England produced an all-round display to defeat Sri Lanka by 51 runs in Match 42 of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. England batted first, scoring 146 runs with nine wickets lost at the end; although they were not able to score evenly through their innings, having previously been limited to fewer than 100 runs per three overs, they found a way to reach that threshold thanks to Philip Salt, who scored a fluent half-century (62 runs off just 40 balls). Although Sri Lanka's bowlers were able to take wickets at regular intervals throughout their innings, loss of main bowlers towards the end of innings allowed England to maintain their momentum and confidence in having plenty of runs to defend against.

Salt displayed his prowess with a solid innings made of crisp stroke play, hitting six boundaries and two sixes. Other players struggled to find their rhythm early, after giving away wickets to Jos Buttler, Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton and Harry Brook; Will Jacks counterattacked with a quick-fire innings of 21 from 12 deliveries while Sam Curran was able to add a few valuable runs late on. Although Sri Lanka maintained their discipline in bowling and were able to prevent/make it difficult for England to have any late innings momentum, they were still able to score over 140 and that ultimately would be sufficient to win the match. Maheesh Theekshana was particularly economical in his overall bowling effort and Dunith Wellalage was able to claim three wickets, however, both bowlers lacked consistent support from the remaining players of Sri Lanka's bowling unit at critical times throughout the innings when England were building partnerships which could have taken the match away from Sri Lanka.

After a rapid start by England, it quickly became clear that Sri Lanka would have a tough time chasing down the total. Quick wickets (two from Jofra Archer and three from Will Jacks) destabilised the top three batters for Sri Lanka (Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara both fell cheaply). Liam Dawson and Adil Rashid continued to put Sri Lanka's batters under pressure during the 'middle overs', using the development of turn and bounce to their advantage. Captain Dasun Shanaka fought hard to keep the innings going, scoring an unbeaten 30, but had little or no help from his partners. Ultimately, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 95 in 16.4 overs, showing how poor the bowling from England and the fielding from England were as the English bowlers and fielders created consistent pressure on the Sri Lankan batters over the course of the initial innings.

See Also: Watch: Will Jacks' double-wicket over puts Sri Lanka on backfoot in ENG vs SL T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash

England spinners tighten screw on Sri Lankan batting

The bowlers of England executed their plans perfectly with respect to their varying pace and lengths. Archer set up and led an aggressive attack with great pace and movement, whilst Jack’s off spin was key in removing the Sri Lankan middle order in a hurry. Rashid’s excellent control and Dawson’s accuracy ensured that Sri Lanka could not recover. The fielders all contributed to a successful bowling display by taking vigilant catches and producing a key run out in the first half of the match. Together, this performance showcased England’s depth and ability to adapt to high-pressure matches – which will be critical as the tournament approaches its exciting knock-out phase.

England's win sets them up well in the Super Eights table and greatly enhances their net run rate. Overall, a solid team performance with bat and ball will give England confidence as they face stiffer opponents in upcoming matches. Sri Lanka must now regroup quickly and find ways to overcome the batting weaknesses that were exposed against England's high-quality spin and pace attack. However, there is still enough experience on the Sri Lankan side for them to be able to come back from this defeat if their more experienced players perform strongly. With the competition becoming progressively more intense, such performances will show how quickly — and decisively — momentum and execution can impact the results of matches played between equally talented international teams at this level today.

In Match 23 of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, England secured a five-wicket victory over Scotland in a competitive Group C encounter. Scotland, batting first, posted 152 all out in 19.4 overs after a promising middle phase. England’s bowlers struck at regular intervals to prevent a late surge. In response, England chased down the 153-run target comfortably, reaching 155/5 in 18.2 overs to claim crucial points and strengthen their position in the standings.

Scotland’s innings was anchored by skipper Richie Berrington, who struck a fluent 49 off 32 balls, while Michael Jones contributed an aggressive 33 at the top. A vital 71-run partnership between Jones and Berrington steadied the innings after early setbacks. However, England’s bowlers kept chipping away. Adil Rashid was particularly effective with three wickets, while Jofra Archer claimed two key scalps to derail Scotland’s momentum during the latter half of the innings.

Despite reaching 113/3 at one stage, Scotland suffered a collapse as wickets fell in clusters. Liam Dawson picked up two important wickets in the middle overs, and disciplined death bowling ensured Scotland were restricted to a modest total. The final few overs yielded limited runs, leaving England with a manageable chase. Although Scotland showed glimpses of resistance, their inability to capitalize on partnerships ultimately proved costly in setting a more imposing target.

