SL vs ENG 1st T20I Playing 11: Dasun Shanaka-led Sri Lanka will square off against Harry Brook-led England in the 1st T20I match on January 30 at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele.
England secured a 2-1 win in the three-match ODI series and will be aiming to replicate that success in the T20I series.
The series will be crucial preparation for upcoming Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 which begins on February 07.
Due to rain intervention, the game has been reduced to 17-over per side. England won the toss and opted to bowl.
Speaking at the toss, England Captain Harry Brook said, “Yeah, it looks like a really good surface. Hopefully we can bowl well, pick up a few early wickets, and put some pressure on the chasing side. Good, everyone’s in a really positive space.”
“The break’s helped, and the boys are genuinely looking forward to getting out there. It’s a big series against Sri Lanka, who are always strong in their own conditions, but it’s also part of the bigger picture with the World Cup in mind,” added Brook.
“We’re really just trying to focus on one game at a time and stay in the moment. That’s been a big message for us over the last couple of years, and it’s something we’re sticking to,” added England captain.
Harry Brook has won the toss and we’re going to have a bowl 💪 pic.twitter.com/uCK3bqcS35
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) January 30, 2026
“Yeah, absolutely. Everyone’s excited to get back under the lights and playing again tonight. It’s great to have him back, and the group’s looking forward to the challenge. Thank you,” concluded Harry Brook.
Meanwhile, Dasun Shanaka said, “Yes, very happy. The whole team is going great. So in the last series also, we had the same challenge. So we are happy with it. They’ve been playing some good cricket in recent past.”
“So they are looking forward for the series. It’s very important for the tournament. Very much key is the consistency. So I had that chat with these individuals and of course with the team,” added Shanka.
“We need to make sure we do the right things, right execution with all the three disciplines. So hopefully, we got to come better and better. So the team, same deal as the last game we played in Pakistan,” added Dasun Shanaka.
“So it includes two fast bowlers, two genuine spinners, and the all-rounders in the middle. He got a niggle, but at the same time we wanted the full fit in that World Cup game. So he’s rested,” concluded Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka.
Also Read: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium Weather Today – LIVE Updates
SL vs ENG 1st T20I Playing 11
Sri Lanka Playing 11: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis(w), Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka(c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Eshan Malinga
England Playing 11: Philip Salt, Jos Buttler(w), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook(c), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid
