England, led by Harry Brook, will look to complete a clean sweep when they face Sri Lanka, led by Dasun Shanaka, in the third and final T20I of the ongoing three-match series. The upcoming contest will take place at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele on Tuesday, February 3.
England sealed the T20I series with a dominant six-wicket win (DLS method) over Sri Lanka in Pallekele on February 1, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead. The Lankan Lions will be hoping to bounce back and avoid a whitewash ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which is scheduled to begin on February 7.
This article will cover the SL vs ENG third T20I match prediction, including toss prediction, score forecast, and top batter and bowler picks for the upcoming clash.
SL vs ENG Match Prediction: Who Will Win 3rd T20I?
Match Details:
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Match: Sri Lanka vs England, 3rd T20I
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Date: February 3, 2026
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Time: 7:00 PM IST
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Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy
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Live Streaming: SonyLIV / FanCode
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Live Broadcast: Sony Sports Network
SL vs ENG Match Prediction, Head-to-Head Record
England have defeated Sri Lanka in 12 of the 16 head-to-head encounters, while Sri Lanka have managed just four wins. The Three Lions have also enjoyed complete dominance in recent meetings, winning the last five consecutive matches against the Islanders.
Pitch Report & Conditions
The surface at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium is expected to offer a balanced contest. Batters can score freely early on against the hard ball, but the pitch tends to slow down as the game progresses, bringing spinners into play.
SL vs ENG Weather Report
Weather conditions in Pallekele are likely to remain gloomy, with a high chance of rain interruptions. The game is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM IST, with temperatures hovering around 24°C. Rain could play spoilsport and potentially shorten the game.
SL vs ENG Match Prediction, Probable XIs
England might rotate their squad after winning the series, but they will still field a strong XI to maintain momentum. Sri Lanka may look to tweak their combination to find a winning formula.
Sri Lanka Playing XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Charith Asalanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana.
England Playing XI: Phil Salt, Will Jacks, Jos Buttler (wk), Harry Brook (c), Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Jamie Overton.
Toss Impact
Winning the toss could play a key role in Kandy. Captains are likely to prefer bowling first. The threat of rain and the DLS method makes chasing the preferred option, as seen in the previous match where England chased the revised target comfortably.
Form and Fitness
England have shown no major fitness concerns, though they might rest key fast bowlers to manage workload ahead of the World Cup.
Score Prediction
A first-innings total in the range of 190 to 200 should be competitive at the Pallekele venue. Batting sides will need to navigate the spin threat in the middle overs to set up a strong finish.
SL vs ENG: Players to Perform Prediction
Sri Lanka: Wanindu Hasaranga, Pathum Nissanka, Matheesha Pathirana, Kusal Mendis
England: Phil Salt, Harry Brook, Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer
SL vs ENG: Best Batsman Prediction
Who will score the most runs for Sri Lanka? Pathum Nissanka or Kusal Mendis
Who will score the most runs for England? Phil Salt or Harry Brook
SL vs ENG: Best Bowler Prediction
Who will pick the most wickets for Sri Lanka? Wanindu Hasaranga or Matheesha Pathirana
Who will pick the most wickets for England? Adil Rashid or Jofra Archer
Conclusion: Who Will Win the SL vs ENG 3rd T20I?
England will enter the match as clear favourites given their current form. However, if Sri Lanka’s spinners can exploit the conditions, they could challenge the visitors. England are still expected to win and complete the whitewash.
