Ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka will play a three-match T20I series at home against England. This is the final preparation by the co-organizers and the Three Lions before the big event.

Sri Lanka crushed by England

England sealed the series after winning the second T20I on Sunday. The match was a rain-affected affair and the overs were reduced to 17, with the England Lions winning the match by 6 wickets.

This is a warning sign for Lanka Lions as they have failed to win a series that is just days away from the T20 World Cup. Adding to the tension, there are reports that Sri Lankan cricketer Eshant Malinga suffered a shoulder injury during the second T20I and is likely to miss the ICC T20 World Cup.

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Who will replace Eshant Malinga?

There are reports that Eshant Malinga dislocated his shoulder last night and he will travel to Colombo for further scans. Most of the injuries are still awaiting official confirmation and it is believed that Eshant Malinga will be sidelined for four to six weeks. Reports also indicate that left-arm seamer Dilshan Madushanka or Pramod Madushanka are two players vying for a spot in Sri Lanka’s squad for major ICC events to replace Eshan Malinga.

The 24-year-old Seamer will make his T20I debut in November 2025. Since then, Eshan has played 8 matches and taken as many wickets in the shortest format of the game. Before getting injured, Eshant Malinga had bowled just 1.2 overs in the match and had conceded 6 runs before leaving the field. The selectors will also need to consider other pace options including Binura Fernando and Asitha Fernando. They will make a final decision after the official report comes out.

England seal series with victory on Sunday

Coming into the match after being invited to bat first, the home team posted a score of 189/5 and the top four batsmen scored well, with Pawan Ratnayake scoring 40 runs off 22 balls, which helped the team post a defensible total. England are chasing two wickets lost in the powerplay. However, the experience of Jos Buttler and an explosive unbeaten innings from Tom Banton (54*) and skipper Harry Brooke (32) ended the rain-shortened match with two balls remaining for the visitors.

Sri Lanka A will face Oman in a warm-up match on Tuesday. On the same day, the senior team will take on England in the third and final T20I. The co-hosts will play their first match against Ireland in Colombo on February 8. The Lankan Lions are playing at home and are expected to win the championship for the second time after winning in 2014.

Also read: Sri Lanka make last-minute changes to 2026 T20 World Cup squad; Kamindu Mendis recalled to replace…