Sri Lanka vs England: 3rd Match Prediction & Preview | Pakistan ODI Tri-Series

By Alex, CricTips Editorial Team · How we predict. Every prediction is reviewed under the CricTips editorial methodology.

England vs Sri Lanka: Match Preview

ODI TriSeries 2026 | 3rd Match | 22 October 2026

The third and final match at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium sees England take on Sri Lanka in what promises to be a compelling clash as both teams look to bolster their chances of reaching the final on 31 October in Lahore.

Match Overview

• Fixture: England vs Sri Lanka
• Competition: ODI TriSeries 2026 (Pakistan, England, Sri Lanka)
• Match No.: 3
• Date: 22 October 2026
• Time: 09:00 GMT
• Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
• Toss: 12:30 PM PKT

Context and Stakes

This is the final league fixture at Rawalpindi before the tournament moves to Lahore for the remaining matches and the final. With the top two teams qualifying for the decider, every league result carries significant weight in shaping the final standings.

England arrive in confident form, coming into the series on a hot streak that includes three consecutive ODI series victories, notably against Sri Lanka and India. England captain Harry Brook has emphasised the side's ability to adapt to unfamiliar conditions, pointing to their recent series wins in Sri Lanka and at home against India and Sri Lanka, two of which went to deciding matches.

"To have a chance to potentially play in a final in this series gives us another opportunity to test ourselves in that sort of situation, but we know we'll have to play extremely well to get there." — Harry Brook, England Captain

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, face the challenge of adapting their batting lineup in the absence of opener Pathum Nissanka, who was ruled out after failing to receive medical clearance following a hamstring injury. Lahiru Udara has been brought in as his replacement, and the team will be looking to their balanced attack to challenge both Pakistan and England.

Recent Form

• England: On the back of three consecutive ODI series wins, including victories over Sri Lanka and India. England defeated Pakistan by 87 runs in their opening fixture here on 20 October, bowling the hosts out for 215/10.
• Sri Lanka: Won their opening fixture against Pakistan but fell to the hosts in the process. Their recent form includes a 3-0 ODI series win over West Indies before a loss to England.
• Pakistan (reference point): Beat Sri Lanka by 37 runs and England by 87 runs in their two matches so far.

Team News

England have made changes to their squad, with Jos Buttler ruled out due to a hamstring injury and Jofra Archer rested. Jordan Cox has stepped in as wicketkeeper, and Sonny Baker has been called up. England are known for their aggressive, positive brand of cricket and a formidable batting lineup supported by several quality bowling options.

Sri Lanka will be without the influential Pathum Nissanka, with Lahiru Udara replacing him. Kusal Mendis continues to lead the side both with the bat and ball, and the team's spin options, including Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage, could prove crucial in the middle overs.

Players to Watch

England 🏴

• Harry Brook: Will he continue to lead England's aggressive batting approach in Pakistani conditions?
• Joe Root: Can his experience help control difficult situations?
• Will Jacks: Can his attacking batting and additional bowling provide England with greater flexibility?
• Josh Tongue: Can he lead England's pace attack in the absence of Jofra Archer?

Sri Lanka 🇱🇰

• Kusal Mendis: Can he lead the batting lineup and keep Sri Lanka competitive in Nissanka's absence?
• Lahiru Udara: Can he translate his T20I success and List A experience into ODI cricket?
• Maheesh Theekshana: Can he use his variations to trouble the middle orders?
• Dunith Wellalage: Can he contribute with both bat and ball to strengthen Sri Lanka's balance?

Head-to-Head

England and Sri Lanka have a rich history of encounters across formats, with this tri-series adding another chapter to their rivalry. The teams know each other well, having faced each other repeatedly in recent series.

Prediction

England enter this fixture as favourites, backed by their superior recent form and a dangerous batting lineup. However, Sri Lanka's balanced attack and the motivation of playing a crucial league match could make this a tight contest. If Sri Lanka's bowlers perform consistently and their batting adapts to Nissanka's absence, they are capable of causing an upset.

The margin between these sides could well be small, but the result may prove decisive in determining which teams reach the final in Lahore.

Follow all the action from the ODI TriSeries 2026 as the race for the final heats up.