SL vs ENG Dream11 Prediction & 1st T20 2026 Match Prediction: Dream11 Team Today, Playing 11, Match Preview, Fantasy Cricket Tips
- Published: January 29, 2026
- Updated: January 29, 2026
- By AllCric Team
Sri Lanka take on England in the SL vs ENG 1st T20I at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. This three-match series is important for both teams as they prepare for the T20 World Cup. England are coming in with great confidence after winning the ODI series 2–1. They’ve also won their last eight T20I matches against Sri Lanka.
For today’s match, Sri Lanka will rely on Pathum Nissanka’s batting and Wanindu Hasaranga’s all-round skills. But England’s strong batting order and recent form make them the favorites. The Pallekele pitch usually helps spinners and makes batting a bit tricky.
Based on current form and past records, the SL vs ENG today match prediction favors England to win this opening match.
For your SL vs ENG Dream11 team today, pick England’s top batsmen as they’re in great touch. Add 2-3 good spinners from both teams since the pitch will help them. Choose quality all-rounders to balance your team. This SL vs ENG Dream11 prediction today match suggests focusing on England players for captain and vice-captain choices to get maximum points.
Match Details
- Match: Sri Lanka vs England, 1st T20I
- Series: England Tour of Sri Lanka, 2026
- Date: Friday, 30 January 2026
- Time: 07:00 PM IST
- Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
SL vs ENG Recent Performances
Sri Lanka
Last 5 matches: W L L A W
- Recent form: Lost ODI series 2–1 vs England
- Key players: Pathum Nissanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dasun Shanaka
England
Last 5 matches: A W NR W NR
- Recent form: Won ODI series 2–1 vs Sri Lanka
- Key players: Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, Adil Rashid
Pitch Report – Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
The Pallekele pitch offers balanced conditions with some early assistance for spinners and slower bowlers. Batting becomes slightly easier once players settle, but stroke-making is never completely straightforward at this venue.
Competitive Score: Around 155–165 runs
Weather Report – Pallekele
- Condition: Partly cloudy
- Temperature: Around 19–25°C
- Humidity: Moderate
- Rain: Very slight chance, unlikely to affect play
- Wind: Light breeze
SL vs ENG Head-to-Head in T20
| Matches Played | Sri Lanka Won | England Won |
|---|---|---|
|
(Overall) 14
|
04 |
10 |
|
Last 5 matches
|
00 |
05 |
Latest meeting (05-Nov-2022): England won by 4 wickets (T20 World Cup)
SL vs ENG Probable Playing 11
Sri Lanka Probable Playing 11
Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga
England Probable Playing 11
Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (c), Sam Curran, Tom Banton, Adil Rashid, Liam Dawson, Brydon Carse, Luke Wood, Jordan Cox
Toss Prediction
Likely Call: To Bowl First
Reason: Teams chasing have enjoyed better success at Pallekele, with spinners and slower bowlers playing a major role under lights. Captains are expected to bowl first and assess conditions before setting a target.
Top Most Picks for SL vs ENG Dream11 Prediction
Batters to Watch
- Phil Salt (ENG) – 347 runs in last 7 T20Is, strike rate 182.63
- Jos Buttler (ENG) – 349 runs vs Sri Lanka in last 6 T20Is
- Pathum Nissanka (SL) – 625 runs in last year, strike rate 149.16
Bowlers to Watch
- Dushmantha Chameera (SL) – 22 wickets in 2024 T20Is
- Adil Rashid (ENG) – 7 wickets in recent ODI series
- Wanindu Hasaranga (SL) – 17 wickets in last 12 T20Is
SL vs ENG Dream11 Team Today
Wicketkeeper: Jos Buttler (ENG)
Batters: Phil Salt (ENG), Pathum Nissanka (SL), Harry Brook (ENG), Kusal Perera (SL)
All-rounders: Sam Curran (ENG), Dasun Shanaka (SL), Wanindu Hasaranga (SL)
Bowlers: Adil Rashid (ENG), Dushmantha Chameera (SL), Brydon Carse (ENG)
Captain Choices: Phil Salt / Jos Buttler
Vice-Captain Choices: Wanindu Hasaranga / Harry Brook
SL vs ENG Match Prediction
👉Prediction: England to win the 1st T20I ✅
Sri Lanka will hope to use home conditions to challenge England, but the visitors’ dominant head-to-head record, explosive batting lineup, and superior depth give them a clear advantage heading into the series opener.
👉 For expert match predictions & AI-powered insights, AllCric App & Visit AllCric Website
❓FAQs
England are favourites based on recent form and a dominant T20I record against Sri Lanka.
A total of around 155–165 runs is considered competitive.
Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, Pathum Nissanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Adil Rashid.
The toss-winning team is likely to bowl first.
Partly cloudy conditions are expected, but rain is unlikely to interrupt play.