Under sunny skies at Pallekele, Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka won the crucial toss in the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 match against England, inviting the visitors to bat first. Rain clouds that loomed earlier have parted, guaranteeing uninterrupted cricket in this high-voltage group stage battle.
Shanaka outlined the thinking: ‘First blood with the ball suits us; chases have clicked lately. The team’s in great nick at home, buoyed by replacements stepping up amid injuries—Chameera returns for Madushan, Mishara for Perera.’ His words reflect a squad blending resilience and form.
Harry Brook of England responded coolly: ‘We fancied bowling, yet it’s game on. Victory here pressures them post our strong series. Three prior pitches here sharpen our edge.’ On conditions, ‘Surfaces look alike; we’ll gauge the start and build smartly.’
Confirmed teams: Sri Lanka—Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Pavan Rathnayaake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (capt), Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka.
England—Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook (capt), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid.
As England opens the batting, all eyes are on whether Sri Lanka’s seam-spin combo can restrict them on a typically even-keeled Pallekele deck, in what could be a tournament-turning Super 8 skirmish.