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T20 World Cup 2026: Sri Lanka win toss against England

PALLEKELE: Sri Lanka have won the toss and elected to field first against England in the Super Eight clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 here at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

PLAYING XIs

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dunith Wellelage, Dushan Hemantha, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Dushmantha Chameera

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England: Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook (c), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid

HEAD TO HEAD

England and Sri Lanka have faced each other in 14 T20 International matches. England hold a commanding advantage with 10 victories, while the Islanders have secured four wins.

Matches 14, England 10, Sri Lanka 4

In ICC Men’s T20 World Cup encounters, England have further tightened their grip on the rivalry, winning five of the six meetings between the two sides.

Matches 6, England 5, Sri Lanka 1

England are coming in this Super Eight clash with a victory over Italy in their final group stage game. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka suffered a stunning defeat against Zimbabwe in their last match.

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Major blow for Sri Lanka as Hasaranga ruled out of T20 World Cup

In a significant blow, Sri Lanka ace all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out of the remainder of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Hasaranga, 28, sustained a hamstring injury during the hosts’ opening game against Ireland in Colombo on Sunday.

He came into the eighth over and bowled two deliveries before pulling his hamstring. The leg-spinner, despite remaining in pain, completed his overs and played a pivotal role with the ball in his side’s 20-run victory.

He scalped three wickets in his quota of four overs while giving away 25 runs.

According to a report, Hasaranga’s MRI scan revealed a serious tear in his left hamstring, subsequently ruling him out of the T20 World Cup.

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Although his replacement is yet to be named, he is likely to be replaced by all-rounder Dushan Hemantha.

The Islanders’ next group fixture is against Oman on February 12 in Pallekele, before they will take on Australia on Feb 16 at the same venue.

Their last group match will be against Zimbabwe in Colombo (RPS) on February 19.

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, Matheesha Pathirana, Eshan Malinga

Sri Lanka Remaining Fixtures

February 12: v Oman, Pallekele

February 16: v Australia, Pallekele

February 19: v Zimbabwe, Colombo

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T20 World Cup: Theekshana, Hasaranga star as Sri Lanka beat Ireland

COLOMBO: Kusal Mendis half-century backed by a clinical bowling effort helped Sri Lanka beat sloppy Ireland by 20 runs in the fifth fixture of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Chasing 164, Ireland were bowled out for 143 in 19.5 overs.

Ireland openers added 24 in 3.2 overs as Sri Lanka struck to remove experienced Paul Stirling for six.

After the opening wicket, Harry Tector and Ross Adair put the chase back on track with a 32-run partnership.

The scorecard read 56 in eight overs when set batter Adair (34) departed as Lorcan Tucker and Harry Tector combined to steady the innings with a 49-run partnership.

The pair did well to keep Sri Lanka’s bowlers at bay as the scorecard read 105 in 14.2 overs.

Just when Ireland were looking to turn things around, Sri Lanka made a strong comeback as the Irish batters holed out to the outfield at regular intervals.

Eventually, they were bowled out before completing their 20 overs.

Harry Tector remained the top-scorer with 40 from 34 balls, hitting only one boundary.

For Sri Lanka, Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga shared six wickets between them.

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Earlier, put into bat first, Sri Lanka managed to post 163-6 at the end of 20 overs.

Sri Lanka’s openers added 28 in 4 overs before Kamil Mishara (14) holed out to mid-off, resulting in a cheap dismissal.

Following the wicket, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis stitched a cautious 34-run stand to steady the innings.

Ireland’s bowlers kept it tight, not allowing the set batters to capitalize. The disciplined bowling reaped rewards as Sri Lanka lost two batters in quick succession.

Pathum Nissanka was the first to go after managing 24 from 23, whereas Pavan Rathnayake added only five before getting cleaned up.

As a result, Sri Lanka were reduced to 68-3 in 10.1 overs. The Irish bowlers continued to squeeze Sri Lanka despite a brief partnership of 18 between Dunith Wellalage and Kusal Mendis.

The scorecard read 86 in 13.5 overs when Wellalage, who made 10, was sent back to the pavilion.

Ireland managed well to control the first half of the innings, but a vital 67-run partnership between Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis and some dropped chances from them put the Islanders in a dominant position.

The pair took the total over 150 run mark with Kusal remaining unbeaten on 56 from 43 balls with the help of five fours. On the other hand, Kamindu played a brisk cameo, scoring 44 off just 19, striking two sixes and four boundaries.

For Ireland, George Dockrell and Barry McCarthy took two wickets each.

Playing XIs

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana.

Ireland: Paul Stirling (c), Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker(w), Curtis Campher, Benjamin Calitz, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy and Matthew Humphreys.

READ: Paul Stirling joins Rohit Sharma in elite T20 World Cup list

Injury blow for Sri Lanka as key player ruled out of T20 World Cup

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka have suffered a major setback, with fast bowler Eshan Malinga ruled out of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 due to a shoulder injury, while Pramod Madushan has been named as his replacement.

Malinga’s availability had been under serious doubt since he dislocated his shoulder during the second T20I against England earlier this month.

