Sri Lanka vs England 2nd T20I 2026 turned out to be a nail-biter that had cricket fans on the edge of their seats. On February 1, 2026, at the picturesque Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Sri Lanka, England pulled off a remarkable comeback to win by six wickets under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method. This victory not only sealed the three-match T20I series for England with a 2-0 lead but also extended their impressive streak against Sri Lanka to 10 consecutive T20I wins.
The match was part of England’s tour of Sri Lanka 2026, serving as crucial preparation for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka starting just days later on February 7. With the World Cup looming, both teams were eager to fine-tune their squads. Sri Lanka, playing on home soil, aimed to build momentum after a disappointing first T20I loss. England, under new captain Harry Brook, looked to assert dominance despite recent Ashes setbacks.
Rain played a starring role, interrupting England’s chase and revising the target. What started as a pursuit of 190 became a dash for 168 in 17 overs after a 75-minute delay. England’s batsmen, led by Tom Banton’s unbeaten 54 and Brook’s explosive 36 off 12 balls, made light work of it, finishing with two balls to spare. Sri Lanka posted a competitive 189/5, thanks to contributions from Pavan Rathnayake (40) and others, but fielding lapses and post-rain struggles cost them dearly.
This SL vs ENG 2nd T20I recap highlights how England adapted brilliantly to spinning conditions and wet balls, while Sri Lanka grappled with injuries and execution. For cricket enthusiasts following the England tour of Sri Lanka 2026 highlights, this game showcased T20 cricket at its unpredictable best. As we break it down, you’ll see why England’s depth makes them World Cup contenders.
The atmosphere in Pallekele was electric, with a capacity crowd of 35,000 cheering under floodlights. Broadcast on Sony Sports Network in India and streamed on FanCode, it drew millions of viewers, especially in cricket-crazy regions like Nagpur. Let’s dive deeper into the match details.
Match Summary & Final Result
Sri Lanka vs England 2nd T20I 2026 ended with England emerging victorious in a rain-affected thriller. Sri Lanka batted first after losing the toss and set 189/5 in 20 overs. England, chasing 190, were at 57/2 in 7.2 overs when rain halted play for over an hour. The match resumed with a revised DLS target of 168 in 17 overs.
England reached 173/4 in 16.4 overs, winning by six wickets with two balls remaining. This result gave England an unassailable 2-0 series lead, boosting their confidence ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 opener against Nepal.
Key stats at a glance:
- Sri Lanka: 189/5 (RR 9.45)
- England: 173/4 (RR 10.38)
- Player of the Match: Tom Banton (54* off 33 balls)
The win highlighted England’s superior spin attack and batting depth, while Sri Lanka rued missed opportunities and the weather’s intervention.
Toss & Team News
England captain Harry Brook won the toss and opted to bowl first on a used pitch at Pallekele, known for assisting spinners later. This decision aligned with recent trends at the venue, where chasing teams have succeeded in 60% of T20Is.
Team lineups remained unchanged from the first T20I. Sri Lanka fielded: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka (c), Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Matheesha Pathirana, Eshan Malinga.
England: Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook (c), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid.
Notable absences included England’s Ben Duckett (injured finger), paving the way for Banton at No. 4. Sri Lanka hoped Rathnayake’s recent ODI century would translate to T20 success.
Umpires: Chamara De Zoysa, Ravindra Kottahachchi; Third: Nimali Perera; Referee: Vengalil Narayanan Kutty.
Sri Lanka Innings: Detailed Ball-by-Ball Recap & Key Moments
Sri Lanka’s innings in the Sri Lanka vs England 2nd T20I 2026 started with fireworks but faded into a respectable yet underwhelming total. Openers Nissanka and Mishara set a blistering pace, exploiting loose bowling from England’s pacers.
Over 1: Sam Curran faced the brunt. Nissanka flicked the first ball for four, followed by two more boundaries. 16 runs off the over.
Over 2: Jofra Archer entered, but Nissanka flicked him for six over fine leg. Mishara joined with a six over midwicket. 15 runs.
The powerplay continued aggressively. By Over 4, Sri Lanka reached 50 in 4.3 overs, with extras contributing 6.
Over 5: Will Jacks slowed things, but Nissanka slog-swept him for six.
