T20 World Cup Super-8: Sri Lanka win toss, England to bat first

Kandy (The Uttam Hindu): The second Super-8 match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is being played between Sri Lanka and England at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Sri Lanka won the toss and decided to bowl first, sending England in to bat.

After winning the toss, Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka said the team preferred chasing as they have performed well while batting second in recent matches. He added that the squad is confident and happy to be playing at this venue. He also mentioned that injuries have affected the team, but replacements have delivered strong performances. Shanaka confirmed changes in the playing XI, with Dushmantha Chameera returning in place of Pramod Madushan and Kamal Mishara replacing Kusal Perera.

England captain Harry Brook said his team would also have preferred to bowl first. He described it as a fresh contest and stressed the need to apply pressure on the opposition. Brook noted that England had previously played a competitive series against Sri Lanka at this venue and that having already played three matches on this pitch has boosted the team’s confidence.

Speaking about the pitch, Brook said that the surfaces here appear similar, and the team will assess conditions early before trying to maintain balance during the innings.

Although rain was predicted earlier, the weather is currently clear.

Sri Lanka Playing XI

Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wicketkeeper), Pawan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (captain), Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka.

England Playing XI

Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook (captain), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid.