Sri Lanka Playing XI vs England– T20 World Cup 2026, Super 8 Match 2– Chameera Back?

Sri Lanka will take on England in Super 8 [Source: AFP]

Sri Lanka are all set to take on England in the second match of the Super 8 stage of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday, February 22. The high-octane clash will be played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium and is scheduled to begin at 3:00 PM IST.

Sri Lanka vs England Preview

Sri Lanka enjoyed a strong group-stage campaign in T20 World Cup 2026, winning three of their four matches to book a well-deserved place in the Super 8. A commanding victory over Australia proved to be the defining moment of their campaign, sealing qualification in style.

However, the Dashun Shanaka and his men lost their final group fixture, going down to Zimbabwe in a result that halted their momentum. Heading into the Super 8 phase, Sri Lanka will be eager to bounce back and rediscover their best rhythm.

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They have been outstanding with the bat throughout the competition, consistently posting competitive totals and chasing with authority. That said, a couple of injury setbacks in the bowling department have disrupted their balance slightly.

England, too, have had an inconsistent run so far, but they carry confidence after a recent 3-0 T20I series sweep over Sri Lanka on Lankan soil. With that fresh in memory, Sri Lanka will be determined to turn the tables this time around and kick off their Super 8 campaign with a statement win.

Sri Lanka Playing XI vs Engand- Super 8 Match 2, T20 World Cup 2026

Openers and Top Order (Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis)

Sri Lanka’s batting strength lies firmly in their top-order, built around the in-form Pathum Nissanka. He smashed a magnificent century against Australia and followed it with a fluent 62 versus Zimbabwe. Currently the tournament’s second-leading run scorer, Nissanka has been the cornerstone and driving force of Sri Lanka’s campaign.

Alongside him, Kusal Perera adds aggression and intent at the top. Though he did not feature at the start of the tournament, he opened for Sri Lanka in their last two matches. His attacking approach perfectly complements Nissanka’s composure, forming a balanced opening pair capable of countering England’s new-ball threat effectively.

At number three, Kusal Mendis remains a vital pillar of the batting unit. He struck crucial half-centuries against Ireland and Australia, playing key roles in sealing the Super 8 berth. The leading run scorer in the recent England series, Mendis will aim to replicate that success once again to kick-off the Super 8 in style.

Middle Order and All Rounders (Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage)

Pavan Rathnayake has quietly emerged as a key stabiliser in Sri Lanka’s middle-order. With 137 runs at a blistering strike rate of 177.92, including a half-century and several impactful cameos, he has consistently shifted momentum in Sri Lanka’s favour during the crucial middle-overs.

Captain Dasun Shanaka continues to lead from the front, contributing valuable runs while chipping in with important overs. Kamindu Mendis has provided explosive finishing power, striking at an astonishing 225.80. His ability to clear boundaries late in the innings, coupled with handy spin wickets, adds immense balance.

Dunith Wellalage has been a crucial control option in Sri Lanka’s bowling attack. The left-arm orthodox spinner has been their most economical bowler in the tournament, consistently building pressure through tight spells. His discipline has allowed the other bowlers to attack more freely and capitalise on mistakes.

Bowlers (Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka)

Dushan Hemantha, drafted in after Wanindu Hasaranga’s injury, has impressed with his attacking leg-spin. While he has been slightly expensive at times, he has maintained his wicket-taking threat, offering breakthroughs in key moments and strengthening Sri Lanka’s bowling depth.

Dushmantha Chameera, who missed the last game, is expected to return and resume his role as the leader of the pace attack. With five wickets in three matches, he has been very sharp with the ball across phases. He also claimed a five-wicket haul in the only T20I he played in the recent England T20I series, underlining his threat.

Maheesh Theekshana has once again showcased his control and wicket-taking ability, claiming six wickets so far while keeping things tight in the powerplay. With Matheesha Pathirana ruled out, Sri Lanka are likely to turn to left-arm pacer Dilshan Madushanka to strengthen their pace options moving forward.

Sri Lanka Playing XI vs England - Super 8 Match 2, T20 World Cup 2026: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka (c), Kamindu Mendis,  Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka.

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