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Sri Lanka will begin their three-match T20I series against England when the two teams meet in the opening game at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton on September 15. The visitors will enter the contest with a point to prove after a few inconsistent performances in the shortest format, while England will look to make the most of home conditions.
Sri Lanka have suffered a significant setback even before the series gets underway. Kusal Mendis, originally named as captain, has been ruled out of the T20I leg because of a hamstring injury sustained during the Lanka Premier League. Charith Asalanka has consequently been appointed captain, while Pavan Rathnayake has replaced Mendis in the squad. Left-arm pacer Binura Fernando is also unavailable, with Dilshan Madushanka coming into the squad as his replacement.
The Sri Lankan squad still contains plenty of experience, with Pathum Nissanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dasun Shanaka and Maheesh Theekshana all capable of making a major impact. The first T20I could therefore be an important opportunity for the visitors to establish momentum on the tour.
Here is the predicted playing XI of Sri Lanka for the first T20I against England:
Pathum Nissanka should open the innings for Sri Lanka. The right-hander is arguably the most dependable batter in the squad and will be expected to provide a solid foundation at the top.
Nissanka’s ability to combine classical strokeplay with aggressive hitting makes him particularly valuable in English conditions. He will have to negotiate England’s pace attack before looking to accelerate during the middle overs.
Kamil Mishara could partner Nissanka at the top of the order. The left-handed wicketkeeper-batter provides variety to the opening combination and can take advantage of the Powerplay restrictions.
With Kusal Mendis unavailable, Mishara could receive increased responsibility with the bat. A strong start from the pair would be vital against England’s experienced new-ball attack.
Kamindu Mendis is likely to occupy the No. 3 position. The versatile left-hander has become an increasingly important part of Sri Lanka’s white-ball setup and can adapt his approach according to the match situation.
His ability to contribute with the ball also gives Charith Asalanka an additional tactical option.
Charith Asalanka will take over the captaincy in place of Kusal Mendis. The left-hander will have a significant role to play with both bat and leadership responsibilities.
Asalanka is capable of controlling the innings through the middle overs before accelerating towards the death. His ability to handle England’s spinners and pace variations could prove crucial.
Janith Liyanage should feature in Sri Lanka’s middle order. The batting all-rounder offers stability while also giving the team another part-time bowling option.
His ability to rotate the strike and build partnerships will be important if England’s bowlers make early inroads.
Dasun Shanaka brings considerable T20 experience to the Sri Lankan lineup. The former captain enjoyed a productive T20I series against the West Indies earlier in 2026 and crossed the 2,000-run mark in the format.
His power-hitting ability makes him an important finisher, while his medium pace can provide useful overs when required.
Wanindu Hasaranga should be one of Sri Lanka’s biggest match-winners in Southampton. The leg-spinning all-rounder can contribute crucial runs in the lower middle order while remaining a constant wicket-taking threat.
His battle against England’s aggressive middle order could be one of the defining aspects of the match.
Dunith Wellalage could provide Sri Lanka with another left-arm spin option. His ability to bowl economically through the middle overs makes him a useful complement to Hasaranga and Theekshana.
Wellalage’s batting also adds valuable depth to the lineup.
Maheesh Theekshana is likely to lead Sri Lanka’s spin attack. His ability to bowl with the new ball could be particularly useful against England’s aggressive openers.
The mystery spinner’s variations can make him difficult to attack, especially if he gets any assistance from the surface.
Dushmantha Chameera should spearhead Sri Lanka’s pace attack. His experience and ability to generate genuine pace make him an important component of the bowling unit.
Against England’s powerful batting order, Chameera will need to make early breakthroughs rather than simply concentrate on containing the run rate.
Eshan Malinga could complete Sri Lanka’s predicted XI. The young seamer has been included in both the T20I and ODI squads for the England tour and offers another attacking pace option.
His ability to bowl hard lengths and variations at the death could make him particularly useful against England’s power-hitters.
Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara (WK), Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (C), Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga
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