Over 5.3: Archer struck! Nissanka (34 off 22, 3×4, 2×6) chopped a length ball onto his stumps. 56/1.
Mishara and Mendis rebuilt. Over 7: Mendis paddle-swept Dawson for four.
Over 9: Mendis dragged Rashid through midwicket for back-to-back fours.
Over 9.4: England reviewed for a wicket on Mishara, but it was struck down.
Over 10: Sri Lanka 102/1 at drinks. Mishara (34) and Mendis (23) had added 46.
Over 10.6: Jacks got Mishara (36 off 30, 2×4, 2×6) caught at long-on. 106/2.
Mendis and Rathnayake accelerated. Over 12: Rathnayake sliced Overton for four.
Over 12.2: Dawson dismissed Mendis (32 off 17, 4×4, 1×6) caught by Rashid. 128/3.
Over 13.4: Rashid’s googly trapped Shanaka lbw for 1. Review failed. 131/4.
Asalanka and Rathnayake steadied. Over 15.1: England reviewed Asalanka, struck down.
Drops hurt England: Rathnayake reprieved on 12 by Banton; Asalanka dropped twice.
Over 16: Sri Lanka 150.
Over 19: Rathnayake (40 off 22, 5×4, 1×6) caught off Archer. 187/5.
Asalanka (28* off 22, 4×4) and Liyanage (1*) took them to 189/5.
The innings promised more after 102/1 in 10 overs but spinners choked the middle (86/3 in overs 7-16). Death overs yielded 45/1, below par on a 190+ pitch.
This phase showed Sri Lanka’s vulnerability against quality spin, a concern for their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign on home pitches.
England Bowling Analysis
England’s bowling in Sri Lanka vs England 2nd T20I 2026 was a tale of two halves: pacers leaked runs, spinners dominated.
Jofra Archer led with 2-42 in 4 overs, striking in powerplay and death. His pace troubled openers, but he conceded sixes early.
Sam Curran (0-31 in 2) and Jamie Overton (0-30 in 2) struggled, economies over 15.
Spinners shone: Adil Rashid (1-25 in 4, eco 6.25) with tight lines and the googly.
Liam Dawson (1-32 in 4, eco 8) controlled with variations.
Will Jacks (1-24 in 4, eco 6) was economical, breaking partnerships.
Combined, spinners: 3-81 in 12 overs vs pacers’ 2-103 in 8.
Tactics: Brook used spin early (Overs 3-10), restricting to 7 runs/over. This exploited Pallekele’s grip, key to England’s strategy.
England Innings: Powerplay, Rain Delay, DLS Revision & Chase Breakdown
England’s chase in the England tour of Sri Lanka 2026 highlights began steadily but exploded post-rain.
Over 1: Pathirana dismissed Salt (1 off 2) caught at short third. 10/1.
Buttler countered: Four boundaries off first 10 balls.
Over 4: Bethell (13 off 11, 2×4) edged Shanaka behind. 38/2.
Powerplay: 51/2, Buttler ominous.
Over 7.2: Rain at 57/2 (Buttler 30, Banton 9). England 12 behind DLS par.
Delay: 75 minutes, three overs lost. Revised: 168 in 17 overs (need 111 in 9.4 overs).
Resumption: Malinga injured shoulder first ball, out.
Over 9.1: Buttler (39 off 29, 6×4) caught off Wellalage. 81/3.
Banton and Brook unleashed. Over 10: Banton reverse-swept Hasaranga for six.
Over 11: Brook smashed Pathirana – four, six, six, six (across overs).
Over 12.3: Brook (36 off 12, 2×4, 4×6) caught off Pathirana. 130/4.
Banton reached 50 off 29. Curran (20* off 14, 1×4, 1×6) hit winning six off Liyanage in 16.4.
Wet ball hampered Sri Lanka, lengths erred. England’s intent flipped the game.
Key Partnerships & Cameos
Partnerships defined England’s win in SL vs ENG 2nd T20I recap.
Buttler-Salt: 10 in 6 balls (brief).
Buttler-Bethell: 28 in 21 balls.
Buttler-Banton: 43 in 28 balls, stabilizing pre-rain.
Banton-Brook: 49 in 20 balls – game-changer, Brook’s 300 SR blitz.
Banton-Curran: 43* in 25 balls, unbeaten finish.
