Every team is looking to prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the final set of T20I games they are playing before the marquee tournament begins on the 7th of February. Sri Lanka Playing XI vs England Playing XI will also be an effort to finalize the playing XI of both teams, who will be seen playing in the World Cup next month.
England are undoubtedly one of the most fierce batting units, especially when it comes to the shortest format of the game. On the other hand, Sri Lanka have largely been dependent on the bowlers, especially their bunch of quality spinners, who give them the upper hand in subcontinent conditions.
This article provides the probable playing XIs of England and the Sri Lanka for the First T20I, alongside the likely player combinations and crucial players to watch out for at Pallekele.
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Sri Lanka Playing XI vs England Playing XI – 1st T20I
Sri Lanka Playing XI vs England – 1st T20I
Openers: Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis
Sri Lanka largely depends on their opening pair for the majority of their run-scoring. The openers, Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka, can be the highlight of the Lankan innings. If Nissanka gets going, then Sri Lanka can pose a respectable target.
On the other hand, Kusal Mendis, the wicket-keeper batsman from the other hand can play a subtle innings if Nissanka gets going and can also take command of the powerplay if Nissanka needs some time to settle down. They both have the best understanding of the game among modern-day openers.
Middle-Order Batters: Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga
Kusal Perera, the veteran batter, returned to the Lankan T20I side, the only format he plays internationally. Former skipper Charith Asalanka will be crucial in the batting order, especially if early wickets fall and if the scoring rate needs to be increased with some rash hitting.
Janith Liyanage has more of an anchoring role in the middle-order, and then comes the pack of all-rounder led by skipper Dasun Shanaka, who will be attempting to clear the boundaries more often.
Bowlers: Dunith Wellalage, Dusmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana
Dunith Wellalage can be the ideal no. 8 as he can also be effective with the bat. The spinner will be paired alongside Wanindu Hasaranga through the middle-overs, while Maheesh Theekshana is ideal to take the new ball alongside Dusmantha Chameera.
Matheesha Pathirana has often been seen playing the matches as a death over specialist. The youngster from Sri Lanka will be the captain’s only pace gun at the end of the innings.
Sri Lanka Playing XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Dusmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana/Eshan Malinga
England Playing XI vs Sri Lanka – 1st T20I
Openers: Phil Salt and Jos Buttler
England will welcome their most dynamic and explosive batting duo in former captain Jos Buttler and the RCB superstar Phil Salt. Salt has been in some form in the shortest format of the game. The player has also kept his focus on only one format and has not failed at delivering with the bat.
Buttler is the most experienced one in the side and will be handed the responsibility to take control of the innings with some spectacular batting. Buttler recently had a decent season in the SA20.
Middle-Order Batters: Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Will Jacks, Sam Curran, Jamie Overton
Jacob Bethell, the youngster, has been playing a fine hand for England across all formats of the game. Bethell will be followed by the intense firepower of the skipper, Harry Brook. Will Jacks and Sam Curran will be the all-rounders who follow.
Curran showed some fine form under Asian tracks in the ILT20, while his start in the BBL was also not bad for the Sydney Sixers. Jamie Overton remains a bowling all-rounder for England, but whenever England has needed runs, he has stepped up for his team.
Bowlers: Rehan Ahmed, Adil Rashid, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue
England will pair their two frontline pacers and two spinners in the side. Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed will be the frontline spinners in the side, and both are leg-spinners. Josh Tongue and Brydon Carse will be the pacers alongside the two all-rounders who also bowl quality seam for England.
England are looking like a very strong side and will be the favourites in the series.
England Playing XI: Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Will Jacks, Sam Curran, Rehan Ahmed, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Brydon Carse, and Josh Tongue.
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