England will take on Sri Lanka in Match No. 42 of the T20 World Cup 2026 in the Super Eight Group B clash on February 22 at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. England finished second in the group stage, losing only to the West Indies while defeating Nepal, Scotland and Italy. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka also ended in second position in their group. They suffered a loss to Zimbabwe but secured wins against Australia, Oman and Ireland to qualify for the Super Eight.
Here are the predicted playing XI for Match 42:
England:

Top Order: Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (WK), Jacob Bethell
England opener Phil Salt has scored 61 runs in four games. Wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler has scored 53 runs in four matches, while Jacob Bethell has been impressive with 143 runs in four games.
Middle Order: Tom Banton, Harry Brook (Ct), Sam Curran
Tom Banton has scored 97 runs in four matches. Captain Harry Brook has added 88 runs in four games. Sam Curran has contributed 98 runs and also picked up six wickets in four matches.
Lower Middle Order: Will Jacks, Jamie Overton
Will Jacks has scored 110 runs in four games. Jamie Overton has taken six wickets in three matches and has also scored 20 runs.
Bowler: Jofra Archer, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid
Jofra Archer has taken six wickets in three games. Liam Dawson has picked up four wickets in as many matches, while Adil Rashid has claimed six wickets in four games.
Sri Lanka:

Top Order: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (WK)
Pathum Nissanka has scored 199 runs in four matches. Kusal Perera has managed 23 runs in two games, while Kusal Mendis has scored 182 runs in four matches.
Middle Order: Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (Ct)
Pavan Rathnayake has scored 137 runs in four games. Kamindu Mendis has added 70 runs, and captain Dasun Shanaka has scored 56 runs in four matches.
Lower Middle Order: Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha
Dunith Wellalage has scored 31 runs and taken four wickets. Dushan Hemantha has picked up six wickets in three games.
Bowler: Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Pramod Madushan
Maheesh Theekshana has taken six wickets in four matches, while Dilshan Madushanka and Pramod Madushan have played one game each in the tournament so far.
Sri Lanka squad for T20 World Cup 2026:
Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Pramod Madushan, Dilshan Madushanka, Dushan Hemantha
England squad for T20 World Cup 2026:
Harry Brook (c), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Josh Tongue, Luke Wood
FAQs
Q1) When and where will Sri Lanka vs England Match No. 42 in the T20 World Cup 2026 be played?
A1: The Super Eight clash between Sri Lanka and England will be played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele on February 22, 2026. The match is scheduled to begin at 3 PM IST.
Q2) Key players to watch in Sri Lanka vs England, Match No. 42?
A2: For Sri Lanka, Pathum Nissanka will be a key player at the top of the order, as his ability to provide a solid foundation will be crucial for the co-hosts. For England, Adil Rashid’s spin could play a decisive role in Sri Lankan conditions, while Sam Curran’s all-round performance with both bat and ball will be vital for the team’s balance.
Q3) Key player battles to watch in Sri Lanka vs England, Super 8, Match No. 42?
A3: The contest between Jofra Archer and Pathum Nissanka in the powerplay will be an important battle, as both players can influence the momentum early in the innings. Another crucial matchup will be Jos Buttler against Maheesh Theekshana in the middle overs, which could significantly impact the outcome of the game.
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