England vs Sri Lanka 42nd Match Super 8 ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is here – and it’s going to be massive!
Hey cricket fans! Whether you’re a die-hard England Lions supporter dreaming of back-to-back titles or a passionate Sri Lankan fan ready to roar at home, today’s clash at Pallekele is the one you’ve been waiting for.
The defending champions England take on co-hosts Sri Lanka in the Super 8 stage on Sunday, February 22, 2026. This day-night game starts at 3:00 PM IST (9:30 AM GMT / 3:00 PM local) at the beautiful Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy.
England come in with recent confidence after sweeping Sri Lanka 3-0 in a bilateral series at the same venue just weeks ago. Sri Lanka, however, have home-crowd energy, spin wizards, and explosive batters who can turn any match around.
Rain is a big worry – forecasts show 70-95% chance of showers – but if the game happens, expect fireworks, spin battles, and high drama. This England vs Sri Lanka T20 World Cup 2026 match could decide who pushes harder for the semi-finals in Group 2.
On IPL Star, we’ve got the complete low-down – from pitch report to every way to watch live, including free options. Grab your snacks, settle in, and let’s dive deep into why this is unmissable for every cricket lover.
Match Schedule and Essential Details
Exact Date, Time & Broadcast Start Times Worldwide
The 42nd match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 – England vs Sri Lanka – is scheduled for Sunday, February 22, 2026.
- Start time: 3:00 PM IST
- GMT: 9:30 AM
- Local (Sri Lanka): 3:00 PM
- UK: 9:30 AM
- USA (ET): 4:30 AM
- Australia (AEDT): 8:30 PM
- Pakistan: 3:00 PM
- South Africa: 11:30 AM
- New Zealand: 12:30 AM (Feb 23)
Toss at 2:30 PM IST. The match is a day-night affair under floodlights.
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium – Complete Venue Guide
Nestled among green hills in Kandy, Pallekele is one of Sri Lanka’s most picturesque grounds. Capacity around 35,000 – expect it packed with yellow and blue flags waving for the Lankans.
Recent T20I stats at Pallekele (including the Feb 2026 ENG vs SL series):
- Matches: 15+ T20Is
- Average 1st innings score: 162–172
- Highest total: 189
- Lowest total defended: 116
- Wins batting first: 8
- Wins chasing: 7
The outfield can be tricky after rain covers – fielding will need extra care. Floodlights make evening play perfect, but humidity (80–92%) can make the ball slippery.
Pitch Report & Historical T20 Stats at Pallekele
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Nature | Balanced early, slows later |
| Pace vs Spin | 50-50, spinners grip more in 2nd innings |
| Average 1st inns | 165 |
| PowerPlay avg | 48–55 runs |
| Death overs economy | 9.5+ |
Early on, batters get true bounce. By middle overs, it grips for spinners like Rashid and Theekshana. Toss winner likely bats first.
Weather Forecast February 22 2026 – Rain Threat & DLS Scenarios
Unseasonal showers are the big story. 70–95% rain chance between 2–6 PM local, with thunderstorms possible. Temperature 23–26°C, humidity 80–92%.
If rain hits, expect DLS method or possible washout (like yesterday’s Pakistan vs New Zealand game). Both teams have practised shortened-game plans. England captain Harry Brook said they are ready for anything.
England supporters in the UK – set that 9:30 AM alarm with coffee ready! Sri Lankan fans – this is your backyard. Let the roar begin!
England Team Preview
England (Recent Form: WWLWW)
The Lions qualified as Group C runners-up. Wins over Nepal, Italy and Scotland, but a tough loss to West Indies. They arrive full of belief after the 3-0 whitewash of Sri Lanka here in February 2026.
Strengths: Explosive top order, world-class spin (Rashid), all-round depth (Curran), pace variety (Archer).
Weaknesses: Top-order inconsistency – Jos Buttler has only 53 runs in 4 WC games so far.
England’s Probable Playing XI (as of latest reports)
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| 1 | Phil Salt |
| 2 | Jos Buttler (wk) |
| 3 | Jacob Bethell |
| 4 | Tom Banton |
| 5 | Harry Brook (c) |
| 6 | Sam Curran |
| 7 | Will Jacks |
| 8 | Liam Dawson |
| 9 | Jofra Archer |
| 10 | Adil Rashid |
| 11 | Luke Wood |
Bench: Ben Duckett, Rehan Ahmed, Jamie Overton, Josh Tongue.
Key Players for England vs Sri Lanka T20 World Cup 2026
- Adil Rashid: 5/69 in recent Pallekele spell – nightmare for SL openers.
- Harry Brook: Calm leader, middle-order rock.
- Jofra Archer: Pace to trouble on any surface.
- Phil Salt & Sam Curran: Power and all-round control.
Lions faithful – here’s why you should believe: your team knows these conditions inside out after the recent series win.
