The 3-match ODI series between England and Sri Lanka is in great balance, with the scoreline 1-1, making the remaining match (SL vs ENG 3rd ODI) the series decider. The winner of the third match, which will start tomorrow (January 27) at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, will claim the series. Who is claiming the series? This article will provide the readers with some necessary inputs related to the Sri Lanka vs England 3rd ODI.
Sri Lanka opened the bilateral ODI series with a stunning victory over the England cricket team. The hosts won the first match by a 19-run margin. England bounced back nicely in the second match, winning it by 5 wickets and 22 balls to spare. If Sri Lanka managed to win the second match as well, then the third and the last match of the contest would turn into a dead rubber. But now, the upcoming match in Colombo is like a final for both of the teams.
This article will cover the SL vs ENG third ODI match prediction, toss insights, expected scores, key batter and bowler picks, and analysis on which team is likely to win the clash during England’s tour of Sri Lanka 2026.
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SL vs ENG Match Prediction: Who Will Win the 3rd ODI?
Match Details
Match: SL vs ENG 3rd ODI
Venue: R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Date and Time: Tuesday, 27th January,
Time: 2:30 PM IST
Live Streaming: SonyLIV, FanCode
Live Broadcast: Sony Sports Network
SL vs ENG Match Prediction, Head-to-Head Record
The head-to-head ODI stats between Sri Lanka and England make the upcoming match more interesting, as both of the teams have almost an equal number of wins in this format. England claimed 39 ODI matches against Sri Lanka, while Sri Lanka won 38 ODIs against England, along with three matches with no results. Though Sri Lanka has the home advantage, as they have won 17 of the 28 ODIs played on their home soil.
As England found their mojo back by winning the second match of the series, they will put all of their efforts into winning the last match of the series as well, no matter what the stats are currently stating.
Pitch Report & Conditions
The pitch at the R. Premadasa Stadium is expected to be a bit bowler-friendly, as it behaved in the previous game. Spinners and slow-medium bowlers can be more effective on this track. In Colombo, batters’ techniques will be tested heavily.
SL vs ENG Weather Report
Tomorrow, there is a forecast for rain and thunderstorms during the early hours of the day. Gradually, the weather is expected to be supportive for a cricket match. But the weather can be a bit heavy.
SL vs ENG Match Prediction, Probable XIs
Sri Lanka Playing XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Pramod Madushan, Maheesh Theekshana, and Asitha Fernando.
England Playing XI: Rehan Ahmed, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (C), Jos Buttler (WK), Will Jacks, Sam Curran, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid.
Toss Impact
The toss could play a big role at the R. Premadasa Stadium. As there are chances for a cloudy sky and rain early in the day, bowlers can get some extra advantages over the batters. The team batting first should try to be cautious during the initial stage of the match.
Form and Fitness
Sri Lanka rested Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana in the first two matches. For the all-important match of the series, the home team is expected to field their team with top guns.
On the other side, the England cricket team can stick with their playing XI, as there is no update about any injury concerns.
Score Prediction
It is expected to see a better batting performance from Sri Lanka, and England has enough firepower in their arsenal. The average score in the match can be around 260 to 270.
SL vs ENG: Players to Perform Prediction
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Asitha Fernando
England: Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Will Jacks, Adil Rashid
SL vs ENG: Best Batsman Prediction
Who will score the most runs for Sri Lanka in the match?
Pathum Nissanka or Kusal Mendis
Who will score the most runs for England in the match?
Joe Root or Harry Brook
SL vs ENG: Best Bowler Prediction
Who will pick the most wickets for Sri Lanka in the match?
Dhananjaya de Silva or Asitha Fernando
Who will pick the most wickets for England in the match?
Adil Rashid or Jamie Overton
Conclusion: Who Will Win the SL vs ENG 3rd ODI?
Evaluating the stats and match conditions, England can win the SL vs ENG 3rd ODI match.
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