Sri Lanka will take on England in the third and final T20I of the ongoing three-match series at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele on Tuesday, February 3. The match is crucial for the hosts as they aim to avoid a series whitewash ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026.
England are confident after sealing the series with back-to-back wins. The contest will test their bench strength as they might look to rest key players. However, both teams have strong squads, and Pallekele offers conditions that can assist spinners, so a competitive finish to the series is expected.
This article provides the probable playing XIs of Sri Lanka and England for the third T20I, likely team combinations, and key players to watch in Pallekele.
Sri Lanka Playing XI vs England, 3rd T20I
Openers: Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara
Pathum Nissanka has been the second-highest run-getter for Sri Lanka in the series with 57 runs in two innings and will look to provide a solid start. Kamil Mishara, who opened in the previous games, might get another chance. Kusal Perera is also an option if the team decides to shuffle the top order.
Middle-Order Batters and All-Rounders: Kusal Mendis (wk), Charith Asalanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage
Kusal Mendis is the top scorer for Sri Lanka in the series with 69 runs and will be vital at No. 3. The team might bring in Kamindu Mendis in place of Janith Liyanage to strengthen the middle order.
Charith Asalanka will look to anchor the innings, while captain Dasun Shanaka and Wanindu Hasaranga provide finishing firepower and all-round value. Pavan Rathnayake scored 40 runs off 22 balls in the recent match.
Bowlers: Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana
Dushmantha Chameera is expected to come into the playing XI to replace Eshan Malinga, who was injured in the last game. Matheesha Pathirana will continue to lead the death bowling attack.
The spin department will be handled by Hasaranga and Dunith Wellalage, who are expected to be effective on the Pallekele surface.
Sri Lanka Playing XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Charith Asalanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana.
England Playing XI vs Sri Lanka, 3rd T20I
Openers: Phil Salt and Jos Buttler (wk)
England are likely to open with Phil Salt and Jos Buttler. Salt has had a quiet series so far but remains a dangerous player who will be eager to get going. Buttler provides aggressive hitting at the top and can also play long innings.
Middle Order and All-Rounders: Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (c), Tom Banton, Will Jacks, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton
Harry Brook scored an unbeaten 36 off 12 balls in the previous game. The English skipper will anchor the middle order. Tom Banton, along with all-rounders Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Jacob Bethell, and Will Jacks, adds depth and balance, allowing England to bat deep.
Bowlers: Luke Wood, Rehan Ahmed
England might rest key bowlers with the series already won. Jofra Archer could make way for Luke Wood to manage his workload. Adil Rashid may also be rested, paving the way for young leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed to get game time.
England Playing XI: Phil Salt, Will Jacks, Jos Buttler (wk), Harry Brook (c), Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton, Luke Wood, Rehan Ahmed.
England arrive with confidence after two convincing DLS wins, but the third T20I is an opportunity for Sri Lanka to break their losing streak. England’s rotation policy might give the hosts a slight chance.
