Sitting comfortably at number three in the ICC T20I team rankings, England appear well on track as they build towards the T20 World Cup 2026. Most of the key pieces are already in place, with several of their batters and bowlers firmly entrenched in the top ten of the ICC players’ rankings. Confidence is high, combinations look settled, and the focus has shifted from trying new ideas to sharpening what already works.
The upcoming three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, all scheduled to be played at Pallekele starting Friday (January 30), is less about experimentation and more about fine-tuning details ahead of the marquee tournament. With Sri Lanka set to co-host the ICC tournament alongside India, the conditions offer England a valuable opportunity to adjust and prepare for what lies ahead.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will using this series to reassess their options. Opening batter Kusal Perera has been recalled despite earlier suggestions that he was not part of the World Cup blueprint. Known for his aggressive approach and high strike rate, Perera also adds value as a backup wicketkeeper.
Fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera also returns after being rested during the ODI series, giving Sri Lanka a welcome boost in pace and experience as they look to test England in their final tune-up before the global event.
SL vs ENG, T20I Series: Fixtures
- 1st T20I: January 30 – 7:00 pm IST and local time/ 1:30 pm GMT
- 2nd T20I: February 1 – 7:00 pm IST and local time/ 1:30 pm GMT
- 3rd T20I: February 3 – 7:00 pm IST and local time/ 1:30 pm GMT
Broadcasting & Live Streaming details
- India: Sony Sports Network (Sony Sports 1 and Sony Sports 5); Sony LIV, FanCode
- Sri Lanka: Siyatha TV, Ten Cricket (ch.317), Sony Sports 5 (ch.318), Sony Sports 2 (ch.319), Sony Sports (ch.320)
- Pakistan: Tapmad
- UK: TNT Sports 1, talkSPORT Cricket, Discovery +
- South Africa: SuperSport (Channel 210)
- MENA contries: YuppTV
