Sri Lanka vs England Prediction & Match Preview – 3rd ODI, Colombo

Sri Lanka are expected to open with Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara. Nissanka has scored 362 runs in his last 10 ODIs, though only 140 in six matches against England at an average of 28, while Mishara has 32 runs in two games at this level. Kusal Mendis at number three is the key batter, with 119 runs in this series including an unbeaten 93 in the opener, and 669 runs in his last 15 ODIs with two hundreds and three fifties.

Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage and Pavan Rathnayake follow. Asalanka has made 552 runs in his last 11 ODIs and averages 55 at home across 48 matches, and Liyanage has 395 in 12 at an average of 43. Asitha Fernando leads the attack with 21 wickets in his last 11 ODIs, Dunith Wellalage has 10 wickets in six and an economy of 4.45, and Sri Lanka may consider Wanindu Hasaranga, who has 16 wickets in his last seven ODIs.

England are likely to promote Rehan Ahmed to open with Ben Duckett, who has 101 runs in two games and 638 in his last 17 ODIs. Jacob Bethell scored a quick 33 off 21 last time, Jos Buttler has 634 runs in 28 ODIs against Sri Lanka, and Will Jacks averages 40 at number seven. Adil Rashid has 35 wickets in his last 17 ODIs and Jamie Overton 11 in 10, while Liam Dawson and Sam Curran have two wickets each so far. Brydon Carse could come in after taking nine wickets in his last eight ODIs.

Probable playing XI

Pitch report

The R Premadasa Stadium is generally a good batting surface in limited-overs cricket, with true bounce that lets set batters play freely. Pacers may get some early movement that fades, while spinners have a major role in the middle overs through variations in pace and flight. In day-night matches dew can help chasing sides.

Weather

Around 2:30 pm local time on 27 January, Colombo is expected to be warm and humid at roughly 28 to 30°C with partly cloudy skies. Brief scattered showers are possible in the afternoon, but heavy rain is not expected.

Expected scores

• 1st innings: 270–290
• 2nd innings: 260–285