See Also: Watch: 'Eat food and...'- Suryakumar Yadav reflects on handshake controversy ahead of IND vs PAK T20 WC 2026

Banton Guides England Home in Confident Chase

England’s pursuit began shakily with early dismissals of Philip Salt and Jos Buttler. However, Jacob Bethell and Tom Banton rebuilt steadily, adding a crucial partnership to stabilize the innings. Bethell’s 32 laid the foundation, while Banton took control with a composed and authoritative knock. The pair guided England through the middle overs, keeping the required rate under control despite Scotland’s disciplined bowling spells.

Tom Banton remained unbeaten on 63 from 41 balls, anchoring the chase with maturity and timely acceleration. Sam Curran provided valuable support with 28, and Will Jacks finished the match with confident strokes. Though Scotland’s bowlers picked up occasional wickets, they could not sustain pressure long enough to force a collapse. England’s calculated batting display ensured a five-wicket victory, underlining their composure and balance in the tournament.

Top Performers

In the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 encounter, Tom Banton led England’s chase with a composed unbeaten 63 off 41 balls. Adil Rashid impressed with 3/36, while Jofra Archer claimed two wickets. For Scotland, Richie Berrington top-scored with 49 and Michael Jones added 33 in a fighting effort.

Key Moments

The 71-run stand between Michael Jones and Richie Berrington steadied Scotland after early losses. However, Rashid’s middle-over breakthroughs triggered a collapse. During the chase, Banton and Jacob Bethell’s partnership rebuilt England’s innings after early setbacks, shifting momentum decisively in England’s favor.

Brief Score

Scotland: 152 all out (19.4 overs)
Richie Berrington 49 (32); Adil Rashid 3/36

England: 155/5 (18.2 overs)
Tom Banton 63* (41); England won by 5 wickets.

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.

See Also: Watch: Indian players visit Padmanabhaswamy Temple ahead of IND vs NZ 5th T20I

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

The excitement for the T20 World Cup 2026 is already growing. All 20 teams are getting ready to fight for the title. The tournament will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka and will begin on February 7. Fans can expect fast-paced matches and big moments.

Many young players are likely to play their first T20 World Cup and make a name for themselves. At the same time, this tournament could be the last World Cup for some senior players. Because of age or current form, a few experienced stars may not return for another edition.

Below are five players who could be playing their final T20 World Cup.

Also read -Former RCB all-rounder named as Australia's all-format captain ahead of ICC T20 World Cup 2026

1. Mohammad Nabi (Afghanistan)

Mohammad Nabi has been one of the most important players in Afghanistan’s cricket journey. From the early days to the world stage, he has helped the team grow with both bat and ball. Now 41 years old, the experienced all-rounder is close to the end of his career. With the next T20 World Cup after 2026 set for 2028, it is unlikely he will play again at the age of 43.

In T20 internationals, Nabi has scored 2,430 runs and taken 104 wickets. He has also led Afghanistan in three T20 World Cups. His calm leadership and fighting spirit helped Afghanistan earn respect in world cricket.

2. Glenn Maxwell (Australia)

Glenn Maxwell is one of the most exciting batters in modern cricket. He is known for his fast scoring and creative shots. Maxwell can change a match in just a few overs.

His attacking style sometimes brings mixed results, but it has also produced many special moments. One of his best knocks was a T20I century against India in 2019. Maxwell has scored over 2,800 T20I runs and has also contributed with the ball.

3. Adil Rashid (England)

Adil Rashid has been a key player in England’s white-ball success. When England needed a strong leg-spinner, Rashid stepped up and became a regular wicket-taker.

He is England’s highest wicket-taker in T20 internationals, with more than 140 wickets. Rashid has been effective in the middle overs and keeps his runs under control. With age catching up, the 2026 T20 World Cup could be his last.

4. Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan)

Fakhar Zaman has been an important part of Pakistan’s batting over the years. The left-handed opener is known for his power and fearless approach at the top of the order.

In T20 internationals, Fakhar has scored more than 2,300 runs. As Pakistan looks at younger players and Fakhar moves into his late 30s, this World Cup may be his final chance to perform on the big stage.

5. David Miller (South Africa)

David Miller is known for his strong finishing skills and big hitting. He has won many matches for South Africa with his aggressive batting.

Miller has scored over 2,600 runs in T20 internationals, including two centuries. With age and form becoming important factors, the 2026 T20 World Cup could be his last appearance in international T20 cricket.

