Sri Lanka are set to host England in a three-match T20I series at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, with all three encounters scheduled to be played over the course of a week. The opening clash gets underway on Friday as both teams fine-tune their preparations ahead of the T20I World Cup.

For Sri Lanka, this series is an opportunity to stage their comeback. After conceding a 2–1 defeat in the recently concluded ODI series against England, Sri Lanka will be eager to stage their comeback. While Sri Lanka have been formidable at home in ODIs in recent years, their performances in T20Is paint a far less favourable picture. Consistency has been elusive, and results have not gone their way.

In their last six T20I series, Sri Lanka have managed to secure just two victories — one against West Indies and another against Zimbabwe last year. Moreover, Sri Lanka’s T20I history against England has been challenging. Since 2014, they have failed to win a single match in bilateral T20I contests against England. England, meanwhile, have a comparatively stable T20I record.

They have won four of their last seven bilateral series. With the World Cup looming, England will view this tour as a vital opportunity to sharpen combinations and maintain momentum. England have already named their playing XI for the first game. 

Head-to-head

Matches - 14

SL won - 4

ENG won - 10

SL likely XI: Kusal Mendis (wk), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka, Dhananajaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (c), Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Eshan Malinga, Asita Fernando, Dushmantha Chameera

ENG XI:⁠ ⁠Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, ⁠Tom Banton, Harry Brook (c), ⁠Sam Curran, ⁠Will Jacks, ⁠Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid