The 3rd ODI match at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on Saturday, 27th January 2026 at 2:30 PM IST will feature England taking on Sri Lanka with excitement in the air.
Get the best SL vs ENG Dream11 prediction, fantasy cricket tips, probable playing XI, and match insights for the 3rd ODI match of the England Tour of Sri Lanka 2026. Expert analysis and more.
SL vs ENG Match Preview:
After losing the first match, England leveled the three-match ODI series 1–1 by winning the second ODI in Colombo.
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In that game, Sri Lanka scored 219 all out while batting first, with Charith Asalanka top-scoring with 45 and contributions from Dhananjaya de Silva helping the hosts post a defendable total. However, England responded strongly and chased the target 223/5 with five wickets in hand, thanks mainly to Joe Root’s composed 75 runs and useful support from Harry Brook and Jos Buttler. England’s spin attack also bowled well on the slow pitch to restrict Sri Lanka.
Therefore, the third ODI becomes the series-decider, with both teams having momentum after contrasting performances. Sri Lanka will aim to bounce back at the same venue and take the series lead, while England will look to continue their batting form and secure a series win in the final match.
SL vs ENG Head-to-Head Record:
|
Teams |
Matches Won |
|
Sri Lanka |
38 |
|
England |
39 |
SL vs ENG Weather & Pitch Report:
|
Temperature |
28°C |
|
Weather Forecast |
Light Rain |
|
Pitch Behaviour |
Balanced |
|
Best Suited To |
Spin |
|
Average 1st innings score |
240 |
Record of chasing teams:
SL vs ENG Playing 11s (Predicted):
Sri Lanka Playing 11:
1) Pathum Nissanka
2) Kamil Mishara
3) Kusal Mendis (wk)
4) Sadeera Samarawickrama
5) Charith Asalanka
6) Janith Liyanage
7) Dhananjaya de Silva
8) Dunith Wellalage
9) Jeffrey Vandersay
10) Pramod Madushan
11) Asitha Fernando
England Playing 11:
1) Zak Crawley
2) Ben Duckett
3) Joe Root
4) Harry Brook
5) Jos Buttler (wk)
6) Will Jacks
7) Jamie Overton
8) Rehan Ahmed
9) Adil Rashid
10) Brydon Carse
11) Jacob Bethell
Hot Picks for SL vs ENG Dream11 Prediction and Fantasy Cricket Tips:
Captaincy Picks:
|
Ben Duckett – Anchoring England’s top order as a left-handed opening batter, he has contributed 101 runs in this series with proactive stroke play and consistent early momentum. |
|
Joe Root – Representing England as a right-handed batter, he has been a steady run contributor in the ongoing series, accumulating 136 runs through composed and technically assured innings. |
Top Picks:
|
Kusal Mendis – Serving Sri Lanka as a right-handed wicketkeeper-batter, he has displayed strong form throughout the series, collecting 119 runs with assertive stroke play and reliable top-order presence. |
|
Dhananjaya de Silva – A right-handed batter and right-arm off-break option for Sri Lanka, he has delivered balanced returns in the ongoing series with 50 runs and 3 wickets, showcasing valuable all-round versatility. |
Budget Picks:
|
Pathum Nissanka – Strengthening Sri Lanka’s top order as a right-handed opener, he provides measured starts, solid technique, and composed strike rotation during early phases of the innings. |
|
Sam Curran – Offering England valuable two-skill depth as a left-handed batter and left-arm medium-fast seamer, he contributes flexible middle-order runs and tactical wicket-taking options across formats. |
SL vs ENG England Tour of Sri Lanka 2026 Captain and Vice-captain Choices:
|
Captain |
Joe Root & Ben Duckett |
|
Vice-Captain |
Kusal Mendis & Dhananjaya de Silva |
SL vs ENG Dream11 Prediction Team 1:
- Keepers – Jos Buttler, Kusal Mendis
- Batters – Joe Root ©, Ben Duckett, Charith Asalanka
- All-rounders – Dhananjaya de Silva (vc), Jeffrey Vandersay, Dunith Wellalage, Rehan Ahmed
- Bowlers – Adil Rashid, Jamie Overton
SL vs ENG Dream11 Prediction Team 2:
- Keepers – Jos Buttler, Kusal Mendis (vc)
- Batters – Joe Root, Ben Duckett ©, Pathum Nissanka
- All-rounders – Dhananjaya de Silva, Sam Curran, Jeffrey Vandersay, Dunith Wellalage
- Bowlers – Adil Rashid, Jamie Overton
SL vs ENG Dream11 Prediction Today Match 3rd ODI England Tour of Sri Lanka 2026 Players to Avoid:
|
Players |
Dream11 Credits |
Dream11 Points (Last match) |
|
Zak Crawley |
7.5 credits |
DNP |
|
Kamil Mishara |
8.0 credits |
NA |
SL vs ENG Dream11 Prediction Today Match 3rd ODI England Tour of Sri Lanka 2026 Expert Advice:
|
SL Captaincy Choice |
Joe Root |
|
GL Captaincy Choice |
Ben Duckett |
|
Punt Picks |
Sam Curran and Pathum Nissanka |
|
Dream11 Combination |
2-3-4-2 |
SL vs ENG Match Winner Prediction:
Based on the team composition and home conditions, Sri Lanka is anticipated to secure a victory in this match.