Every team will want to prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the last set of T20I matches they play before the big tournament starts on February 7. Sri Lanka Playing XI vs England Playing
England are undoubtedly one of the fiercest batting units, especially when it comes to the shortest format of the game. On the other hand, Sri Lanka have been largely dependent on the bowlers, especially their bunch of quality spinners, to give them the upper hand in sub-continental conditions.
This article provides the likely playing XIs of England and Sri Lanka for the First T20I, along with the likely player combinations and crucial players to watch out for at Pallekele.
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Sri Lanka Playing XI vs England Playing XI – 1st T20I
Sri Lanka Plays XI vs England – 1st T20I
Openers: Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis
Sri Lanka are largely dependent on their opening pair for most of their scoring. The openers, Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka, could be the highlight of the Lankan innings. If Nissanka gets going, Sri Lanka could be a respectable target.
On the other hand, Kusal Mendis, the wicketkeeper-batsman from the other hand, can play a subtle innings when Nissanka gets going and can also take command of the powerplay when Nissanka needs some time to settle down. They both have the best understanding of the game among modern openers.
Middle-order hitters: Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga
Kusal Perera, the veteran batsman, returned to the Lankan T20I squad, the only format in which he plays internationally. Former skipper Charith Asalanka will be crucial in the batting order, especially if early wickets fall and if the scoring rate needs to be increased with some rash strokes.
Janith Liyanage has more of an anchoring role in the middle order, and then comes the pack of all-rounders led by skipper Dasun Shanaka, who will look to push the boundaries more often.
Bowlers: Dunith Wellalage, Dusmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana
Dunith Wellalage could be the ideal no. 8 because he can also be effective with the bat. The spinner is paired with Wanindu Hasaranga during the middle overs, while Maheesh Theekshana is ideal to take the new ball alongside Dusmantha Chameera.
Matheesha Pathirana is often seen playing the matches as a death-over specialist. The Sri Lanka youngster will be the captain’s only pacer at the end of the innings.
Sri Lanka playing XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Dusmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana/Eshan Malinga
England play XI vs Sri Lanka – 1st T20I
Openers: Phil Salt and Jos Buttler
England welcome their most dynamic and explosive batting duo in former captain Jos Buttler and RCB superstar Phil Salt. Salt is in some form in the shortest format of the game. The player has also kept his focus on just one format and has not failed in delivering the bat.
Buttler is the most experienced player in the side and will be given the responsibility of taking control of the innings with some spectacular batting. Buttler recently had a decent season in the SA20.
Middle-order hitters: Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Will Jacks, Sam Curran, Jamie Overton
Jacob Bethell, the youngster, is playing a good hand for England in all formats. Bethell is followed by the intense firepower of the skipper, Harry Brook. Will Jacks and Sam Curran will be the all-rounders to follow.
Curran showed some fine form on Asian circuits in the ILT20, while his start in the BBL wasn’t bad for the Sydney Sixers either. Jamie Overton remains a bowling all-rounder for England, but whenever England have needed runs, he has stepped up for his team.
Bowlers: Rehan Ahmed, Adil Rashid, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue
England will pair their two frontline pacers and two spinners in the side. Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed will be the frontline spinners and both are leg-spinners. Josh Tongue and Brydon Carse will be the pacers alongside the two all-rounders who are also bowling quality for England.
England look like a very strong team and will be the favorites in the series.
England playing XI: Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Will Jacks, Sam Curran, Rehan Ahmed, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Brydon Carse and Josh Tongue.
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