Published on: Feb 21, 2026 3:00 pm IST | Updated on: Feb 20, 2026 2:25 pm IST
Up next in the Super 8 stage of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is match 42. Co-hosts and 2014 champions Sri Lanka will be locking horns against the two-time champions England at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy. This is a Group 2 game, as both Sri Lanka and England finished second in their respective groups. Sri Lanka is heading into this contest on the back of a shocking loss to Zimbabwe in their final group game, whereas England got the better of Italy in their final group game. In this post, we have compiled free expert tips for the 42nd match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the Pallekele International Stadium, Pallekele.
England have had the better of Sri Lanka in the recent past. They cleanswept them at home 3-0 prior to this World Cup and should take advantage of Sri Lanka’s recent blip against Zimbabwe. However, playing at home, Sri Lanka should fancy their chances and give England a tough fight and a run for their money. For now, the win probability meter should lean slightly in favor of the Englishmen, considering their recent dominant run over Sri Lanka. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for the 42nd match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the Pallekele International Stadium, Pallekele.
SL: 44% win chance ENG: 56% win chance
Sri Lanka's dynamite opener Pathum Nissanka is in a league of his own. In 4 innings so far, he has hit a century and a fifty and scored 199 runs in 4 innings. He will be a vital cog at the top.
In 4 innings so far, Rathnayake has scored 137 runs at a brilliant strike-rate of 177.92. He has been an aggregator in the middle order and could be a key contributor in this game.
The left-hander has batted pretty well at no 3 for England in this World Cup. In 4 innings so far, he has scored 143 runs including a fifty to his name.
Phil Salt hasn't been at his best in this tournament; in fact, he has struggled to get going in every game. With this being an important clash, he should step up and contribute for his side.
Check out our prediction for the SL vs ENG 42nd match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the Pallekele International Stadium, Pallekele.
Sri Lanka face a stern challenge in match 42 of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8s as they take on two-time champions England at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy. The co-hosts, who lifted the trophy in 2014, will be eager to bounce back after a disappointing defeat to Zimbabwe in their final group game.
The task ahead is daunting. England have dominated Sri Lanka in recent years, winning all of their last five T20I encounters. Overall, in 14 meetings between the two sides, England hold a commanding record with 10 victories compared to Sri Lanka’s 4. This imbalance underscores the need for Sri Lanka to regroup quickly and sharpen their strategies.
For Sri Lanka, the key lies in maximizing home advantage. Their spinners must exploit Pallekele’s conditions, while the batting unit needs to show greater consistency and resilience against England’s pace attack. A disciplined performance with both bat and ball will be essential if they are to break England’s stranglehold and reignite their campaign.
England enter match 42 of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8s against Sri Lanka at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium with confidence and history firmly on their side. The two-time champions have enjoyed complete control over this rivalry in recent years, winning all of their last five T20I encounters.
Overall, England’s record against Sri Lanka is commanding — 10 wins out of 14 meetings. This dominance reflects their ability to consistently outplay the island nation with both bat and ball. England’s batting depth, led by explosive top-order hitters, has often dismantled Sri Lanka’s bowling, while their pace attack has proven too strong for Sri Lanka’s fragile batting line-up.
Heading into this contest, England will look to build on their momentum from the group stage, where they finished second after defeating Italy in their final game. With their balanced squad and proven track record, England will aim to assert themselves early, silence the home crowd, and secure a vital win in Group 2. Let’s move ahead and check the cricket tips.
Matches Played: 14 SL won: 4 ENG won: 10 No Result: 0 Tied: 0 RECENT form SRI LANKA: L W W W L RECENT form ENGLAND: W W L W W
Sri Lanka and England have squared off against each other 14 times in T20Is. England has dominated this battle with 10 wins, whereas Sri Lanka has won only 4 fixtures.
How will the two teams, i.e., Sri Lanka and England, fare in the 41st match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026? Let’s take a look.
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (WK), Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka (C), Kamindu Mendis, Dushan Hemantha, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka
Philip Salt, Jos Buttler (WK), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook (C), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid
Here’s the pitch and weather report for the 42nd match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 between Sri Lanka and England at the Pallekele International Stadium, Pallekele:
With Pallekele’s surface offering bounce early but slowing down later, the captain winning the toss is likely to bat first. A target above 170 could prove decisive, as chasing becomes tricky once spinners grip the pitch. Dew, however, may tilt the balance slightly toward the chasing side. Therefore, chasing first won’t be a bad idea too.
The online live streaming of the 42nd Match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 will take place live on the JioHotstar app. The live TV coverage for this World Cup will take place on Star Sports Network channels.
Over the years, England has dominated Sri Lanka in T20Is with authority. Ahead of this World Cup, England toured Sri Lanka for a 3-match T20I series and completely outfoxed them by winning 3-0. England should have the upper hand heading into this contest and start their Super 8 journey with a win. For now, as per our prediction, England is expected to win the SL vs ENG, 42nd match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
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