Sitting firmly at third place in the ICC T20I team rankings, England when they move towards 2026 T20 World Cup. Most of the key players are already in place, with several of their batsmen and bowlers firmly occupying the top ten spots in the ICC player rankings. Confidence is high, the portfolio looks set, and the focus shifts from trying new ideas to strengthening existing ones.

The upcoming three-match T20I series will be against Sri LankaIt’s all scheduled to start in Pallekele on Friday (January 30) and is less an experiment than a fine-tuning of details ahead of the big tournament. With Sri Lanka set to co-host the International ICC Championship with India, these conditions provide England with a valuable opportunity to adjust and prepare for the future.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will use this series to re-evaluate their options. Open the batter Kusar Pereira He was recalled despite earlier indications that he was not part of the World Cup blueprint. Known for his aggressive attacking style and high shooting percentage, Pereira also adds value as a backup goalie.

Fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera also returns after being rested in the ODI series, giving Sri Lanka a welcome boost in pace and experience as they look to test England in the final tune-up before the global event.

SL and ENG, T20I series: fixture

• The 1st T20I: January 30 – 7:00 PM (US and local time) / 1:30 PM (GMT)
• Second T20I: February 1st – 7:00pm (US Standard Time) and 1:30pm local time/1:30pm (GMT)
• Third T20I: February 3 – 7:00 PM (US and local time) / 1:30 PM (GMT)

Also read: Suresh Raina, Anil Kumble and other cricket experts predict India to be top contenders in 2026 T20 World Cup final

Broadcast and live streaming details

• India: Sony Sports Network (Sony Sports 1 and Sony Sports 5); Sony LIV, Fan Code
• Sri Lanka: Siyatha TV, Ten Cricket (Chapter 317), Sony Sports 5 (Chapter 318), Sony Sports 2 (Chapter 319), Sony Sports (Chapter 320)
• Pakistan: not found
• U.K: TNT Sports 1, talkSPORT Cricket, Discovery +
• South Africa: Super Sports (Channel 210)
• Middle East and North African Countries: Yap TV

Also read: Harry Brooke and Joe Root’s unbeaten run propels England to victory over Sri Lanka in third ODI