T20 World Cup 2026: Super Eights, Match 42, ENG vs SL – Top 3 player battles to watch out for

England will face co-hosts Sri Lanka in a blockbuster Super 8 encounter of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on February 22. 

For the Three Lions, it has been a mixed tournament, as they managed to win three group stage matches, including a narrow four-run win over Nepal and a loss to West Indies. Despite the wins, the Harry Brook side is yet to fire in all the departments and will aim to do that at the crucial stage of the tournament. 

On the other hand, Sri Lanka have been much more convincing in the competition, having won three matches, while losing against Zimbabwe. They will also try and make the most of the home conditions against England. 

Here are the top 3 player battles to watch out for in ENG vs SL, T20 WC 2026

3. Pathum Nissanka vs Jofra Archer

The Sri Lankan opener Nissanka has been the main man for the Lankans in this tournament having scored two half-centuries and a sensational unbeaten 100 against Australia. But he will have to face the Jofra Archer challenge in this match.

Jofra Archer is yet to fire in the tournament, and there will be no better platform than the Super 8s to show up for the team. He has picked up six wickets so far in the T20 World Cup, and the English side would want him to deal with Nissanka in this clash. 

2. Kusal Mendis vs Adil Rashid 

This battle in the middle-overs will be crucial in deciding where the match result will go. Mendis is having a brilliant tournament, having scored three half-centuries so far. The right-hander will look to carry that form ahead.

But, against him will be England’s leading spinner Adil Rashid. The English side will be relying on him to pick wickets in the middle-overs, especially Mendis, who has the ability to rotate the strike. Rashid has picked up six wickets so far and would want to increase the tally. 

 1. Maheesh Theekshana vs Jos Buttler 

Maheesh Theekshana, the mystery spinner, will be Sri Lanka’s main weapon against England’s greatest white-ball batter, Jos Buttler. The off-spinner has picked up six wickets in four matches but is yet to produce a match-winning spell. He generally bowls in the powerplay and will be up against the aggressive Buttler.

The former English skipper is having a horror campaign so far, managing to score just 53 runs in four innings. Hence, he will be eager to make his mark in this contest.