony Sports Network in India, with live streaming available on the Sony LIV and FanCode platforms.

Sri Lanka vs England Playing 11

Sri Lanka (probable): Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka (c), Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga.

England (probable): Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (c), Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Jamie Overton, Brydon Carse, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid, Luke Wood.

SL vs ENG Pitch report

The Pallekele surface provides pace and bounce early before slowing down, assisting spinners in the middle overs. Batters who play straight are expected to benefit, particularly during the powerplay.

SL vs ENG Weather update

The weather in Pallekele on Friday is expected to see a few afternoon storms, with temperatures around 30°C and approximately 75% cloud cover. February 1 may bring variable clouds with light showers, while February 3 could have spells of rain with partly cloudy skies.

Sri Lanka vs England Prediction

With spin-friendly conditions and home advantage, Sri Lanka are expected to rely on their bowlers to challenge England in the series opener.