England also hold a significant psychological advantage, having whitewashed Sri Lanka 3-0 in a T20I series at Pallekele earlier this month, which could play a role in this high-pressure clash.
England's Adil Rashid celebrates after dismissing Italy's Justin Mosca during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Group C match between England and Italy at Eden Gardens, in Kolkata on Monday, February 16, 2026. (Photo: IANS)
England and Sri Lanka will lock horns in their opening Super 8 clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy. The match is scheduled to start at 3:00 PM IST, with both teams eyeing a crucial winning start in Group 2.
Both teams arrive in the Super 8 stage with strong momentum after winning three of their four group-stage matches.
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England finished second in their group, registering wins over Nepal, Scotland and Italy, while suffering just one defeat against West Indies. Sri Lanka, the co-hosts, also recorded three victories against Ireland, Oman and Australia, while losing match vs Zimbabwe to secure their place in the Super 8s.
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England also hold a significant psychological advantage, having whitewashed Sri Lanka 3-0 in a T20I series at Pallekele earlier this month, which could play a role in this high-pressure clash.
With no room for error in the Super 8 stage, a win here could provide a major boost towards the semi-finals. England will aim to extend their recent dominance over Sri Lanka, while the hosts will look to turn home conditions into an advantage and avenge their recent series loss.
Match: England vs Sri Lanka, Super 8 Group 2
Date: Sunday, February 22, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM IST
Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy
What is the toss time for England vs Sri Lanka T20 World Cup match?
The toss will take place at 2:30 PM IST, 30 minutes before the start of play.
Where to watch England vs Sri Lanka on TV in India?
The match will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network.
Where to watch England vs Sri Lanka live streaming in India?
Fans can watch the match live on the JioHotstar app and website.
Live streaming in other regions
Sri Lanka: TV on Siyatha TV / Channel Eye; streaming on local digital platforms
UK: Sky Sports and Sky Go
Global: ICC official broadcasters and digital partners
The Pallekele pitch is traditionally batting-friendly, with first-innings scores often ranging between 170 and 190. However, recent rain in Kandy has made the surface slightly sticky, which could assist spinners in the middle overs.
Evening thunderstorms are also forecast, raising the possibility of interruptions or a shortened contest.
England
Harry Brook (c): Leading England in the Super 8 stage, Brook has been consistent with the bat.
Jos Buttler: England’s explosive opener remains a game-changer.
Adil Rashid & Liam Dawson: The spin duo could be crucial on the slowing Pallekele surface.
Sam Curran: A vital all-round option who can swing games with both bat and ball.
Sri Lanka
Pathum Nissanka: Sri Lanka’s top run-scorer in the tournament, including a century against Australia.
Charith Asalanka: The middle-order lynchpin.
Maheesh Theekshana: The mystery spinner could thrive under damp conditions.
Wanindu Hasaranga: A match-winner with both bat and ball.
England
Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (c), Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton / Luke Wood, Rehan Ahmed, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid.
Sri Lanka
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Kusal Perera, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka.
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