Sri Lanka will face England in the 2nd ODI of the England tour of Sri Lanka 2026, which will be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on Saturday. Sri Lanka won the first ODI match by 19 runs and leads the series 1-0. Sri Lanka bats first and posted a good total of 271 runs in the 50 overs. Experienced batsman Kusal Mendis scored 93 runs off 117 balls, while all-rounder Janith Liyanage smashed 46 runs off 53 balls. 

In response, England failed to chase down the target and were bowled out at 252 runs in 49.2 overs. Opener Ben Duckett scored 62 runs off 76 balls and Joe Root scored 61 runs off 90 balls but they were not able to chase down the target and fell short of 19 runs. 

Also Read: SL vs NZ, 2nd ODI: Head-to-head, pitch report & predicted playing XIs

SL vs ENG Match Details

• Match: Sri Lanka vs England, 2nd ODI 

• Date: 24th January 2026

• Time: 2.30 PM IST

• Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo 

• Live Streaming: FanCode

SL vs ENG Weather Report

Pitch Report

The Colombo pitch is expected to favour the spinners once more. The spinners were crucial in the first ODI match, and this may continue in the second match too. The average first-inning score at this venue is 240-250 runs. 

Top Batters to Watch – SL vs ENG

• Kusal Mendis (SL): 93 runs in this Series 

• Janith Liyanange (SL): 46 runs in this Series

• Ben Duckett (ENG): 62 runs in this Series 

Top Bowlers to Watch – SL vs ENG

• Pramod Madushan (SL): 3 wickets in Series

• Adil Rashid (ENG): 3 wickets in Series

• Dunith Wellalage (SL): 2 wickets in Series 

SL vs ENG Recent Form

SL vs ENG Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1: If SL Bat First

• Powerplay Score: 40–50

• Predicted Total: 260-170

• Match Result: SL to win

Scenario 2: If ENG Bat First

• Powerplay Score: 35–45

• Predicted Total: 240–250

• Match Result: SL to win

Who Will Hit the Most Sixes?

Who Will Hit the Most Fours?

SL vs ENG Predicted Playing XIs

Sri Lanka

Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Dunith Wellalage, Pramod Madushan, Jeffrey Vandersay, Asitha Fernando.

England 

Harry Brook (c), Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler (wk), Sam Curran, Rehan Ahmed, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid.

SL vs ENG Today Match Prediction – Who Will Win Today?

We predict that Sri Lanka will win the 2nd ODI match. The likes of Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka will be key players to watch out for.

SL vs ENG Match FAQs

Former England players Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid were recently on opposite sides of a lighthearted but intense discussion on who the best ODI batter of all time is: Sachin Tendulkar or Virat Kohli?

The debate played out on their podcast, Beard Before Wicket, where the pair were asked to select a single batter to open in ODIs from three all-time greats: Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar, and Brian Lara.

Adil Rashid wasn't afraid to choose Kohli. Moeen, however, played the diplomat at first. "They all average 50," he reminded us, implying the argument was too evenly balanced. But Rashid had prepared some statistics and pressure.

"If you contrast the two, who's won more games, who's scored more hundreds in ODI cricket Virat. Who's won more games when chasing Virat. Who's that match-winner in that regard?" Rashid asked. Ultimately, Moeen was convinced by his team's reasoning, concluding, "I think you have to start with Virat, Rashid's right." 

Kohli's Dominance in ODIs

It’s hard to argue against Kohli’s one-day numbers. Since making his debut in 2008, the Indian maestro has rewritten the record books in the format. In 302 matches, he has scored 14,181 runs at an astonishing average of 57.88, including 51 centuries, the most in ODI history, overtaking even Tendulkar's 49.

Kohli's ability to chase is what puts him in a class of his own. 28 out of his 51 hundreds have been in winning run chases, a record that speaks volumes about his ability to deliver in pressure situations. With a strike rate of 93.24 and an average of 64.50, he has scored more than 8000 runs while chasing in ODIs.

ALSO SEE: 'I am thankful to God...' - Hasin Jahan's huge comment on Mohammed Shami's alimony

Watch the video:

Adil Rashid cooking Moeen Ali and Nostalgia merchants 😭🔥 pic.twitter.com/l7Zg99IWC0

— Vivek (@hailKohli18) July 3, 2025

Keeping Delivering on the Big Stage

In the 2025 Champions Trophy, which India went on to win, Kohli played his last game of ODI cricket. With 218 runs at 54.50 from five games, he was the most crucial player of the tournament. His highlight was an unbeaten century in a pressure chase against arch-rivals Pakistan.

