Sri Lanka predicted XI vs England - 1st T20I [Source: AFP]Sri Lanka is set to return to T20I action after a long break since June, as they take on England in a three-match T20I series, commencing on September 15 in Southampton.The series opener will be played AT 11 PM (IST), and the Asians will miss the services of Kusal Mendis for the big tour. The explosive top-order batter is currently recovering from a hamstring injury that he suffered during the Lanka Premier League earlier in the summer. Charith Asalanka will lead the team in his absence.ENG vs SL 1st T20I PreviewFrom the visitors’ point of view, the tour of England has already begun, with two T20 tour games already under their belt. However, the concern is that they have lost both matches to the England Lions.In Clemsford, they were bowled out for 117, and the Lions chased it down in just 7.2 overs. It was followed by a better batting display in Beckenham, scoring 156/9 in the first innings, but the Lions scored 76/1 in 6.2 overs before the match was decided by the Duckworth-Lewis method, and the hosts won again.The high-on-spirit England have a few names from their 3-0 Test series win over Pakistan in the squad. This includes T20I captain Harry Brook, Jofra Archer and Jordan Cox, among others. Tom Banton, Jos Buttler and Jamie Overton will be the other key players joining the roster for the series.As the two sides go head-on in Southampton, we take a look at Sri Lanka’s expected line-up for the match.Openers and Top Order – Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara (wk), Charith Asalanka (c)Pathum Nissanka will be Sri Lanka’s single-most important batter in the series, especially with Kusal Mendis out injured. He has substantial experience with 94 T20Is, with 2699 runs to his name; however, he would like to start working on his strike rate, which is slightly under 130. He scored 23(16) in a Tour Match and would like to lead the batting unit in the series.Kamil Mishara has been the trusted second opener of the Sri Lankan team for a while now. He was also brilliant in the Lanka Premier League, scoring 411 runs in 9 innings as the third-highest scorer at a strike rate of 165.06. With Kusal Mendis unavailable, he will also be the wicketkeeper, making him an automatic choice in the XI.Lahiru Udara returns to the T20I side for the first time since his debut in 2023, as a reward for his LPL 2026, where he was the leading run-scorer with 434 runs in nine innings at a strike rate of 159.55. However, he will likely need to wait for his turn, considering the team combination.Charith Asalanka has been in brilliant form himself and, as captain, is the first name on the sheet. He scored 385 runs in 11 innings in LPL 2026, striking at 153.38 and also provides a spin-bowling option.Also Read: England Playing XI Vs Sri Lanka For 1st T20I Announced; Jofra Archer RestedMiddle-Order and Allrounders – Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith WellalageThe 27-year-old Kamindu Mendis will lead the middle order and, in Mendis' absence, is likely to bat at No. 4. Having played in T20 leagues across the world, he brings valuable experience to the lineup. He also scored 280 runs in the LPL at a strike rate of nearly 161 and will look to replicate that form here. His ambidextrous finger-spin further adds to his value.Janith Liyanage will face stiff competition from Pavan Rathnayake for the spot. However, having been part of the first-choice squad and scoring 207 runs in the LPL at a strike rate of 169.67, he could be the preferred option at No. 5. His part-time medium pace could also prove useful for the captain in seamer-friendly English conditions.Former captain Dasun Shanaka has been as good as ever with the bat, recently smashing an unbeaten 121 off 43 balls for St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in CPL 2026. He also struck at 180.15 in the LPL, making him a valuable squad member despite losing the captaincy. Shanaka will further bolster the pace-bowling depth, having picked up 46 T20I wickets in 77 innings.Wanindu Hasaranga and Dunith Wellalage will lead Sri Lanka’s spin department, offering different variations with leg-spin and left-arm orthodox, respectively. Hasaranga’s strike rate of 143.74 across 203 T20 innings, coupled with Wellalage’s ability to contribute crucial lower-order runs, will also come in handy for the visitors.Bowlers – Eshan Malinga, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan MadushankaEshan Malinga was one of the best pacers of IPL 2026, with 20 wickets in 15 matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad. He can bowl in all phases of the innings, including the tough death overs and was also the leading wicket-taker in the LPL with 17 scalps in 10 games. Malinga is also closing in on 100 T20 wickets after 72 matches.The 34-year-old Dushmantha Chameera is another all-phase bowler in the Sri Lankan roster. Since January 2025, he has picked 42 wickets in just 25 matches, while conceding at just over 8 runs per over. He is a genuine strike bowler who will lead their bowling attack in powerplay and death overs.Capping off the pace bowling department will be Dilshan Madhushanka. He will compete for the spot with Nuwan Thushara, but the left-handed angle gives him an edge over Thushara. He had the same number of wickets (14) as Thushara in the LPL but had a better strike rate as well.Sri Lanka Predicted Playing XI vs England - 1st T20I, 2026Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara (wk), Charith Asalanka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Eshan Malinga, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka.Also Read: Varun Chakaravarthy Ruled Out After Just 1 Match On T20I Return