The injury occurred immediately after a rain interruption when the right-arm pacer delivered the first ball of his spell, clutching his non-bowling shoulder in visible pain before collapsing on the field.

He was subsequently ruled out of the third match of the series, and further medical assessment has now confirmed his absence from the global event.

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The young quick had recently strengthened his position in Sri Lanka’s pace attack following an impressive showing in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL).

Since making his T20I debut in November last year, Eshan Malinga featured in eight matches, picking up eight wickets while maintaining an economy rate of 9.41.

Sri Lanka have turned to Pramod Madushan as his replacement, with the fast bowler returning to the T20I setup after a gap.

Madushan, who made his international debut in 2022, has played eight T20Is and claimed 12 wickets at an economy rate of 8.63, with his last appearance in the format coming in 2023.

Sri Lanka squad

Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Pramod Madushan.

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Sri Lanka request Pakistan to reconsider India match boycott

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has formally requested the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to revisit its decision to boycott the high-profile ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 clash against India.

According to international reports, the Sri Lankan board has written to the PCB expressing serious concern over the potential fallout of Pakistan’s non-participation in the marquee fixture, scheduled for February 15 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

The contest, widely regarded as one of the biggest attractions of the tournament, is expected to generate significant revenue and global attention.

In its communication, SLC warned that the abandonment of the Pakistan-India encounter would expose Sri Lanka to substantial financial losses, particularly due to reduced commercial returns and a possible drop in tourism inflows linked to the blockbuster match.

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“Any non-participation will have wide-ranging implications, including substantial financial exposure for SLC and the potential loss of anticipated tourism inflows,” the Sri Lankan board stated in its letter.

SLC also urged the PCB to consider the broader relationship between the two cricket boards and the larger interests of the game.

Emphasising long-standing ties, the Sri Lankan board called for a measured approach amid the sensitive circumstances surrounding the issue.

The situation follows the Government of Pakistan’s reported decision to bar its national men’s team from taking the field against arch-rivals India.

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England clean sweep Sri Lanka to give T20 World Cup warning

Jacob Bethell underlined his importance to England’s T20 World Cup hopes as he spun them to a hard-fought 12-run win over Sri Lanka to complete a 3-0 clean sweep at Pallekele on Tuesday.

The series served as a dress rehearsal for the 20-nation showpiece that Sri Lanka is co-hosting with India.

The contest hung in the balance heading into the 18th over with Sri Lanka needing 21 runs off 18 balls with four wickets in hand, but the part-time spin of Bethel turned the game.

The left-armer snared three wickets in a dramatic over to flip the game on its head as the hosts were skittled for 116 with three balls to spare. Bethel finished with career-best figures of four for 11.

“It was one of the most fun games I have been part of,” said England captain Harry Brook.

“We showed we can adapt to challenging conditions. Today we bowled 16 overs of spin and to do that against a Sri Lankan side in their own conditions is really satisfying.”

England had mustered only 128 for nine but showcased their depth and nous, defending a total that looked well below par on a surface offering turn and bounce.

After just four overs from the quicks, the spinners took centre stage and wove a web around the Sri Lankan batters, much as they had throughout the tour.

The spinners had been pivotal in England’s ODI series triumph in Colombo last week and again proved the ace up their sleeve.

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England head to India to launch their World Cup campaign with momentum at their backs, while Sri Lanka have plenty of soul-searching to do with their frailties against spin brutally exposed.

Bethel found able allies in Will Jacks, who bagged three wickets, while fellow tweakers Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson chipped in with one apiece to keep the hosts on a tight leash.

Sam Curran, England’s hero in the opening game with a hat-trick, showed his all-round pedigree in the dead rubber, carving out a career-best 58 from 48 balls to rescue the side that had slipped to 60 for six.

Returning quick Dushmantha Chameera, back after a groin injury, was a rare bright spark for Sri Lanka, claiming his maiden five-wicket haul in T20Is. His five for 24 are the best figures in England-Sri Lanka contests and the third-best ever at Pallekele.

“Very disappointing. We need to address a few areas, especially the options we take against spin bowling,” said Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka.

“I thought we had addressed that issue in the last game but the old problems resurfaced again.”

Both sides begin their World Cup campaign next Sunday, with Sri Lanka hosting Ireland in Colombo, while England face Nepal in Mumbai.

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Hosts Sri Lanka unveil T20 World Cup 2026 squad

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Monday announced a 15- member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to commence on February 7.

The event will run until March 8, with Sri Lanka jointly hosting it alongside India.

All-rounder Dasun Shanaka, who was named as their skipper in their preliminary squad in December, will captain the team.

Overall, the squad is balanced with several experienced inductees. The batting lineup will be bolstered by Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka, and Pathum Nissanka.

Whereas the bowling lineup comprises fast bowlers Matheesha Pathirana, Eshan Malinga, and Dushmantha Chameera, who will be strongly supported by ace spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana.

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Notably, the Test skipper Dhananjaya de Silva, who was called up for the England series, has been left out, with in-form batter Pavan Rathnayake taking his place.