Although the Rashid-Moeen argument was frivolous, it is a part of a broader generational debate in cricket. Kohli's figures, influence in chases, and consistency are enough to drive a point for his supremacy in contemporary times, though Tendulkar remains an immortal of the sport.

The highly anticipated Australia vs England game of the Champions Trophy 2025 promises to be an electrifying match, pitting two of the most powerful cricketing teams against each other in a struggle for dominance. Both teams have put together very strong teams, combining experience with new talent, and this promises to be a thrilling contest for cricket enthusiasts everywhere

• Match: AUS vs. ENG
• Date: February 22, 2025
• Time: 2:30 PM Local Time (IST)
• Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, Pakistan

Live streaming details:

TV Broadcast Details

Online Streaming Platforms

ALSO READ:AUS vs ENG Today Match Prediction – Who Will Win? | Match 04, ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Preview & Analysis

Australia playing xi

Travis Head, Matthew Short, Steve Smith (c), Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Hardie, Sean Abbott, Spencer Johnson, Adam Zampa

England playing xi

Ben Duckett, Phil Salt, Jamie Smith (wk), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (c), Liam Livingstone, Brydon Carse, Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid.

England Cricket Board (ECB) revealed the squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 which will be held in Pakistan. The team, is guided by Jos Buttler and it has a mix and the youth.
Injury Update: Tom Banton to replace injured Jacob Bethell
As a squad was about to be announced, Tom Banton was brought back to start in place of Jacob Bethell who suffered an injury. Banton offers excellent power at the top of the order with charismatic strokeplay and allrounder

FULL SQUAD:

• Jos Buttler (C) – Wicketkeeper & Captain
• Jofra Archer – Fast Bowler
• Gus Atkinson – Fast Bowler
• Tom Banton – Top-order Batsman (Replacement for Bethell)
• Harry Brook – Middle-order Batsman
• Brydon Carse – Fast Bowler
• Ben Duckett – Batsman
• Jamie Overton – All-rounder
• Josh Smith – All-rounder
• Liam Livingstone – All-rounder
• Adil Rashid – Leg-spinner
• Joe Root – Middle-order Batsman
• Saqib Mahmood – Fast Bowler
• Phil Salt – Wicketkeeper-Batsman
• Mark Wood – Fast Bowler

England Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Jos Buttler (C), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Tom Banton, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Josh Smith, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt, Mark Wood.

England's squad for the #ChampionsTrophy locked in after roping in Tom Banton for the injured Jacob Bethell 👊

Read more ➡️ https://t.co/LDTwb9Upiy pic.twitter.com/zxTKURvMWQ

— ICC (@ICC) February 12, 2025

Squad Analysis
For England, the middle has been left with a balanced mix of hitters, spinners, and pace as well. Experienced players like Buttler, Root, Rashid, and Wood bring a level of stability, and also youngsters like Harry Brook and Josh Smith which are filled with promise. With fast bowlers in form like Jofra Archer, Mark Wood Saqib Mahmood the ball looks dangerous and they do get bounced too. What Adil Rashid will bring on the spin is going to be important, especially looking at a subcontinent wicket.

ALSO READ:Australia's Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Full List and Key Insights

Chances of England in the Champions Trophy 2025
England is one of the standout sides in the tournament having recently won three Outram Shield Winners Maceknob end to end. They are a relatively untested team, having never won the Champions Trophy and only once reached the final in 2013.

Visitors England made a comeback in the T20I series against the hosts India after clinching a handsome 26-run win in the Rajkot T20I on Tuesday (January 28). 

Leading the T20I series by 2-0, the Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss once again and chose to field in the third of the five-match T20I series at Rajkot. It was the much-awaited comeback match for the Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami, who missed out on international cricket for more than 14 months. While England scored 171/9 in 20 overs, India replied with 145/9 in 20 overs. 

England innings: Ben Duckett powered before Varun Chakravarthy's magic

Although the opener Phil Salt once again lost his wicket early at five runs, his opening partner Ben Duckett set up a strong start with the in-form skipper Jos Buttler. Duckett was dominating the Indian bowlers from the powerplay and set up England’s first 50-run partnership in this T20I series as he had a 76-run partnership for the second wicket with Buttler. 

Once England were batting at 83/1, but the Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav handled the spinners really well as the English batting line-up once again faced deep trouble. From 83/1, England were suddenly down to 127/8. 

While the skipper Buttler scored 24 off 22 balls, the opener Duckett scored 51 off 28 balls with seven fours and two sixes. 