Cameos: Brook’s 36 off 12 shifted momentum, targeting Pathirana. Banton’s 54* (4×4, 3×6) showed finisher class, reverse-sweeps vs spin.
These stands exploited post-rain chaos, turning 12 behind to victory.
Sri Lanka Bowling Struggles Post-Rain
Sri Lanka’s bowling crumbled after rain in Sri Lanka vs England 2nd T20I 2026.
Pathirana (2-47 in 4, eco 11.75) took wickets but leaked 47.
Shanaka (1-24 in 3) economical but one-dimensional.
Wellalage (1-30 in 3) got Buttler but expensive.
Malinga (0-6 in 1.2) injured early.
Hasaranga (0-44 in 4) smashed, especially by Banton (three boundaries in one over).
Liyanage (0-18 in 1.2) conceded winning six.
Wet ball caused grip issues, yorkers became full-tosses. Malinga’s absence hurt death overs. Pre-rain control (51/2 in 6) vanished.
Player of the Match & Post-Match Quotes
Tom Banton earned Player of the Match for his match-winning 54*.
Banton: “This finisher role is exciting after opening most of my career. On turning pitches, sweeping is key against Sri Lankan spinners.”
Brook: “Outstanding adaptation. Spinners controlled middle overs. Our depth is huge – Jacks still to bat.”
Shanaka: “Rain and Malinga’s injury hurt, but batting was positive. We need to respect spinners more.”
Quotes underscore England’s confidence, Sri Lanka’s frustrations.
Statistical Highlights & Scorecard Tables
All data in tabular form for easy reference in this England tour of Sri Lanka 2026 highlights.
Sri Lanka Batting Scorecard
| Batter | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pathum Nissanka b Jofra Archer | 34 | 22 | 3 | 2 | 154.55 |
| Kamil Mishara c Jamie Overton b Will Jacks | 36 | 30 | 2 | 2 | 120.00 |
| Kusal Mendis (wk) c Adil Rashid b Liam Dawson | 32 | 17 | 4 | 1 | 188.24 |
| Pavan Rathnayake c Jacob Bethell b Jofra Archer | 40 | 22 | 5 | 1 | 181.82 |
| Dasun Shanaka (c) lbw b Adil Rashid | 1 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 16.67 |
| Charith Asalanka not out | 28 | 22 | 4 | 0 | 127.27 |
| Janith Liyanage not out | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100.00 |
| Extras | 17 (b 1, lb 4, w 12, nb 0) | ||||
| Total | 189/5 (20 Overs, RR: 9.45) |
Did not bat: Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Matheesha Pathirana, Eshan Malinga.
England Bowling Scorecard
| Bowler | O | M | R | W | ECO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sam Curran | 2 | 0 | 31 | 0 | 15.50 |
| Jofra Archer | 4 | 0 | 42 | 2 | 10.50 |
| Will Jacks | 4 | 0 | 24 | 1 | 6.00 |
| Liam Dawson | 4 | 0 | 32 | 1 | 8.00 |
| Adil Rashid | 4 | 0 | 25 | 1 | 6.25 |
| Jamie Overton | 2 | 0 | 30 | 0 | 15.00 |
Sri Lanka Fall of Wickets
| Wicket | Score | Over |
|---|---|---|
| Pathum Nissanka | 56/1 | 5.3 |
| Kamil Mishara | 106/2 | 10.6 |
| Kusal Mendis | 128/3 | 12.2 |
| Dasun Shanaka | 131/4 | 13.4 |
| Pavan Rathnayake | 187/5 | 19.4 |
Sri Lanka Partnerships
| Partnership | Runs (Balls) | Players |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 56 (33) | Nissanka 34(22), Mishara 15(11) |
| 2nd | 50 (33) | Mishara 21(19), Mendis 25(14) |
| 3rd | 22 (8) | Mendis 7(3), Rathnayake 14(5) |
| 4th | 3 (8) | Shanaka 1(6), Rathnayake 2(2) |
| 5th | 56 (36) | Rathnayake 24(15), Asalanka 28(21) |
| 6th | 2 (2) | Asalanka 0(1), Liyanage 1(1) |
England Batting Scorecard
| Batter | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philip Salt c Kamil Mishara b Matheesha Pathirana | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 50.00 |
| Jos Buttler (wk) c Pavan Rathnayake b Dunith Wellalage | 39 | 29 | 6 | 0 | 134.48 |
| Jacob Bethell c Kusal Mendis b Dasun Shanaka | 13 | 11 | 2 | 0 | 118.18 |
| Tom Banton not out | 54 | 33 | 4 | 3 | 163.64 |
| Harry Brook (c) c Wanindu Hasaranga b Matheesha Pathirana | 36 | 12 | 2 | 4 | 300.00 |
| Sam Curran not out | 20 | 14 | 1 | 1 | 142.86 |
| Extras | 10 (b 4, lb 0, w 5, nb 1) | ||||
| Total | 173/4 (16.4 Overs, RR: 10.38) |
Did not bat: Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid.
