England vs Sri Lanka Prediction: Who Will Win ENG vs SL 2nd T20 Match on 1st February 2026?
The England vs Sri Lanka prediction for the 2nd T20 match of the 2026 series points toward another high-pressure outing for the hosts as they look to bounce back and keep the series alive. The second T20I is scheduled to be played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, a venue known for offering balanced conditions but demanding discipline from both batters and bowlers. After losing the opening match by 11 runs (DLS method), Sri Lanka find themselves under significant pressure, while England enter the contest full of confidence and momentum.
England’s dominance over Sri Lanka in recent years has been emphatic. They have now won nine consecutive T20Is against the Islanders, underlining the gap in consistency and execution between the two sides. The England vs Sri Lanka prediction strongly factors in this recent head-to-head dominance, England’s superior depth, and their adaptability to subcontinental conditions. In the first game, England’s bowlers laid the foundation with early wickets, and their batting lineup chased calmly despite rain interruptions.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, struggled with both bat and ball. Their batting collapsed for 133, exposing familiar issues—lack of partnerships, poor shot selection, and failure to handle pressure in the middle overs. While Pathum Nissanka showed promise at the top, the middle order failed to convert starts into substance. For Sri Lanka, this match is virtually a must-win, not only to level the series but also to restore confidence ahead of major ICC tournaments.
England will be keen to seal the series with a win here, and their aggressive yet calculated approach gives them an edge. With players like Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, and Sam Curran in good touch, England look well placed to dictate terms again. The England vs Sri Lanka prediction ultimately hinges on whether Sri Lanka can fix their batting woes and challenge England’s disciplined bowling attack.
- England have won nine straight T20Is against Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka were bowled out for 133 in the 1st T20
- England’s batting depth gives them a clear edge
- Sri Lanka must win to keep the series alive
Match Details
| Match | ENG vs SL, 2nd T20I |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, 1 February 2026 |
| Time | 7:00 PM (IST) |
| Venue | Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele |
| Series | England Tour of Sri Lanka 2026 |
Team Preview
Sri Lanka Preview
Sri Lanka enter the second T20I under immense pressure after a disappointing showing in the opening match. Their batting unit failed to adapt to England’s disciplined bowling, resulting in a below-par total. Captain Dasun Shanaka will be particularly concerned about the lack of partnerships and composure in the middle order.
Pathum Nissanka remains Sri Lanka’s biggest hope at the top. He looked fluent in the first game and will again be expected to provide a solid start alongside Kamil Mishara. However, the responsibility does not stop there. Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, and Dhananjaya de Silva must step up, as repeated failures from this core have cost Sri Lanka crucial momentum.
The lower middle order, featuring Shanaka, Janith Liyanage, and Wanindu Hasaranga, adds power but has been forced to rebuild too often. Sri Lanka need at least one batter to play a long innings if they are to post a competitive total.
Bowling has also been inconsistent. Maheesh Theekshana had an off day in the opener and will be keen to make amends. Wanindu Hasaranga remains the key wicket-taking threat, while Matheesha Pathirana’s variations at the death are crucial. If Sri Lanka are to challenge England, their bowlers must strike early and apply pressure in the middle overs.
England Preview
England were clinical in the first T20I, showcasing why they have dominated Sri Lanka in this format. Captain Harry Brook will be pleased with how his side executed plans, particularly with the ball. Early wickets allowed England to control the tempo and restrict Sri Lanka to a manageable score.
At the top, Phil Salt and Jos Buttler provide explosive starts, often winning games in the powerplay itself. The middle order is equally strong, with Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, and Harry Brook offering both stability and aggression. England’s batting depth is further reinforced by all-rounders Sam Curran and Will Jacks, who can change the game in a few overs.
England’s bowling attack is well balanced. Jofra Archer’s pace and Sam Curran’s swing with the new ball set the tone, while Adil Rashid’s leg-spin remains a major weapon in the middle overs. Jamie Overton adds extra pace, and Liam Dawson provides control. England’s ability to dominate in all phases makes them strong favourites again.
Team Squad
Sri Lanka Squad:
Dasun Shanaka, Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Charith Asalanka, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Eshan Malinga
England Squad:
Harry Brook, Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid
Probable Playing XI
Sri Lanka:
Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Charith Asalanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Eshan Malinga
England:
Harry Brook (c), Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid
England vs Sri Lanka Today’s Dream11/Fantasy Prediction
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| Batters | Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, Pathum Nissanka |
| All-rounders | Sam Curran, Wanindu Hasaranga, Will Jacks |
| Bowlers | Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Matheesha Pathirana |
| WK | Kusal Mendis |
| Extra | Harry Brook |
For the England vs Sri Lanka prediction, fantasy players should prioritise England’s top order and all-rounders. Phil Salt and Jos Buttler are must-picks due to their aggressive starts. Harry Brook provides stability and leadership in the middle.