Leg-spinner Varun Chakravarthy claimed a fifer as he had bowling figures of 4-0-24-5. Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya picked up two wickets (2/33), while Axar Patel (1/19) and Ravi Bishnoi (1/46) got one wicket each. 

See Also: Jasprit Bumrah Honored as ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year 2024

Liam Livingstone added vital runs

While the other English middle and lower-order batters struggled, Liam Livingstone added some vital runs of 43 off 24 balls with the help of one four and five sixes. Also, Adil Rashid (10*) and Mark Wood’s (10*) additions proved crucial for the visitors.

Indian innings: No strong batting performance; England bowlers were disciplined powered by Adil Rashid

In reply, England were taking wickets at regular intervals, while the English skipper Jos Buttler handled the bowlers really well. Opener Abhishek Sharma got a strong start but was caught out for 24 off 14 balls as Jofra Archer took a great catch. Captain Suryakumar Yadav (14) is far away from his form, while Tilak Varma was finally dismissed by brilliant Adil Rashid for 18 runs.

Apart from Abhishek, only Hardik Pandya scored 20+ runs in that innings, but he didn’t get any support who could help him by at least rotating the strike. Pandya scored 40 off 35 balls with one four and two sixes but it was far from enough.

Adil Rashid was exceptional once again with the bowling figures of 4-0-15-1, while Jamie Overton took three wickets (3/24). Also, Brydon Carse (2/28) and Jofra Archer (2/33) picked up two wickets and Mark Wood got a wicket (1/29).

With the 26-run win, England are trailing the five-match T20I series by 2-1 with two to go. 

Brendon McCullum has been appointed as the England Cricket Team’s Test Coach, and he is coming in with a huge vision ahead. Considering England’s struggles in the long format over the last year, Brendon McCullum comes in with a lot of work ahead, but he seems prepared. Brendon McCullum’s style of play was dependent on a positive mindset, which made him a wonderful white-ball batter, and a game-changer in Test Cricket with his aggression.

He proved that aggression has a place in the long-format and that has led to his vision of bringing in England’s white-ball stars. With the view that a good cricketer can succeed irrespective of the format, early indications suggest that Brendon McCullum looks to bring some of the best players in England currently, and here are a few of them.

Jos Buttler

Jos Buttler was very poor in the Ashes, and the lack of runs may have seen an end to his Test career. His spot has been in doubt over the last year, but with some runs in the odd Test, Jos Buttler has managed to hang on to his spot, until he was dropped in the West Indies tour.

He is one of England’s best white-ball players, but his Test career has not kicked off yet. However, after a confidence building IPL, Brendon McCullum may be tempted to bring him back to the set-up. A similar incident happened in 2018, and the scenario could repeat, only under a different coach. McCullum himself was a white-ball giant who made it big in Test Cricket, and he his presence could bring the required difference in Buttler’s approach to Test cricket as he looks to establish himself in the long format.

Moeen Ali

Moeen Ali retired from Test Cricket before the Ashes, but given his white-ball form, he could be persuaded back into the set-up. He has for long been a utility player for England, batting everywhere from one to seven in the line-up and doubling up as a frontline spinner and part-time spinner on various occasions. If Moeen is willing to comeback under Brendon McCullum’s coaching, England will have their utility player back and they may be able to set out a better role from him as England have struggled to find a consistent role for him in the past.

See Also: Netherlands vs West Indies, 1st ODI Match Prediction – Cricket Winner

Liam Livingstone

Liam Livingstone is one of the cleanest strikers of the ball today. He is in the form of his life in T20 Cricket, but his presence in the Test squad back in 2018 often goes forgotten. Before becoming a T20 superstar, Livingstone had a few good moments in County Cricket, showing that he can play the longer format. He surely has the technique, looks to score big runs, and could make a case for himself if he allows himself to play a few red-ball games to compete for a spot in the Test side.

Adil Rashid

Adil Rashid was a key member of the Test side a couple years ago. He made a comeback to the Test side in 2018-2019 due to his white-ball form, after rejecting a red-ball contract in the county championship. His wrist-spin has proven to be useful for England, but with his focus on white-ball cricket, Adil Rashid has taken a break from the longer format. With England struggling to find spinners though, going back to Adil Rashid could help. He is still one of the better spinners in the country, and his return will help England find some strong names in the line-up, while they will also have a bowler who knows his role as an aggressive spinner.

With Brendon McCullum, the return of these stars seems possible given his own ability to convert whilte-ball form to red-ball form.