Sri Lanka and England gear up for a three-match T20I series, starting January 30. All three T20Is will be played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Notably, the 2nd and 3rd T20I of the series will be played on February 1 and 3. The just concluded ODI series saw England win 2-1 as they came from behind to pull off a heist. 

This series is set to be a clutch one given the ICC T20 World Cup is round the corner in India and Sri Lanka. There is an opportunity for both sides to address key areas and formulate the right balance.

Back in December, England named a 15-member T20I squad versus Sri Lanka with Harry Brook set to lead them. Notably, England’s squad is almost the same as their squad for the T20 World Cup barring Brydon Carse, who will be replaced by Jofra Archer in the global ICC tourney.

England T20I squad

Harry Brook (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse* (Sri Lanka tour only), Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Josh Tongue, Luke Wood.

Sri Lanka named their T20I squad for the series on January 28, two days ahead of the 1st clash on January 30. Dasun Shanaka will lead  the 16-member squad. Notably, the Lankans have named a strong squad to tackle England. 

Sri Lanka T20I squad

Dasun Shanaka (captain), 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.

What is the H2H record between Sri Lanka and England?

Sri Lanka and England have faced each other 14 times in T20I cricket. Sri Lanka have claimed 4 wins with England managing 10. As per ESPNcricinfoon Lanka soil, the two sides have clashed 2 times. Hosts Sri Lanka have claimed 1 win compared to England’s 1.

Probable XI of both teams

Sri Lanka probable XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamil Mishara, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana.

England probable XI: Ben Duckett, Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Harry Brook (c), Jacob Bethell, Will Jacks, Sam Curran, Jamie Overton, Brydon Carse, Adil Rashid, Rehan Ahmed.

Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy & Key Details of the Stadium

The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium is located in Kandy. It was known as the Khettarama Stadium until 1994. The stadium was established in 2009. The stadium was built with an eye on the 2011 ODI World Cup. As many as 35,000 spectators can enjoy the game here.

What is the Pitch like at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium?

The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy is renowned for offering well-balanced surfaces that set the stage for exciting T20 contests. Of the 27 international matches played here in the shortest format, teams batting first have emerged victorious on 14 occasions, with the average first-innings total hovering around 162. As the match progresses, the pitch tends to deteriorate, with cracks opening up and making run chases increasingly challenging. Given these conditions, opting to bat first has often proven to be the smarter and more rewarding strategy at this venue.

Key Stats & Records at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium

Sri Lanka have played 21 T20Is here. They have won 10 and lost 8. Two games were tied with one match seeing no result. Overall, 27 matches in T20Is have been held here. 

Australia hold the highest team total record here, scoring 263/3 in 20 overs versus Sri Lanka in 2016. Sri Lanka own the 2nd-highest team total, scoring 215/3 against West Indies in 2015. India own the next best scores here, scoring 213/7 against the Lankans. These three are the 200-plus totals here.

New Zealand’s score of 88 versus Sri Lanka is the lowest team total at this venue.

Sri Lanka’s Kusal Perera owns the most runs here (414). Kusal Mendis has also done well, scoring 315 runs. 

Former fast bowling legend Lasith Malinga has picked the most wickets (18). Among active players, Wanindu Hasaranga has collected 10 scalps at 22.20.

SL vs ENG: Weather Forecast – Will Rain Play a Role?

The weather in Pallekele on Friday is expected to have some storm or two in the afternoon time, with temperatures around 30°C. There is expected to be cloud cover of around 75%. February 1 could have variable clouds with a bit off showers. On February 3, there could be spells of rain with the weather being partly cloudy.

Sri Lanka vs England: Pitch Advantage for Which Side?

All things considered, both sides will be up for it on a surface that will help spin once the game progresses. Both teams are expected to go in with heavy spin options. Sri Lanka will be slightly ahead given the series is at home. 

FAQs – Pitch Report for Pallekele International Cricket Stadium

What is the pitch report for Pallekele International Cricket Stadium

The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy is renowned for offering well-balanced surfaces that set the stage for exciting T20 contests. Of the 27 international matches played here in the shortest format, teams batting first have emerged victorious on 14 occasions, with the average first-innings total hovering around 162. As the match progresses, the pitch tends to deteriorate, with cracks opening up and making run chases increasingly challenging. Given these conditions, opting to bat first has often proven to be the smarter and more rewarding strategy at this venue.

What is SL and ENG’s record at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium?

At the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, the two teams have met once. Sri Lanka won that contest. Overall, England have played thrice here, winning one and losing twice.

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