SL vs ENG: Pitch Report for T20I series, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium Stats and Records

Jan 30, 2026

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SL vs ENG: Pitch Report for T20I series, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium Stats and Records

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SL vs ENG, T20I series stats and records

The three-match T20I series between Sri Lanka and England kicks off on January 30, serving as the final high-stakes rehearsal for both teams before the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 begins on February 7. After England clawed back to win the ODI leg 2–1, the action moves to the picturesque Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.

England enters the T20I leg with significant momentum following Harry Brook’s sensational 136-run blitz in the final ODI. While the T20 squad sees the return of specialist firepower like Jofra Archer and Phil Salt, Sri Lanka will rely on their spin-heavy arsenal—led by Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana—to stifle the visitors.

The hosts will look to exploit the surface’s tendency to slow down. With Dasun Shanaka leading a settled core, expect Sri Lanka to prioritize disciplined middle-overs bowling to force England’s aggressive hitters into risky shots. Led by Brook, England’s “all-out attack” philosophy remains. The inclusion of Liam Dawson and Adil Rashid suggests they are prepared for the Kandy turn, but their success often hinges on how well Jos Buttler and Phil Salt set the tone in the Powerplay.

SL vs ENG T20I series, Squads

Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Pramod Madushan, Matheesha Pathirana, Eshan Malinga

England: Harry Brook (c), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Josh Tongue, Luke Wood

Pallekele International Cricket Stadium Pitch Report

Historically, Pallekele offers a flat surface early in the series with the ball coming onto the bat nicely. The average first-innings score is around 168–172. As the same square is used, the pitch is expected to grip more for spinners in the 2nd and 3rd matches. Variation will be the primary weapon; pacers who can bowl effective cutters and “pace-off” deliveries (like Pathirana or Curran) will be more successful than those relying on raw speed. In recent T20Is here, pacers have taken roughly 58% of the wickets compared to 42% for spinners, but the spinners typically maintain a much lower economy rate. Under lights, the ball can grip slightly more in the second innings, making a chase of 180+ a daunting task. Expect captains to win the toss and look to put runs on the board.