Sri Lanka Predicted XI for 2nd T20I vs England [Source: AFP]Sri Lanka will face England in the second of the third T20I of their ongoing tour at Sophia Gardens on September 17 at 11 PM (IST), looking to stay alive in the series after losing the opening game in Southampton.The positives from their massive 119-run loss in the first match were far-fetched for the visitors. England captain Harry Brook ripped the bowlers to shreds with 114*(49), hitting 10 fours and six sixes, alongside veteran Jos Buttler’s 80(44) to take England to 254/4.In response, Sri Lanka were never in the contest, with wickets falling at regular intervals. Sonny Baker returned with exceptional figures of 3/12 (4), while everyone else chipped in with wickets.As Sri Lanka look to eye a comeback in the series, we take a look at their predicted playing XI for the 2nd T20I.Top-order: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara (wk), Lahiru UdaraPathum Nissanka got out for 12 off 11 in the first T20I, and he would be raring to stage a comeback in the second game, bringing in some valuable experience from doing well at the recent T20 World Cup. He also recently went past 5000 T20 runs and remains key to the Lankans doing well on the tour.Kamil Mishara has struggled against good-quality bowling attacks, often searching for runs rather than allowing them to come naturally. He managed just 10 off 14 balls in the last match, but with limited options at their disposal, Sri Lanka are likely to retain him. He will also continue to keep wickets for the side.Lahiru Udara gained a T20I comeback after 3 years, thanks to his LPL 2026 exploits. He is coming into the series high on confidence, and despite scoring only 5(7) in Southampton, he will likely play the next T20I as well.Also Read: Ben Stokes Goes On Epic Rant Dragging Pietersen After Harry Brook's TonMiddle-order and Allrounders: Charith Asalanka (c), Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith WellalageSri Lanka have a settled and experienced middle order led by Charith Asalanka, alongside former captain Dasun Shanaka and allrounder Kamindu Mendis.Asalanka scored only 10 runs in the first match, and while his T20 credentials are not as strong as his contemporaries, he will be one of the important figures to stage Sri Lanka’s comeback into the series. He has already played 185 T20 matches, and experience would be handy for the series.Following a good CPL 2026 stint, Shanaka was one of the positives in the batting last game. He got 24(14) in the last match, while also chipping in with 3 overs of medium pace.To cap off the middle order, Kamindu Mendis can be used as a floater, as he closes in on 3000 T20 runs in 142 T20 matches. Kamindu and Asalanka also provide part-time spin-bowling options.Wanindu Hasaranga was the only Sri Lankan bowler who conceded under 10 runs per over in his spell of 1/34 (4), dismissing the dangerous Jos Buttler and denying him a century. He will be accompanied by Dunith Wellalage’s left-arm orthodox in the middle overs.Both the spinners are handy batters and, despite conceding at 17 runs per over in 3 overs, Wellalage scored 33(21) as their best batter last match.Bowlers: Eshan Malinga, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan MadushankaEshan Malinga was the best pace bowler in the first T20I, picking 1/41 (4), with a late wicket of Will Jacks. He will keep his spot in the playing XI as one of the lead pacers alongside Dushmantha Chameera, who now has 98 wickets in the format and could become the third Sri Lankan to reach 100 wickets in the format.Lastly, there are high chances that Maheesh Theekshana will be replaced with Dilshan Madushanka in the second T20I. The Cardiff pitch historically supports the pacers, with almost 70 per cent of wickets in 11 matches played across 15 years. Additionally, he will also provide the left-handed angle to the pace attack.Sri Lanka’s Playing XI vs England – 2nd T20I, 2026Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara (wk), Lahiru Udara, Charith Asalanka (c), Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Eshan Malinga, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka.Also Read: England Predicted Playing XI vs Sri Lanka- 2nd T20I, SL Tour of ENG 2026
