England vs Sri Lanka Prediction & Match Preview – 3rd T20I, Old Trafford
Match summary
England won by 8 wickets: England 126/2 (9.4 ov), Sri Lanka 124 (18.5 ov). Player of the match: Sonny Baker.
Our preview of England vs Sri Lanka in the 3rd T20I at Emirates Old Trafford on 19 September 2026: likely XIs, pitch, weather and expected scores.
Match details
| Match | England vs Sri Lanka, 3rd T20I |
|---|---|
| Series | Sri Lanka tour of England 2026 |
| Date | 19 Sep 2026 |
| Start time | 5:30 pm GMT / 6:30 pm local |
| Venue | Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester |
| Status | Result |
| Result | England won by 8 wickets |
| Player of the match | Sonny Baker |
| Our pick | England ✓ |
| Toss pick | England |
Matches in this series
Match preview
England and Sri Lanka play the third and final T20I of the series at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester on Saturday 19 September.
England, led by Harry Brook, are expected to field Aneurin Donald, Jos Buttler, Tom Banton, Jordan Cox and Will Jacks in the top order, with Jamie Overton and Liam Dawson adding balance. Josh Tongue, Sonny Baker and Adil Rashid are in the bowling line-up, and Ben Duckett, Jofra Archer, Saqib Mahmood, Gus Atkinson and James Coles are also in the squad.
Sri Lanka, captained by Charith Asalanka, have Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Lahiru Udara and Kamindu Mendis in the batting, with Dasun Shanaka and Wanindu Hasaranga adding all-round strength. Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera and Eshan Malinga lead the attack.
The balanced surface should reward good stroke-making once batters settle, but conditions may make the start tricky, and early wickets could have a big effect on the final total.
Old Trafford generally gives good pace and consistent bounce, which suits stroke-making once batters are in. Fast bowlers can find early swing and seam, particularly under cloud, and spinners may get help as the game wears on. The surface can slow in the middle overs, bringing bowlers back into the contest. A first-innings score of 160–170 is competitive and 180 or more could give a strong advantage.
Expect a cool, breezy day, around 18–19°C, with mostly cloudy skies and some sunny intervals. There is a moderate chance of a passing shower around the start, and conditions may improve later. Cloud could help seamers early, and play should go ahead if showers are brief.
Expected scores
| Innings | Predicted | Actual |
|---|---|---|
| First innings | 175–185 | 126/2 (9.4 ov) |
| Second innings | 150–175 | 124 (18.5 ov) |
England
England have the stronger, more balanced squad and are our pick to win the final T20I of the series at home.
Toss pick: England
FAQ
Where is the third England vs Sri Lanka T20I?
At Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester on 19 September 2026.
Who is expected to win?
Our preview backs England, who are also tipped to win the toss.
Could the weather interfere?
A passing shower is possible, but play should continue if showers stay brief.
Probable XIs
Expected line-ups from our preview. c = captain, wk = wicketkeeper.
England
- Aneurin Donald
- Jos Buttlerwk
- Harry Brookc
- Tom Banton
- Jordan Cox
- Will Jacks
- Jamie Overton
- Liam Dawson
- Josh Tongue
- Sonny Baker
- Adil Rashid
Sri Lanka
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kamil Misharawk
- Lahiru Udara
- Charith Asalankac
- Kamindu Mendis
- Dasun Shanaka
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Dunith Wellalage
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Dushmantha Chameera
- Eshan Malinga
Head-to-head
Earlier meetings of England and Sri Lanka that we covered: England 2, Sri Lanka 0 wins.