Sri Lanka Bowling Scorecard
| Bowler | O | M | R | W | ECO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matheesha Pathirana | 4 | 0 | 47 | 2 | 11.75 |
| Dasun Shanaka | 3 | 0 | 24 | 1 | 8.00 |
| Dunith Wellalage | 3 | 0 | 30 | 1 | 10.00 |
| Eshan Malinga | 1.2 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 4.50 |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | 4 | 0 | 44 | 0 | 11.00 |
| Janith Liyanage | 1.2 | 0 | 18 | 0 | 13.50 |
England Fall of Wickets
| Wicket | Score | Over |
|---|---|---|
| Philip Salt | 10/1 | 0.6 |
| Jacob Bethell | 38/2 | 4.3 |
| Jos Buttler | 81/3 | 9.1 |
| Harry Brook | 130/4 | 12.3 |
England Partnerships
| Partnership | Runs (Balls) | Players |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 10 (6) | Salt 1(2), Buttler 9(4) |
| 2nd | 28 (21) | Bethell 13(11), Buttler 11(10) |
| 3rd | 43 (28) | Buttler 19(15), Banton 23(14) |
| 4th | 49 (20) | Banton 11(8), Brook 36(12) |
| 5th | 43 (25) | Banton 20(11), Curran 20(14) |
Overs Breakdown
| Phase | Sri Lanka Runs/Wkts | England Runs/Wkts |
|---|---|---|
| Powerplay (1-6) | 58/1 | 51/2 |
| Middle (7-16) | 86/3 | 114/2 |
| Death (17-20/17) | 45/1 | 8/0 (16.1-16.4) |
Boundaries & Extras
| Team | Fours | Sixes | Boundaries Runs | Extras | Dot Balls % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | 18 | 6 | 108 | 17 | 33% |
| England | 15 | 8 | 108 | 10 | 30% |
These tables capture the essence of the statistical battle.
Tactical Analysis & Turning Points
In this Sri Lanka vs England 2nd T20I 2026 analysis, tactics were pivotal.
England’s spin-heavy attack (12 overs) exploited Pallekele’s turn, holding Sri Lanka to sub-10 RR in middle.
Turning points:
- Nissanka’s dismissal (56/1): Ended powerplay blitz.
- Cluster wickets (106/2 to 131/4): Spinners’ masterclass.
- Rain delay: England behind, but wet ball favored batsmen.
- Brook’s assault on Pathirana: 22 runs in four balls swung momentum.
- Malinga’s injury: Deprived Sri Lanka of death specialist.
Sri Lanka’s three drops (Rathnayake, Asalanka twice) added 50+ runs. Fielding needs sharpening for World Cup.
England’s flexibility – Banton as finisher – showed squad versatility.
Impact on T20 World Cup 2026 Preparations
Sri Lanka vs England 2nd T20I 2026 has big implications for the T20 World Cup 2026.
England, now 9/10 T20I wins under Brook, look title contenders. Depth (Jacks unused) and spin prowess suit subcontinent pitches. They face Nepal first, confident after series win.
Sri Lanka, hosting Group B matches, face concerns. Spin handling faltered; middle-order collapses persist. Positives: Rathnayake’s 40 boosts squad chances. They play Ireland opener, needing fixes.
Head-to-head: England’s 10th straight vs Sri Lanka underlines dominance.
Head-to-Head Record Update
Post this match, England’s T20I record vs Sri Lanka: 16 wins, 8 losses (from 24 games). Streak: 10 wins since 2021. At Pallekele: England 3-1.
