- England superior to hosts in T20 format
- Look to get in-play bets at 1.84/5 on England in chase
- Pallekele pitch may be slow and low
- Nissanka and Chameera underrated
- Buttler and Salt win rates
- For Betfair's latest cricket betting odds click here
Sri Lanka v England
Friday 30 January, 13.30
TV: Live on TNT
Sri Lanka v England first T20 team news
Sri Lanka are a poor T20 team and it could be their weakest suit of the three formats. In an effort to improve their World Cup chances they have added Pavan Rathnayake to the squad after his maiden ODI ton against England. There could be a spot for him at No 6 if the hosts decide not to stick with Dhananjaya de Silva.
There is no room for Kamindu Mendis or fast bowler Nuwan Thushara. Eshan Malinga, Pramod Madushan, Dushmantha Chameera and Matheesha Pathirana may be in competition for three fast-bowling slots.
Possible SL XI: Nissanka, Mishara, Kusal, Perera, Asalanka, Rathnayake/Dhananjaya, Hasaranga, Wellalage, Chameera, Pathirana, Madushan
England have been boosted by their excellent performance in the final two ODI. They should reunite Phil Salt and Jos Buttler at the top of the order and once again rely on all-rounders Sam Curran, Jamie Overton, Will Jacks and Rehan Ahmed. There is no Joe Root, of course.
There could be a spot for Josh Tongue at some stage during the series. He has been named in the World Cup squad. Luke Wood likewise and given the latter is in possession and has done little wrong, he should go again.
England possible XI: Salt, Buttler, Brook, Bethell, Curran, Banton, Jacks, Rehan, Overton, Rashid, Wood
Sri Lanka v England first T20 pitch report
There have been only five T20i night matches at Pallekele in the last four years. Three were won by the side batting second and the runs per over was 8.47. If we include domestic matches with that filter it's 17 matches with ten wins for the side batting second and a runs per over of 8.49.
In the last two T20i we had low-scoring matches. Bangladesh chased 154 against Sri Lanka in July. Previous to that India and Sri Lanka tied with 137. We cannot rule out an attritional affair. England's par line is likely to be toppy on the Exchange. England's runs at 165 or more on the innings runs market might be a cheap lay.
Sri Lanka v England first T20 match prediction
Sri Lanka are 2.526/4 with England 1.645/8. It is rare indeed that we consider England to be the right favourites no matter what the format but this does appear to be one of those games.
They are a far superior T20 team to Sri Lanka. Since the last World CUp England have 12 wins from 19. Sri Lanka, by contrast have won 13 from 30. At home they have triumphed only five times in 13.
We would expect England to dominate, particularly if the toss goes their way. If they bat second we will look for 1.804/5 in-play on the Betfair Exchange in the hope that the Sri Lanka top order (their strongest area) can get them off to a flier in the powerplay.
Sri Lanka v England firs T20 player bets
Pathum Nissanka is the man to follow for runs for the hosts. Nissanka, who looks in a great touch following a rapid 50 in the final ODI, wins the top-bat market 365 of the time. The Betfair Sportsbook's 12/53.40 looks to be a wager. There could well be an advantage to batting in the first three in this contest. The powerplay offers obvious bonuses but making hay before the spinners come on to spoil the fun could be key.
Salt and Buttler have win rates at 31% and 29% respectively so the 3/14.00 and 12/53.40 are both value. Buttler's rate is over a slightly longer study sample.
With Thushara listed by Sportsbook there's a chance to bet value on Chameera for top Sri Lanka bowler at 3/14.00. He is underrated and has five wins in his last 13.
Back Dushmanth Chameera top SL bowler