With the T20 World Cup 2026 just a week away, Sri Lanka are set to face England in the opening T20I of a three-match series on Friday, January 30, at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy. The series comes at a crucial time for the hosts, who have struggled for consistency in recent T20I outings. Having secured only two wins from their last five matches, the Lankan Lions will be eager to address their shortcomings, test combinations, and rebuild confidence before heading into the global tournament on home soil and nearby conditions.

England, meanwhile, arrive with momentum firmly on their side, remaining unbeaten in their last five T20I encounters. Led by Harry Brook, the visitors will treat this series as a vital warm-up ahead of the World Cup, using it to acclimatise to subcontinental pitches and conditions. With a strong squad at their disposal, England will aim to fine-tune their strategies, build rhythm across departments, and strengthen their bid to claim a historic third T20 World Cup title in the upcoming marquee event.

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SL vs ENG, 1st T20I: Live Streaming Details

SL vs ENG, 1st T20I: Probable Playing XI

Sri Lanka (SL):

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (WK), Janith Liyanage, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (C), Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Dushmantha Chameera

England (ENG):

Phil Salt (WK), Jos Buttler, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (C), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Brydon Carse, Adil Rashid, Josh Tongue, Luke Wood