This dominance adds pressure on Sri Lanka for World Cup clashes.
What’s Next: 3rd T20I Preview & Series Conclusion
The third T20I at Pallekele on February 3, 2026, is dead rubber but vital for momentum. England aim for 3-0 whitewash; Sri Lanka seek consolation.
Expect rotations: England may rest Archer; Sri Lanka test backups.
Watch for: Hasaranga’s bounce-back, Brook’s continued form.
IPL Star’s SL vs ENG 1st T20I Analysis.
For more, check ESPNcricinfo’s full scorecard.
X reactions: Fans praised Banton’s knock, with @NewsWireLK noting rain’s role.
In conclusion, Sri Lanka vs England 2nd T20I 2026 was a showcase of resilience and power-hitting. England’s win positions them strongly for the World Cup, while Sri Lanka must regroup. Stay tuned to IPL Star for more cricket updates – share your thoughts in comments below!
FAQs: Sri Lanka vs England 2nd T20I 2026
1. Who won the Sri Lanka vs England 2nd T20I 2026? England won the Sri Lanka vs England 2nd T20I 2026 by 6 wickets via the DLS method. The rain-affected match at Pallekele saw England chase a revised target of 168 in 17 overs, reaching 173/4 with two balls to spare, sealing a 2-0 series lead.
2. What was the final result and score in Sri Lanka vs England 2nd T20I 2026? Sri Lanka posted 189/5 in 20 overs. Sri Lanka vs England 2nd T20I 2026 After a 75-minute rain delay, England were set a DLS-revised target of 168 in 17 overs and finished at 173/4 in 16.4 overs, winning by 6 wickets.
3. Who was Player of the Match in Sri Lanka vs England 2nd T20I 2026? Tom Banton was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 54 off 33 balls (4 fours, 3 sixes). Sri Lanka vs England 2nd T20I 2026 His composed knock, featuring clever reverse sweeps against spin, anchored England’s successful DLS chase.
4. How did Tom Banton perform in the England tour of Sri Lanka 2026 2nd T20I? Tom Banton scored an unbeaten 54* off 33 balls at a strike rate of 163.64. Sri Lanka vs England 2nd T20I 2026 Coming in at No. 4, he adapted brilliantly to spinning conditions, played innovative shots against Hasaranga, and finished the game alongside Sam Curran.
5. What was Harry Brook’s contribution in the SL vs ENG 2nd T20I recap? Harry Brook smashed 36 off just 12 balls (2 fours, 4 sixes) at a strike rate of 300. His explosive cameo against Matheesha Pathirana shifted momentum post-rain and set up England’s victory.
6. How did rain and the DLS method affect the Sri Lanka vs England 2nd T20I 2026? Rain interrupted England’s chase at 57/2 after 7.2 overs. After a 75-minute delay, the target was revised from 190 to 168 in 17 overs. The wet ball hampered Sri Lanka’s bowlers, contributing to England’s comfortable win.
7. What were the key highlights from England tour of Sri Lanka 2026 2nd T20I? Key highlights included Sri Lanka’s strong powerplay (58/1), Pavan Rathnayake’s 40 off 22, England’s spin dominance (3-81 in 12 overs), Brook’s four consecutive sixes, Banton’s fifty, and Sam Curran’s winning six.
8. Why did Sri Lanka struggle in the 2nd T20I against England in 2026? Sri Lanka suffered from middle-order collapses (3 wickets in 25 balls), three dropped catches, Wanindu Hasaranga’s expensive 0-44, and Eshan Malinga’s injury post-rain, which weakened their death bowling on a wet ball.
9. How does this result impact T20 World Cup 2026 preparations for both teams? England gained massive confidence with a 2-0 series win and extended their streak to 10 straight T20I victories over Sri Lanka, strengthening their subcontinent credentials. Sri Lanka raised concerns over spin handling and middle-order reliability ahead of their home World Cup campaign.
10. Where can I find the full scorecard for Sri Lanka vs England 2nd T20I 2026? The complete scorecard, including batting, bowling, partnerships, and fall of wickets for the Sri Lanka vs England 2nd T20I 2026, is available in detailed tables on reputable sites like ESPNcricinfo or in comprehensive recaps covering the England tour of Sri Lanka 2026 highlights.