Sri Lanka will take on England in the third and final T20 match of the ongoing three-match series at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele on Tuesday, February 3. This match is important for the hosts as they aim to avoid a whitewash in the series ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026.
England are full of confidence after winning the series with two consecutive wins. This contest will test their bench strength as they may consider resting key players. However, both teams have strong squads, and Pallekele offers conditions that can help the spinners, so a competitive end to the series is expected.
This article provides information on the probable playing XIs of Sri Lanka and England for the 3rd T20I, possible team combinations and key players to watch out for in Pallekele.
Sri Lanka Playing XI vs England, 3rd T20I
Openers: Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara
Pathum Nissanka has been the second-highest run-scorer 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 last games, may get another chance. Kusal Perera is also an option if the team decides to reshuffle the top order.
Middle-order batsmen and all-rounders: Kusal Mendis (wicketkeeper), Charith Asalanka, Pawan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (captain), Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Vellaage.
Kusal Mendis is the top scorer for Sri Lanka in the series with 69 runs and will be important at No. 3. The team can bring Kamindu Mendis in place of Zenith Liyanage to strengthen the middle order.
Charith Asalanka will look to anchor the innings, while captain Dasun Shanaka and Wanindu Hasaranga will provide finishing firepower and all-round value. Pawan Rathnayake scored 40 runs in 22 balls in the recent match.
Bowlers: Dushmantha Chameera, Mathisha Pathirana
Dushmantha Chameera is expected to be in the playing eleven in place of Ishan Malinga, who was injured in the last game. Mathisha Pathirana will continue to lead the death bowling attack.
The spin department will be handled by Hasaranga and Dunith Velazquez, who is expected to be effective on the Pallekele surface.
Sri Lanka Playing XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Charith Asalanka, Pawan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (captain), Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Vellaage, Dushmantha Chameera, Mathisha Pathirana.
England playing XI vs Sri Lanka, 3rd T20I
Openers: Phil Salt and Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper)
England are likely to open with Phil Salt and Jos Buttler. Salt has had a quiet series so far but he remains a dangerous player who will be keen to step up. Buttler provides aggressive hitting at the top and can also play long innings.
Middle-order and all-rounders: Jacob Bethel, Harry Brook (captain), Tom Banton, Will Jacks, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton.
Harry Brook had scored unbeaten 36 runs in 12 balls in the last game. The English captain will handle the middle order. Tom Banton, along with all-rounder Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Jacob Bethell and Will Jacks, add depth and balance, allowing England to bat deep.
Bowlers: Luke Wood, Rehan Ahmed
Having already won the series, England can rest key bowlers. Jofra Archer could make way for Luke Wood to manage his workload. Adil Rashid may also be rested, which will give playing time to young leg spinner Rehan Ahmed.
England’s playing XI: Phil Salt, Will Jacques, 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 impressive DLS wins, but the third T20 is a chance for Sri Lanka to break their losing streak. England’s rotation policy may give some chances to the host team.
