Sri Lanka will next host England in a three-match T20I series after both sides recently concluded their three-match ODI series. England somehow kicked off their tour of Sri Lanka with a 2-1 victory in the ODIs and will now look to maintain their winning streak against Sri Lanka in the shortest format.

However, England suffered a humiliating series against New Zealand, while Sri Lanka also lost the home series to Pakistan after having lost the previous three series to Pakistan.

This article provides detailed match predictions for SL vs ENG 1st T20I, analyzing head-to-head records, key match moments and winning probabilities.

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SL vs ENG Match Prediction: Who will win the 1st T20I?

Competition details:

match: England vs Sri Lanka, first T20I

date: January 30, 2026

time: 7:00 PM (US Standard Time)

Place: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele

live streaming: Sony LIV

live streaming: Sony Sports Ten Network

SL vs ENG match predictions, head to head records

Sri Lanka and England don’t often face each other in the shortest format, but in the limited times the two countries have met, England have undoubtedly dominated Sri Lanka.

The two teams met in 14 games, with Sri Lanka winning only 4 games, while England won 10 games. Especially when playing at neutral venues, the Three Lions have been extremely dominant.

SL and ENG Promotion Report and Conditions

Palkel is a medium pitch that is good for both batsmen and bowlers. Batting first at this venue is slightly more advantageous as the island’s stadium often has a breeze that comes into play in the second innings. The team that bats first also has a winning percentage of 50%.

SL vs ENG weather forecast

The Sri Lankan subcontinent is one of the most ideal locations in the world to play cricket, especially at this stage. Temperatures at the iconic venue are moderate, with temperatures possibly reaching 30 degrees under partial cloud cover. Although the humidity is moderate, there is little chance of rain.

Therefore, we can expect a perfect 40-over match in which both teams will be at 100% and the climate and field conditions will be conducive to the game.

SL vs ENG 1st T20I possible line-up:

England starting lineup: Phil Salt, Jos Butler, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brooke, Will Jacks, Sam Curran, Rehan Ahmed, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Brendan Cass and Josh Tonge.

Sri Lanka starting lineup: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana/Eshan Malinga

Throwing impact

Tossing always plays an important role in this type of game as these games are not played on a high score track. Low-scoring games always give the upper hand to the team that wins the toss and elects to bowl first, as they have few runs to chase in the second inning.

form and fitness

For England, Liam Dawson is the only player to join the squad later. Pacemaker Brydon Carse will feature in the series but will not be part of the T20 World Cup squad as he is likely to be replaced by Jofra Archer.

In Sri Lanka, the likes of Pavan Rathnayake, Kusal Perera and Dunith Wellalage return in the shortest format of the game. There were no reported injuries to players during either training camp.

SL vs ENG Score Prediction

Pallekele is not one of the highest-scoring venues; but it is one of the highest-scoring venues. However, the ground is not unfavorable to the batsmen either. With mixed results and good bounce, dribbling and spin, the first game score could be around 140 and a total of 160-170 would be a competitive total.

SL vs ENG: Players make predictions

England: Phil Salt, Josh Butler, Harry Brooke, Adil Rashid and Jamie Overton

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Dasun Shanaka, Dusmantha Chameera, Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana

SL vs ENG: Best batsman predictions

England: Phil Salt, Josh Butler and Harry Brooke

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka and Dasun Shanaka

SL vs ENG: Best bowler predictions

England: Adil Rashid and Jamie Overton

Sri Lanka: Dusmantha Chameera, Vanindu Hasaranga and Mahesh Tikshana

Conclusion: Who will win SL vs ENG 1st T20I?

What is certain is that it will be a tough battle between the two sides. Sri Lanka, which has been aiming to bounce back ahead of the T20 World Cup, will not let this goal go easily. However, England have a great record and all the numbers are in their favour. Moreover, England is a stronger team on the team list, so it can be said that it is a stronger team and has a greater chance of winning the first game.

Also read: IND vs NZ Match Prediction: Who will win the 5th T20I? New Zealand India Tour 2026