The second T20I of Sri Lanka’s England tour moves to Sophia Gardens in Cardiff, where England will have the opportunity to wrap up the series. The hosts head into the contest with plenty of momentum after dominating the opening game in Southampton, posting a huge score before completing a comfortable win. Harry Brook was the star of the show, producing a stunning record-breaking century, while Jos Buttler provided valuable support at the top. England also boasts considerable batting firepower through Will Jacks, Tom Banton and Ben Duckett, while the bowling unit combines pace and spin with the likes of Jofra Archer and Adil Rashid.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, face a do-or-die situation as they look to level the series. Charith Asalanka’s side will need a much-improved display, especially with the ball after their attack struggled to contain England in the first T20I. Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara will be tasked with giving Sri Lanka a strong start during the powerplay, while Wanindu Hasaranga and Dasun Shanaka will be expected to make a greater impact. If the visitors can improve their bowling discipline and pick up early wickets, they could put England under pressure. Another dominant batting display from the hosts, however, could make it difficult for Sri Lanka to stay in contention.
ENG vs SL, 2nd T20I: Match Details
- Date and Time: September 17, 11:00 pm IST / 5:30 pm GMT / 6:30 pm local
- Venue: Sophia Gardens, Cardiff
ENG vs SL Head-to-Head Record in T20Is
Matches Played: 19 | ENG Won: 15| SL Won: 4 | No Result: 0
Sophia Gardens Pitch Report
Sophia Gardens generally provides a fairly even battle between bat and ball, although conditions can become increasingly favourable for aggressive batting as the innings progresses. Fast bowlers could get some assistance from the new ball, particularly under the lights, with movement and bounce available during the opening overs.
As the surface settles, batters are likely to find the pace and bounce more predictable, making stroke-making easier. Spinners could get some assistance during the middle overs if they vary their pace and flight effectively. With the boundaries on the square side relatively accessible, batters who find the middle of the bat can score quickly. Given the conditions under lights, teams winning the toss may prefer to field first and chase the target.
Squads
England: Aneurin Donald, Jos Buttler (wk), Harry Brook (c), Tom Banton, Jordan Cox, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Josh Tongue, Sonny Baker, Adil Rashid, Ben Duckett, Saqib Mahmood, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, James Coles
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Tharindu Ratnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga, Dunith Wellalage, Dilshan Madushanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Lahiru Udara, Nuwan Thushara
Also READ: Fans react as Harry Brook and Jos Buttler power England to big win over Sri Lanka in 1st T20I
ENG vs SL, 2nd T20I: Today’s Match Prediction
Case 1:
- ENG wins the toss and bowls first
- SL’s powerplay score: 40-50
- SL’s total score: 150-160
Case 2:
- SL wins the toss and bowls first
- ENG’s powerplay score: 50-60
- ENG’s total score: 180-190