Sri Lanka vs England – 3rd ODI Match Preview

Date: Tuesday, 27th January 2026
Time: 09:00 AM GMT | 02:30 PM IST | 02:30 PM Local
Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Series: England Tour of Sri Lanka 2026
Format: 50-over ODI

Match Context and Series Overview

The third and final One-Day International (ODI) between Sri Lanka and England at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo is set to be a thrilling decider in a closely contested series. After a dramatic 19-run win for Sri Lanka in the first match and a five-wicket victory by England in the second, both teams enter the final showdown with equal points and high stakes.

With the series level at 1-1, this match will determine the overall winner of the ODI series. The hosts, Sri Lanka, will be eager to wrap up the series on home soil, while England will look to continue their strong overseas form and secure a memorable overseas win.

Current Form

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka started the series on a high note with a 19-run win in the first ODI, where Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka played pivotal roles with the bat. However, the second match saw the visitors take control with a 5-wicket victory, thanks to a gritty chase by England and a disciplined bowling effort led by Jeffrey Vandersay, who took 4/37.

The hosts have shown glimpses of their potential with Dhananjaya de Silva contributing both with the bat and ball, and Dunith Wellalage providing an aggressive lower-order push. However, Sri Lanka still need more consistency from the top order to convert starts into big totals.

England

England have been in excellent form throughout the series. After a slow start in the first match, they bounced back strongly in the second ODI with a composed chase, led by Joe Root’s 75 and Ben Duckett’s 50. Adil Rashid has been the standout bowler, offering control and variations, while Liam Dawson and Sam Curran have provided valuable support.

Captain Harry Brook has been in fine form with the bat, while Jos Buttler brings in crucial experience at the top. England’s ability to chase down targets efficiently on this pitch gives them a solid edge in the run-chase department.

Key Players to Watch

Sri Lanka

• Jeffrey Vandersay: The leg-spinner has been the star performer for Sri Lanka in the series, taking 4 wickets in the second ODI. His ability to control the middle overs and pick up crucial wickets will be vital.
• Charith Asalanka: The captain has been a consistent performer, offering both stability and aggression in the middle order.
• Dhananjaya de Silva: A versatile all-rounder, de Silva has contributed with both bat and ball and can be a game-changer in the right conditions.
• Kusal Mendis: The opener has shown great form in the first match and will be crucial for Sri Lanka to get off to a good start.

England

• Joe Root: England's talisman, Root has been the top run-scorer in the series with 136 runs. His experience and composure under pressure will be key.
• Harry Brook: The captain has been in excellent form with the bat and leads the side with confidence and aggression.
• Adil Rashid: The spin maestro has been England's most consistent bowler in the series, with 5 wickets at an average of 15.6.
• Ben Duckett: The opener has been in scintillating form, scoring 101 runs in the second match and can dominate the early part of the innings.

Venue and Pitch Conditions

• R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo: The pitch has a history of assisting spinners, particularly in the middle and death overs. The average first-innings score in ODIs at this venue over the past five years is around 245.
• Spin-friendly Conditions: With a 65% chance of overcast weather and a pitch that offers turn, spinners are expected to play a significant role.
• Batting First Advantage: Teams batting first have won 65% of matches at this venue in the last five years, indicating a slight edge for the side winning the toss.

Head-to-Head Record (Last 5 Matches)

• Sri Lanka: 2 wins
• England: 2 wins
• Tied: 1

The overall ODI head-to-head record between the two sides is finely balanced, with England holding a slight edge in the last 81 matches (39-38). However, the recent encounters have been closely contested, and the final outcome often depends on the performance of key players.

Playing XI Predictions

Sri Lanka (11)

1. Pathum Nissanka
2. Kamil Mishara
3. Kusal Mendis
4. Dhananjaya de Silva
5. Charith Asalanka
6. Janith Liyanage
7. Pavan Nissanka
8. Dunith Wellalage
9. Pramod Madushan
10. Jeffrey Vandersay
11. Asitha Fernando

England (11)

1. Rehan Ahmed
2. Ben Duckett
3. Joe Root
4. Harry Brook
5. Jos Buttler (w)
6. Will Jacks
7. Sam Curran
8. Jamie Overton
9. Liam Dawson
10. Adil Rashid
11. Chris Woakes

Match Prediction

Given the conditions and the form of both teams, the toss will play a crucial role in the outcome. The spin-friendly nature of the pitch makes batting first a safer option, especially with the hosts having a strong spin attack led by Vandersay and Wellalage.

However, England’s ability to chase down targets and their experienced batting lineup gives them a strong case to win the match. If they win the toss and choose to chase, they could capitalize on the early part of the innings and take control.

Prediction: England to win the match by 5-10 runs.

Live Streaming and Broadcast Details

• Live Score & Commentary: ESPNcricinfo, Cricbuzz, and Possible11
• Live Streaming: Sony Sports Network (India), SonyLIV, and Fancode
• International Broadcasters: Check with local providers for live coverage in your region

Conclusion

This third ODI promises to be an exciting finale to a tightly contested series. With both teams in good form and the conditions favoring spin, it's a match that could be decided by the smallest of margins. The battle between England's aggressive batting and Sri Lanka's disciplined spin attack will be the key to the outcome.

Who will lift the series trophy? Stay tuned for what promises to be a thrilling encounter at the R Premadasa Stadium.
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