The 2014 champions are placed in Group B alongside Australia, Ireland, Oman, and Zimbabwe. They will begin their campaign on February 8 against Ireland, followed by a fixture against Oman on Feb 12.

They will face Australia on Feb 16, with their final group-stage fixture against Zimbabwe.

Sri Lanka Squad for T20 World Cup 2026:

Sri Lanka’s group stage fixtures:

February 8: v Ireland, Colombo

February 12: v Oman, Pallekele

February 16: v Australia, Pallekele

February 19: v Zimbabwe, Colombo

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Pakistan squad departs for Sri Lanka to partake in T20 World Cup 2026

LAHORE: Pakistan cricket team on Monday departed for Sri Lanka to participate in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be played from 7 February to 8 March.

The 15-member squad, led by captain Salman Ali Agha, includes key names such as Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Fakhar Zaman, as Pakistan begin preparations for their opening match of the tournament.

Pakistan will spend the first two days in Sri Lanka resting after travel before turning their focus to match readiness.

The Green Shirts are scheduled to play a warm-up game against Ireland on 4 February at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo.

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The same venue will also host Pakistan’s first two group-stage fixtures, where the 2009 champions will begin their campaign against the Netherlands on 7 February, followed by a clash against the USA on 10 February.

Pakistan’s third group match will be against Namibia on 18 February.

However, Pakistan’s World Cup campaign will remain overshadowed by the political situation surrounding the high-profile clash against India.

The Green Shirts are set to boycott their group-stage match against arch-rivals India on 15 February, following directives issued by the Government of Pakistan.

Pakistan T20 World Cup Squad

Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (WK), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan (WK), and Usman Tariq.

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U19 World Cup: Sri Lanka stay alive with win over South Africa

BULAWAYO: Viran Chamuditha slammed a brisk century as Sri Lanka secured a comfortable five-wicket win over South Africa in their ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2026 Super Sixes clash at Queens Sports Club on Thursday.

Sri Lanka chased down 262 run target in 46 overs, losing five wickets in the process.

After losing their opener Dimantha Mahavithana in the fifth over, Senuja Wekunagoda and Viran Chamuditha made the light work of the chase with a 143 run partnership.

Senuja Wekunagoda made 48 off from 63 balls with the help of four boundaries and a six.

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Meanwhile, Chamuditha continued on despite losing wickets at the other end. He scored 110 from 94 balls with the help of 13 boundaries and a six.

Eventually, Sri Lanka reached the target in 46 overs.

For South Africa, Corne Botha and Michael Kruiskamp picked up two wickets each.

Earlier, after opting to bat first, South Africa posted 261 for seven in 50 overs.

Jorich Van Schalkwyk starred with the bat, striking 13 fours and two sixes in his 116 from 130 balls.

Adnaan Lagadien remained the other notable contributor with the bat, scoring 46 from 57, including six fours and a maximum.

For Sri Lanka, Vigneshwaran Akash remained the standout bowler, picking up a four wicket haul in his quota of 10 overs. Kavija Gamage also supported him well with two wickets to his name.

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Sri Lanka beefs up T20 World Cup security for India–Pakistan fixtures

Sri Lanka will deploy elite armed units to protect teams at next month’s T20 World Cup, part of enhanced security measures with a special emphasis on matches between perennial rivals India and Pakistan, officials have told AFP.

The island is co-hosting the biennial cricket tournament with India and will hold 20 games between February 7 and March 8.

The Indian and Pakistani teams will play each other at least once, in their Group A clash in the Sri Lankan capital Colombo on February 15.

Cricket matches have long been a stage for expressing political tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours, which fought a four-day border conflict last year.

Sri Lanka has given the “highest priority” to ensuring the tournament runs smoothly and is “paying special attention to the India-Pakistan matches”, sports minister Sunil Kumara Gamage told AFP late Wednesday.

Elite commando units, usually assigned to guard visiting heads of state, will be deployed to protect all participating teams, police and security officials said.

“From the time they step out of the airport till they return to their aircraft, they will be protected by armed guards,” an official said, asking not to be named.

Pakistan refused to play their fixtures in India due to political hostilities, prompting the International Cricket Council (ICC) to shift their matches to neutral Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh also tried to have their matches moved out of India due to security fears, but the ICC rejected the request.

An angry Bangladesh then withdrew from the tournament, and Scotland were drafted in as their replacement.

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Pakistan has indicated that it may yet boycott the event in solidarity with Bangladesh.

Sri Lanka maintained a studious silence throughout the India-Bangladesh row.

Cricket Secretary Bandula Dissanayake told AFP Colombo wanted to avoid being drawn into regional disputes.

“In these disputes among India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, we are remaining neutral, all of these are friendly nations,” he said.

But he added that Sri Lanka would be willing to host future tournaments for any of the countries if asked.

Sri Lanka has also used the T20 World Cup as an opportunity to upgrade its international venues.

It has commissioned new floodlights at the Singhalese Sports Club, one of two stadiums in Colombo.

The Pallekele Stadium in Kandy was unaffected by a deadly cyclone that damaged buildings in the region in November, and will host a T20 international between Sri Lanka and England from Friday.

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