England vs Sri Lanka Key Comparison Table
| Area | England Advantage | Sri Lanka Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Batting Avg | Higher depth | Explosive openers |
| Bowling Economy | Spin control | Home spin variety |
| Recent Form | Strong | Home momentum |
Sri Lanka Team Preview
Sri Lanka (Recent Form: LWWWL)
Co-hosts qualified with brilliant wins, including a stunning chase against Australia led by Pathum Nissanka’s century. Home crowd in Kandy will be deafening.
Strengths: Familiar conditions, spin arsenal, explosive batting (Nissanka, Mendis).
Weaknesses: Recent loss to Zimbabwe, middle-order starts without big scores, pace injury concerns (Pathirana out).
Sri Lanka’s Probable Playing XI
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| 1 | Pathum Nissanka |
| 2 | Kusal Perera |
| 3 | Kusal Mendis (wk) |
| 4 | Pavan Rathnayake |
| 5 | Kamindu Mendis |
| 6 | Dasun Shanaka (c) |
| 7 | Dunith Wellalage |
| 8 | Dushan Hemantha |
| 9 | Maheesh Theekshana |
| 10 | Dushmantha Chameera |
| 11 | Dilshan Madushanka |
Bench: Charith Asalanka, Pramod Madushan.
Lankan supporters – the whole nation is behind you at Pallekele! This is your moment on home soil.
Key stars: Pathum Nissanka (199 WC runs + recent 100 vs Aus), Kusal Mendis (182 runs), Maheesh Theekshana (spin control), Dushmantha Chameera (pace).
Head-to-Head Record & Historical Rivalry
England vs Sri Lanka Head-to-Head T20Is
| Stat | England | Sri Lanka |
|---|---|---|
| Total Matches | 17 | 17 |
| Wins | 13 | 4 |
| T20 World Cup Wins | 5 | 1 |
| Last 11 Matches | England won all | – |
England have won their last 11 T20Is against Sri Lanka since 2014, including all three at Pallekele in Feb 2026. Sri Lanka’s last T20 World Cup win over England was way back in 2012.
Can Sri Lanka finally break the jinx on home soil against the old rivals in England vs Sri Lanka 42nd Match Super 8 ICC T20 World Cup 2026? The crowd believes yes!
Tactical Analysis & Expert Match Prediction
Spin vs pace will decide this. England love using Rashid and Dawson; Sri Lanka have Theekshana and Wellalage.
Powerplay importance huge – SL openers Nissanka & Perera can fly. Death bowling: Archer & Curran vs Chameera & Madushanka.
Rain adds DLS twist – teams ready with flexible tactics.
Expert view: England slight favourites (55-45) due to experience and recent dominance, but Sri Lanka dangerous at home with crowd and conditions. Expect 160–180 totals if full game.
England fans – watch for Brook’s leadership and Rashid’s magic.
Sri Lankan supporters’ winning formula: Early wickets with spin + big scores from Nissanka/Mendis.
How to Watch England vs Sri Lanka 42nd Match Live – Ultimate Regional Broadcasting & Streaming Guide 2026
Here is the complete broadcasting table:
| Region | TV Channels | Live Streaming | Free Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | Star Sports Network (multiple languages) | JioHotstar | Mobile-only checks on app |
| Sri Lanka | Dialog TV, TV Supreme (Free-to-Air), PEO TV | ThePapare.com, Dialog Play app | TV Supreme (terrestrial) |
| United Kingdom | Sky Sports Cricket, Sky Sports Main Event | NOW, Sky Go | BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra |
| USA & Canada | Willow TV | Willow DTC, Cricbuzz DTC, Sling TV | – |
| Australia | – | Amazon Prime Video | – |
| New Zealand | Sky Sport NZ | Sky Sport Now, Sky Go | – |
| Pakistan | PTV Sports, PTV Home, Geo Super | Tamasha, ARY Zapp, Tapmad, Myco | – |
| South Africa | SuperSport Cricket | SuperSport App | – |
| MENA (UAE) | CricLife Max | STARZPLAY | – |
Global Free Streaming on ICC.tv
In over 80 territories (most of Europe, South America, parts of Asia & Africa) – completely free live stream on ICC.tv after free registration. Select matches also on official ICC YouTube.
Legal VPN method for geo-blocked fans
Connect to Italy, Spain, Poland or Brazil server → register on ICC.tv → enjoy free HD stream. Use premium VPN for best speed (many fans do this safely).
Official Radio & Audio Commentary
- Global: ICC Mobile App (world feed)
- India: All India Radio (AIR)
- Sri Lanka: Derana FM
- UK: BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra
- In-flight/At sea: Sport 24
Public screening in Colombo: Major event at 7° Restaurants (minimum spend 3,500 LKR).
