2nd T20I | England vs Sri Lanka T20I Series 2026 | Sophia Gardens, Cardiff | 17 September 2026

Pavan Rathnayake and Dilshan Madushanka step into Sri Lanka’s squad after injuries ruled out Kusal Mendis and Binura Fernando for this series. Mendis has been sidelined by a hamstring injury since July 19, while Fernando’s back problem has kept him out since August. Charith Asalanka now captains the side, a role he last held during a series defeat to England in January. With the second match set for Cardiff on September 17, Sri Lanka must settle on a combination capable of ending a decade-long losing run. 

Kusal Mendis and Binura Fernando Ruled Out 

Kusal Mendis has not played since July 19, sidelined by a right hamstring injury from the Lanka Premier League. Binura Fernando joined him on the sidelines on August 5 with a back injury from the same tournament. Both are out for the entire series. 

Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed both absences on September 4. Pavan Rathnayake, a 24-year-old top-order batter, replaces Mendis, while fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka comes in for Fernando. Neither has a confirmed return date, leaving selectors to plan strictly around who is fit right now. 

England Sri Lanka T20I Series Playing XI 

England named Aneurin Donald, Jos Buttler as captain, Harry Brook, Tom Banton, Jordan Cox, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Josh Tongue, Sonny Baker and Adil Rashid at Southampton. Phil Salt, Jacob Bethell and Sam Curran missed out, and Jofra Archer was rested, with a return expected in Cardiff. 

Sri Lanka countered with Kamil Mishara behind the stumps, Pathum Nissanka opening, and Asalanka leading a middle order of Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage and Dasun Shanaka. Hasaranga, Theekshana, Ratnayake, Chameera and Malinga completed the attack. Rathnayake and Madushanka stayed in the squad but were out of that XI.

*Archer was rested for the 1st T20I; his return is expected for the 2nd T20I at Cardiff. 

Asalanka Steps Into the Captaincy Role 

Asalanka was named vice-captain for this tour before Mendis’s injury pushed him into the top job. His T20I record, 1,396 runs from 72 matches at 22.51 with a top score of 80 not out, shows steady contribution rather than dominance. 

His last stint in charge came in January, when Sri Lanka lost 3-0 to England at home. He fared better against Zimbabwe last August and September, winning both the ODI and T20I series. Sri Lanka Cricket has not named him full-time captain, since Mendis still leads the ODI side. 

A One-Sided Rivalry Favors the Hosts 

England have won 14 of the 18 T20Is played between these sides since 2006, and Sri Lanka have not beaten them in the format since October 2012. That gap now stretches to 12 straight England wins across different captains and squads. 

The most recent series, in Sri Lanka this January and February, ended 3-0 to England. Sri Lanka’s wider 2026 form offers little comfort either, with five wins from fifteen completed matches against all opponents. Reversing a streak this long inside a five-day window was always a huge ask. 

Cardiff Sets the Stage for Game Two 

Sophia Gardens hosts the second T20I on September 17, barely two days after Southampton. Jofra Archer’s expected return gives England another seam option beside Tongue, Overton and Baker, while Sri Lanka look set to stay close to their opening XI.

Nothing about the opener suggested Sri Lanka’s selection headaches are over, and Cardiff offers the clearest read yet on how settled the England Sri Lanka T20I series playing XI truly is for both camps. Rathnayake and Mishara remain under pressure to justify their places, and England arrive as firm favorites once again.                                                                                                                                                         

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who will replace Kusal Mendis in Sri Lanka’s playing XI?

Pavan Rathnayake is Sri Lanka’s direct squad replacement for Kusal Mendis. The 24-year-old top-order batter joined the squad after Mendis’s hamstring injury, though Kamil Mishara kept wicket in the series opener at Southampton. 

Is Charith Asalanka Sri Lanka’s full-time T20I captain now?

No, Asalanka is only standing in as captain for this England series. Kusal Mendis remains Sri Lanka’s ODI captain and is expected to reclaim the T20I role once he recovers from his hamstring injury. 

What is Sri Lanka’s likely XI for the second T20I?

Sri Lanka are expected to make a few changes from their Southampton XI. That XI featured Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kamindu Mendis and Charith Asalanka in the top order, plus Wanindu Hasaranga leading the bowling attack. 

Who won the first T20I between England and Sri Lanka?

That result was not confirmed in the latest reports from Southampton. Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to field, and England were 73 for 1 after 5.1 overs. 

When is the second T20I between England and Sri Lanka?

The second T20I is scheduled for September 17, 2026, at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff. It follows barely two days after the series opener in Southampton, leaving both squads little time to adjust their combinations.