SL vs ENG 1st T20I Match Preview:

Sri Lanka is all set to take on England for the first game of the three-match T20I series at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Friday, 30th January. Sri Lanka recently lost the ODI series to England 2-1. Forgetting their recent past, they will take to the field under the captaincy of Dhanush Shanka to make a fresh start in the shortest format of cricket.

On the other hand, England won their previous T20I series against New Zealand and South Africa. Explosive opener Phil Salt and Jos Buttler played major roles in the team's success. The T20 World Cup is just around the corner. This series is the perfect opportunity for both teams to build confidence before the tournament.

Recent Performance:

SL vs ENG 1st T20I Match Details:

• Series/Tournament: England Tour of Sri Lanka 
• Match: SL vs ENG 1st T20I
• Date: 30 Jan. 2026
• Match Start Time: 7:00 PM IST
• Stadium/Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy, Sri Lanka
• Live Score: cricketwinner.com
• Live Streaming: Star Sports TEN Network, Sony LIV.

SL vs ENG Head-to-Head Stats:

(Last 10 Matches)

SL vs ENG 1st T20I Weather Report:

The weather report for this match is not good, with a high possibility of showers. The temperature is expected to reach around 27.5°C. 

Pallekele International Cricket Stadium Pitch Report: 

Pallekele International Cricket Stadium offers a slow and sluggish pitch and is expected to break up more as the match progresses. The uneven bounce might challenge the batters to play big shots, and the outfield is also slow. Winning the toss and opting to bat first will be a wise decision on this surface.    

SL vs ENG Probable Playing 11

Sri Lanka (SL) Probable 11:

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

England (ENG) Probable 11:

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

Top Picks from Sri Lanka

Top Picks from England

Cricket Winner Player’s Insight:

• Pathum Nissanka (SL) has the ability to set the tempo right from the word 'go'; he can instantly add pressure on the opposition.
• Wanindu Hasaranga (SL) remains the most vital cog in Sri Lanka's bowling Line-up with six scalps in the last three T20I matches.
• Phil Salt (ENG) is back, and he has been a revolution at the top of English cricket. He smashed 119 runs in the last three T20I matches.
• Sam Curran (ENG) can add quick runs in the last overs, and he also has one of the best bowling impacts in the middle overs of the game.

SL vs ENG Captain & Vice-Captain Choices:

SL vs ENG Fantasy Team Suggestion:  

SL vs ENG Dream11 Prediction Expert Advice 

SL vs ENG Dream11 Prediction Probable Winners:

According to our analysis and stats, England is the favourite to clinch the game. England has a very strong batting unit. Additionally, Philip Salt's return is a further boost to them, and the team will be fully prepared to put pressure on Sri Lanka in this match. 

SL vs ENG 1st T20I FAQ

Who is likely to win the SL vs ENG match today?

England (Eng) is expected to win this match.

Who is ahead in head-to-head stats?    

England

Who are the top fantasy picks for the SL vs ENG Dream11 team?

Sam Curran, Phil Salt, Wanindu Hasaranga, Pathum Nissanka and Harry Brook

What is the pitch report for this match?

The surface is balanced, and we can expect an average score range between 147 and 167 runs.