Why Kusal Perera is not Playing Today in SL vs ENG T20 World Cup Match?

The second Super 8 game of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is underway as England are up against Sri Lanka in the 42nd match of the tournament. The game between the two teams is underway at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, February 22.

Both England and Sri Lanka enter the clash on the back of their sensational performances in the group stages with both winning three out of four games. With both being in red-hot form, the SL vs ENG T20 World Cup match promises to be an enthralling one.

Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka won the toss and opted to field. At the toss, he also confirmed that his side has made two changes with one being the big one of Kusal Perera, whose name was not there in the playing 11.

Why Kusal Perera is Not Playing Today Against England?

With the SL vs ENG T20 World Cup 2026 match being an important one in the context of the semi-final, many have been wondering why the top order batter Kusal Perera is not playing the game, especially with him being highly experienced.

Surprisingly, Perera has been dropped for this match due to his poor returns. Kamil Mishara has been confirmed as Kusal Perera replacement for this match. Perera was added to the XI for the last two games against Australia and Zimbabwe, but he couldn’t make a big impact.

In the game against Australia, he scored just 1 and then managed 22 runs against Zimbabwe. On the other hand, Mishara started the tournament for Sri Lanka and played some decent cameos. As a result, the team management decided to go with the youngster over experience this time around.

Perera has had an up-and-down international career despite possessing some of the highest quality of talent in the country. However, apart from a few substantial knocks, he hasn't been able to make the spot his own.

Kamil Mishara Searching for Form

With Pathum Nissanka, one of the best openers in the world, being in red-hot form, Kamil Mishara would be looking to make an impact here. Mishara had a terrific start to his international career but hasn't been in great form lately, especially in this edition of ICC T20 World Cup.

He has scored just 22 runs in two matches that he has played in this tournament at an average of 11. However, he has all the qualities and will be looking to return back to form here at Pallekele.

Overall, this promises to be an enthralling contest between two of the best cricket teams in the world. The head to head record between these two teams supports England as they have won 13 out of the 17 matches. Sri Lanka have managed to win just 4 games so far.