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Sri Lanka
England
The 3rd T20I between Sri Lanka and England will be played at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Sri Lanka will host this match after losing the ODI series 2-1. England will enter this game with a 2-0 lead in the 3-match T20I series. All matches of this series will be played at the same venue.
England will aim for a clean sweep after two dominant wins. Their batting has been consistent, and their bowlers will continue to control key phases of the game. Sri Lanka will struggle to match Englandβs balance so far and will need a disciplined effort with both bat and ball to stay competitive.
England will remain the stronger side on paper. They have been dominant based on recent history. England will be confident after winning all of the last 10 T20I matches against Sri Lanka. They have not lost a T20I to Sri Lanka since May 2014, which will keep them firm favourites.
Both teams will rely on their aggressive top and middle order batters who will attack right from the powerplay, bringing a steady flow of big shots throughout the match.
The betting tip is...
Total Sixes - Over 14.5
64 %
36 %
Sri LankaEnglandSri Lanka will take positives from their improved batting intent in the second T20I, even though the 168-run target in a shortened 17-over contest did not prove enough.
At the top, Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara will be expected to provide another fast start. Nissanka will carry confidence after scoring at a strike rate of 136, showing good control in the power play. In the middle overs, Kusal Mendis is the key batter, having scored 69 runs at a strike rate of 183 across two matches.
Charith Asalanka and Pavan Rathnayake will support him, with Rathnayake likely to build on his 40 off 22 balls last time. With the ball, Matheesha Pathirana will lead the attack early, while Dasun Shanaka and Eshan Malinga will continue to provide control. Wanindu Hasaranga will be under pressure to improve after a difficult series so far.
Nissanka, Mendis and Rathnayake are the key batters.
Predicted Lineup: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Charith Asalanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Matheesha Pathirana, Eshan Malinga
England will target a 3-0 clean sweep after reaching a DLS target of 168 in 17 overs with two balls remaining. Their performances so far will reflect a complete effort with both bat and ball.
At the top, Philip Salt and Jos Buttler will continue to attack from the start. In the middle order, Tom Banton and Harry Brook will control the tempo. Banton will come in with 83 runs from two matches at a strike rate of 173, while Brook will follow with 52 runs at 174.
Sam Curran and Will Jacks will add finishing power late. With the ball, Adil Rashid will lead the attack with 5 wickets at under 6 an over, while Liam Dawson will maintain pressure. Expect Jofra Archer to play after returning in the last match.
Buttler, Salt and Brook are the key batters.
Predicted Lineup: Philip Salt, Jos Buttler (w), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook (c), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid
England will start this match as clear favourites and will look to close the series with another strong batting display. Their top order will play with freedom, with Phil Salt and Jos Buttler attacking early and Harry Brook and Tom Banton maintaining the tempo through the middle overs.
Sri Lanka will also back their top order to respond. Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishra, Kusal Mendis and Pavan Rathnayake will carry confidence from the last game and will look to target the shorter boundaries at Pallekele.
With both teams relying heavily on aggressive top-order batting, the match will be played at a high scoring pace from the start, but England will win the game.