Sam Curran is an excellent captaincy choice because of his dual role, contributing in both powerplay bowling and finishing duties. Wanindu Hasaranga remains Sri Lanka’s best fantasy option due to his wicket-taking ability and lower-order hitting.
In bowling, Jofra Archer’s pace can fetch early wickets, while Adil Rashid is always a threat in Asian conditions. Matheesha Pathirana’s death-over bowling adds value.
Captain picks: Sam Curran, Jos Buttler
Vice-captain picks: Phil Salt, Wanindu Hasaranga
Players to avoid:
- Kamil Mishara (inconsistent form)
- Dhananjaya de Silva (limited fantasy impact recently)
Also Check: Get The Best Fantasy Prediction From Cricket Experts
Favourite Team in Today’s Match
England are clear favourites in today’s England vs Sri Lanka prediction due to their superior form, depth, and recent dominance over Sri Lanka. Their batting lineup is stronger from top to bottom, and their bowling attack has proven effective in subcontinental conditions. Sri Lanka’s inconsistent middle order and lack of sustained bowling pressure make it difficult for them to challenge England over 20 overs. Unless Sri Lanka produce a dramatic turnaround, England’s balanced unit should secure another win.
England T20 History
| Matches | Won | Lost | NR | Tie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 215 | 115 | 90 | 10 | 0 |
England are one of the most consistent T20 sides globally, known for aggressive batting and tactical bowling depth.
Sri Lanka T20 History
| Matches | Won | Lost | NR | Tie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 223 | 101 | 120 | 2 | 0 |
Sri Lanka have struggled for consistency in T20Is, especially against top-ranked teams in recent years.
Head-to-Head Stats
| Matches | ENG Won | SL Won | NR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | 11 | 4 | 0 |
England have dominated Sri Lanka in T20Is, winning nearly three-fourths of their encounters.
Pitch Report:
The surface at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium usually offers a balanced contest between bat and ball. Early on, the pitch has true bounce and pace, which benefits stroke-makers and helps them play through the line cleanly. As the match progresses under lights, the pitch tends to slow slightly, offering assistance to spinners in the middle overs who can extract turn and grip.
Seamers with good variation can also make an impact in the first six overs and during the death when batters look to accelerate. A par score of 150–160 is likely to represent a competitive total here, with dew later in the evening making conditions more batting-friendly as the ball skids on.
Weather Report (Pallekele):
Mostly cloudy conditions are expected with temperatures around 30–31°C. There’s a slight chance of a brief shower or intermittent rain, but overall play should proceed with minimal disruption. Humidity will be moderate in the evening, potentially aiding swing early on.
Broadcast Details:
The match will be televised live on Fancode with extensive pre-match analysis and post-match coverage. Fans can also stream the contest live through the official cricket board’s digital platforms.
Toss Prediction:
Winning the toss at Pallekele is pivotal. Given conditions and dew later, the team winning the toss is likely to choose to bowl first to take advantage of the potentially easier chase under lights.
Probable Batsman & Bowler:
Key batters to watch in this game include England’s aggressive top order—Philip Salt and Jos Buttler—who can score quickly upfront and set a solid base for the innings. Salt’s high strike rate and Buttler’s ability to anchor innings make them threats in all phases. For Sri Lanka, Pathum Nissanka and Charith Asalanka will be crucial in building partnerships and accelerating later.
On the bowling front, England’s Sam Curran and Jofra Archer can provide early breakthroughs with pace and swing. Their ability to strike early and bowl tight lines will test Sri Lanka’s batters. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s spinners—Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana—are likely to be vital in controlling the middle overs and extracting turns on this surface. Their variations could prove decisive in restricting England’s scoring.
Match Prediction:
While Sri Lanka will be eager to bounce back, England remain favorites based on superior form and recent dominance in the T20I format. Expect England to clinch the game with disciplined batting and incisive bowling. Their depth and experience give them the edge heading into this encounter.
Winner: England Will Win
Also, once the toss takes place, we might modify the Today Match Prediction as per the playing XIs. Please check this blog after the toss for the updated Prediction.
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