England eye series close as Sri Lanka head to Sophia Gardens for second T20I on September 17, 2026
England and Sri Lanka will meet in the second T20I of their 2026 series at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff on September 17, 2026, after England opened the series with a victory that put them 1-0 up.
In the opening T20I in Southampton, Harry Brook recorded a 42-ball hundred and finished 114* off 49 balls while Jos Buttler scored 80 off 44 balls as England posted 254/4, described as their fourth-highest T20I total; Sri Lanka lost that match by 119 runs. England have now won 15 out of 19 T20Is against Sri Lanka, with Sri Lanka winning four of those meetings.
Thursday’s forecast for Cardiff shows a clear evening with humidity around 70-75 percent and an expected temperature of about 16°C. Sophia Gardens is described as offering an even surface for shorter formats, with assist for fast bowlers when they hit the right areas and spinners coming into play in the later stages due to consistent bounce and pace on the wicket. The average first-inning score at the venue is given as 155-160.
The line-ups listed are England: Jos Buttler (WK), Aneurin Donald, Harry Brook (C), Tom Banton, Jordan Cox, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid, Josh Tongue, Sonny Baker. Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara (wk), Lahiru Udara, Charith Asalanka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga.
Dream11 suggestions provided separate players by role: Wicket-keepers — Jos Buttler, Aneurin Donald; Batters — Harry Brook, Pathum Nissanka; All-rounders — Wanindu Hasaranga, Dasun Shanaka, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson; Bowlers — Dushmantha Chameera, Dunith Wellalage, Sonny Baker. A recommended core set lists batters Harry Brook, Pathum Nissanka and Charith Asalanka; all-rounders Wanindu Hasaranga, Dasun Shanaka, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Will Jacks; and bowlers Dunith Wellalage and Sonny Baker.
The Dream11 captain and vice-captain suggestions include two combinations: Captain first-choice Wanindu Hasaranga with captain second-choice Aneurin Donald, and vice-captain first-choice Jamie Overton with vice-captain second-choice Liam Dawson. An alternative pairing lists Captain first-choice Jos Buttler and captain second-choice Charith Asalanka, with Vice-Captain first-choice Harry Brook and vice-captain second-choice Will Jacks.
The preview notes England possess a powerful batting unit and bowlers familiar with local conditions, while Sri Lanka struggled in Southampton; the same piece states the outlet backs England to win the second game.
For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join the community on Whatsapp & Telegram. The second ENG vs SL T20I will take place on September 17, 2026 at the Sophia Gardens in Cardiff.