Published on: Jan 29, 2026 7:23 pm IST | Updated on: Jan 28, 2026 2:41 pm IST
England stunned Sri Lanka at home during the ODI series. The visitors hit the last nail in the coffin by winning the third and final ODI by 53 runs to secure a 2-1 series win. After two straight bilateral ODI losses on the trot, this series victory means a lot to the Englishmen. With the ODIs over, it’s now time to turn focus on T20Is, as the series is set to begin on 30th January. All three games will be played in Pallekele. In this post, we have come up with free expert tips for the 1st T20I Match, SL vs ENG at the Pallekele International Stadium, Pallekele.
The way England played in the ODI series, they never shied away from any challenge, particularly in the last game. Their T20I form was never in question, with the batters doing the bulk of the scoring, that too at a brisk pace. Heading into a format they have been doing pretty well in recent times makes England a strong favorite for this game and the series as well. Therefore, expect the win probability meter to favor the English side. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for the 1st T20I Match, SL vs ENG at the Pallekele International Stadium, Pallekele.
SL: 36% win chance ENG: 64% win chance
Pathum Nissanka ended the ODI series with a berserk 35-ball 50. He was taking the bowlers to the cleaners at will and will be a prime figure in this game to give his side a quick start.
The Sri Lankan skipper will be a prime figure with the bat lower down the order. He is known to change the game with his hard-hitting abilities and will be a key figure.
The English skipper is fresh off a ton in the last ODI, scoring a swashbuckling unbeaten 146 off 66 deliveries. Expect him to carry his rich vein of form in this game as well.
The veteran wicket-keeper batter has scored 334 runs so far in his last 10 T20Is at a brilliant strike-rate of 179.56. He will be a key player in this game.
Check out our prediction for the SL vs ENG 1st T20I match at the Pallekele International Stadium, Pallekele.
Sri Lanka will be eager to turn the tables as they shift focus to the T20I series against England, starting January 30 at Pallekele. After a hard-fought ODI series, the hosts now face the challenge of breaking England’s dominance in the shortest format. England enter the contest as strong favorites, having won their last five T20I meetings against Sri Lanka, a streak that underlines their superiority.
The visitors’ batting depth has been their biggest strength, with aggressive stroke-makers consistently piling runs at a brisk pace. Their ability to adapt quickly and maintain pressure makes them a formidable opponent in this format. Sri Lanka, however, will look to rely on their spinners and home advantage at Pallekele, where conditions could favor them if they execute well.
For Sri Lanka, the key lies in striking early with the ball and ensuring their middle order delivers under pressure. While England’s record makes them favorites, the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket gives Sri Lanka hope. If their bowlers can contain England’s batting firepower and their batters rise to the occasion, an upset is certainly possible. The series promises competitive cricket and a chance for Sri Lanka to rewrite recent history.
England head into the opening T20I against Sri Lanka at Pallekele with a clear upper hand, thanks to their formidable lineup of T20 specialists. The presence of explosive batters like Phil Salt and Will Jacks ensures England can get off to flying starts, putting immediate pressure on the opposition. At the heart of their batting unit is Jos Buttler, one of the most destructive openers in world cricket, whose ability to dominate the powerplay often sets the tone for England’s innings.
Adding further depth is Harry Brook, the skipper, who has quickly established himself as a reliable finisher and an aggressive middle-order presence, and above all, is fresh off a berserk ton in the last ODI. His leadership in this format brings both tactical sharpness and confidence to the side. England’s batting firepower, combined with their adaptability in different conditions, makes them strong favorites heading into this contest.
Sri Lanka will need to be at their absolute best to counter England’s aggressive approach. With England’s recent dominance in T20Is and their proven track record against Sri Lanka, the visitors carry momentum and belief. The hosts, however, will hope their spinners and home advantage can challenge England’s supremacy in what promises to be a thrilling series opener. Let’s move ahead and check the cricket tips.
Matches Played: 14 ENG won: 10 SL won: 4 No Result: 0 Tied: 0 RECENT form SRI LANKA: W L L AB W RECENT form ENGLAND: AB W NR W NR
Sri Lanka has been no match against England in T20Is. The two teams have squared off 14 times against each other, with the English side being the dominant one. The English Lions have 10 wins to their name whereas the Lankan Lions have won only 4.
How will the two teams, i.e., Sri Lanka and England, fare in the first T20I? Let’s take a look.
Ben Duckett, Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (WK), Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (C), Will Jacks, Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Rehan Ahmed, Adil Rashid, Brydon Carse/Jamie Overton
Here’s the pitch and weather report for the 1st T20I between Sri Lanka and England at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele:
At Pallekele, the toss will be crucial. The pitch favors batting first with scores around 170. Both captains may opt to set a target, as chasing under lights has historically been tricky. Expect Sri Lanka to rely on spin later, while England may back their batting depth.
The online live streaming of the 1st ODI match of the England tour of Sri Lanka will take place live on the SonyLIV app. The live TV coverage for this series will be available on the Sony Sports Network channels.
England should start as the favorites in this game and the entire series as well. The English side has been quite a dominant force in recent times in T20 cricket and will be looking to spoil Sri Lanka’s party in Pallekele. They have a 5-0 record over the Lankans in the last 5 meetings between the two sides and will look to carry on with this dominant scoreline. Therefore, as per our prediction, the visitors, England, are expected to win the SL vs ENG 1st T20I match.
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