SL vs ENG Match Prediction: Who will win 2nd T20I? England tour of Sri Lanka 2026

SL vs ENG 2nd T20I will be played in Pallekele [Source: RcbianOfficial, RexClementine/X.com]

Sri Lanka are set to host England for the second T20I of the ongoing three-match T20I series at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, February 1, at 7 pm (IST).

Having clinched the ODI series on a high, the visitors also started the T20I leg of the tour with 11 run win (DLS) in a rain-affected match on Friday, courtesy of Adil Rashid's 3/19 (4) and a hat-trick for Sam Curran to restrict the hosts to 133 in 16.2 overs.

On the other hand, for Sri Lanka, Matheesha Pathirana took 1/18 (4) spell alongside Eshan Malinga's 2/24 (2), which wasn't enough after Phil Salt's 46 (35) and Tom Banton's 29 (15), helping England get some momentum ahead of the T20 World Cup.

As they play again at the same venue, here's what to expect.

Sri Lanka vs England current form (Last 5 T20Is)

The hosts are coming into the 2nd T20I with only one win in their last five matches, which came against Pakistan. England, on the other hand, have won three and two have ended without a result in New Zealand.

Sri Lanka vs England 2nd T20I: Player battles

Kusal Mendis vs Adil Rashid

The explosive top-order batter Kusal Mendis was batting well in the first T20I before he faced Adil Rashid in the middle-overs and got done right when he was taking his team to a strong score. He has previously been dismissed by Rashid in 5/11 innings in white-ball cricket. This battle will be crucial from a match perspective.

Phil Salt vs Eshan Malinga

The explosive opener Phil Salt likes to take down the bowlers early in the innings to give his team a head-start in the innings — something he will attempt to do again. He will be up against Eshan Malinga, who usually bowls two overs in the powerplay, often bringing early wickets to his team. The battle would dictate how the England innings goes.

Harry Brook vs Matheesha Pathirana

During the series opener at the same venue, Matheesha Pathirana looked in his old rhythm again, bowling an expensive spell spread across all phases of the game. Harry Brook, who is in good form since the ODIs, is likely to go up against the bowler in the second half of the match, and the winner of this face-off will put their team in a good position in the match.

Sri Lanka vs England top performers

Most runs for SL vs ENG (current squad members)

Captain Dasun Shanaka has scored 140 runs in 9 innings against England in T20I cricket. He has one fifty to his name.

Most wickets for SL vs ENG (current squad members)

Leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has picked 7 wickets in 6 T20Is against the opposition, with the best figures of 3/21 and has an impressive economy rate of 6.69 runs per over.

Most runs for ENG vs SL (current squad members)

Former captain and opener Jos Buttler has scored 402 runs against Sri Lanka at a strike rate of 146.71 in 10 T20Is, averaging 67 at a strike rate of 146.71. He has scored a century and three fifties.

Most wickets for ENG vs SL (current squad members)

Adil Rashid has 13 wickets in 9 innings against Sri Lanka at an economy rate of just 5.51 runs per over. His best figures read 3/11.

Sri Lanka vs England, 2nd T20I toss prediction

Historically, Pallekele has seen 15 wins for the teams batting first, as opposed to 12 successful chases. It is a surface which almost has even help for both batting and bowling, with some assistance for the spin, as it was evident in the first T20I, where Adil Rashid played a crucial role in the win.

While England won the match during the chase, usually winning the toss and batting first is preferred at the venue.

Sri Lanka vs England, 2nd T20I: 1stinnings score prediction

Powerplay- 49/1

Final score- 160/6

Sri Lanka vs England, 2nd T20I: 2nd innings score prediction

Powerplay- 45/2

Final score- 155/8

Sri Lanka vs England top players prediction

Sri Lanka top players prediction

Kusal Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga

England top players prediction

Phil Salt, Adil Rashid

Who will hit the most sixes in SL vs ENG 2nd T20I?

Phil Salt

Who will hit the most fours in SL vs ENG 2nd T20I?

Pathum Nissanka

Sri Lanka vs England winner prediction: Who will win the 2nd T20I?

Considering the strengths of both teams and the current forms, England look in a better position to win the second match at the same venue. However, keeping in mind the familiarity with the surface and the squad almost back to full strength, expect a tough fight from the Lankans.