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SL vs ENG Super 8 Preview: The excitement of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 has now reached its next stage. Following the conclusion of the league stage, the Super 8 stages begin today, February 21st. A crucial match of this stage will be played between England and Sri Lanka on Sunday, February 22nd, at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
In this 42nd match of the tournament, England will look to maintain their dominance, while Sri Lanka will try to take advantage of home conditions to create an upset. Let's take a look at both teams' playing XIs and head-to-head records before this epic clash.
SL vs ENG: Head-to-head Records (T20I Stats)
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If we look back on history, England appears to have the upper hand over Sri Lanka in the T20 format. The first match between the two teams was played in 2006, and the statistics since then are as follows
| Details | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Total matches played | 17 |
| England wins | 13 |
| Sri Lanka wins | 04 |
| Tie/No result | 0 |
| First match | June 15, 2006 |
| Recent Match | February 3, 2026 |
SL vs ENG Head-to-head: The two teams have faced each other a total of 17 times. England has won 13 of these 17 matches, a testament to their strength. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, has only tasted victory four times. Interestingly, no match between the two has ever ended in a draw, meaning spectators have always witnessed a clear winner.
Note: Just before the World Cup, the two teams played a three-match T20 series in February, with the final match played at this same ground (Pallekele). Therefore, both teams are well-versed in the pitch here.
Also Read: Oldest Captains and Players to Win Player of the Match in T20 World Cup History
England vs Sri Lanka: Predicted Playing 11
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Both teams will be looking to start their Super 8 campaigns on a strong note. Here are the probable starters for both teams:
England's (ENG) playing 11 against Sri Lanka
- Phil Salt
- Jos Buttler (WK)
- Jacob Bethell
- Tom Banton
- Harry Brook (C)
- Sam Curran
- Will Jacks
- Jamie Overton
- Liam Dawson
- Jofra Archer
- Adil Rashid
Under Harry Brook's captaincy, the England team looks quite balanced. They have explosive openers and deep batting.
Sri Lanka's (SL) playing 11 against England
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kusal Perera
- Kusal Mendis (WK)
- Pawan Rathnayake
- Dasun Shanaka (C)
- Kamindu Mendis
- Dunith Vellalage
- Dushan Hemantha
- Mahish Theekshana
- Dilshan Madushanka
- Pramod Madushan
Sri Lanka will rely on their spin all-rounders and the support of the home crowd. Under the captaincy of Dasun Shanaka, the team has shown fighting spirits in recent times.
Also Read: SL vs ENG: Pallekele Pitch Report and Weather Update for Today Match
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