India fans: Star Sports on TV, JioHotstar app/website. Check for any mobile free access.
Sri Lankan fans at home: Switch on TV Supreme – completely free-to-air! Or ThePapare.com.
UK Lions: Sky Sports or NOW pass; free ball-by-ball on BBC Radio 5 Live + highlights later on YouTube/BBC app.
USA/Canada: Willow TV or Sling.
Australia: Amazon Prime Video.
Rest of world: ICC.tv free where available.
England vs Sri Lanka live stream 2026 is easy – pick your platform and enjoy every ball!
ESPNcricinfo match page.
Conclusion
England vs Sri Lanka 42nd Match Super 8 ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is pure cricket magic – defending champs vs passionate co-hosts, spin battle on a gripping pitch, possible rain drama, and massive stakes in Group 2.
Whether you watch on JioHotstar, Sky Sports, Willow, Prime Video, ICC.tv free, or listen on radio – don’t miss it!
Sri Lankan supporters, make Pallekele shake! England fans, back your Lions for another big win.
Bookmark this guide on IPL Star, share with your cricket group, and stay tuned for live updates right after the toss.
This is why we love T20 World Cup – come on, let’s enjoy every moment of England vs Sri Lanka today!
All timings in IST. Check local listings for any last-minute weather changes.
FAQs for England vs Sri Lanka 42nd Match Super 8 ICC T20 World Cup 2026
1. When and where is the England vs Sri Lanka 42nd Match Super 8 ICC T20 World Cup 2026? The 42nd match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 between England and Sri Lanka takes place on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy. The day-night clash starts at 3:00 PM IST (9:30 AM GMT / 3:00 PM local). Toss is at 2:30 PM IST.
2. How to watch England vs Sri Lanka T20 World Cup 2026 live in India? In India, watch England vs Sri Lanka T20 World Cup 2026 on Star Sports Network (English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada) and live stream on JioHotstar app/website. England vs Sri Lanka 42nd Match Super 8 Check the JioHotstar mobile app for any free mobile-only access tiers commonly activated for World Cup matches.
3. Is there a free England vs Sri Lanka live stream 2026 available globally? Yes! Fans in 80+ territories without local broadcasters can enjoy a completely free England vs Sri Lanka live stream 2026 on ICC.tv after free registration. England vs Sri Lanka 42nd Match Super 8 Select matches are also streamed on the official ICC YouTube channel.
4. What is the Pallekele pitch report T20 World Cup 2026 for England vs Sri Lanka? The Pallekele pitch report T20 World Cup 2026 shows a balanced surface with true bounce early, slowing and gripping later for spinners. Average 1st innings score is 162–172. England vs Sri Lanka 42nd Match Super 8 Toss winners usually bat first; expect 50-50 pace-spin balance and scores between 160–180 if the game is full.
5. What is England’s predicted playing XI vs Sri Lanka T20 World Cup 2026? England vs Sri Lanka 42nd Match Super 8 England’s predicted XI vs Sri Lanka T20 World Cup 2026: Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook (c), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Luke Wood. Bench: Ben Duckett, Rehan Ahmed.
6. What is Sri Lanka’s playing XI vs England T20 World Cup 2026? England vs Sri Lanka 42nd Match Super 8 Sri Lanka’s probable playing XI vs England T20 World Cup 2026: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka.
7. What is the head-to-head record in England vs Sri Lanka T20 World Cup matches? England dominate with 5 wins to Sri Lanka’s 1 in T20 World Cup history. England vs Sri Lanka 42nd Match Super 8 Overall T20Is: England lead 13-4. England have won the last 11 encounters, including a 3-0 bilateral whitewash at Pallekele in February 2026.
8. What is the weather forecast and rain threat for England vs Sri Lanka at Pallekele on February 22 2026? 70–95% chance of showers and thunderstorms between 2–6 PM local (23–26°C, 80–92% humidity). A washout or DLS-reduced game is possible. England vs Sri Lanka 42nd Match Super 8 Both teams are prepared for shortened matches.
9. How can UK fans watch England vs Sri Lanka T20 World Cup 2026 for free? UK fans have no free-to-air TV, but can listen to free ball-by-ball commentary on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra. England vs Sri Lanka 42nd Match Super 8 Post-match highlights are free on BBC Sport App and Sky Sports Cricket YouTube. Use a VPN to access ICC.tv free stream from Italy/Spain/Poland/Brazil.
10. Who is predicted to win the England vs Sri Lanka 42nd Match Super 8 ICC T20 World Cup 2026? England are slight favourites (55-45) due to experience and recent 3-0 dominance at Pallekele, but Sri Lanka are dangerous at home with crowd support, spin attack and explosive batting from Nissanka and Mendis. England vs Sri Lanka 42nd Match Super 8 The spin battle (Rashid vs Theekshana) will be decisive.