SL vs ENG Match Prediction : 3rd ODI, England tour of Sri Lanka 2026
SL vs ENG Win Probability
100%
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka To Win, 2.25
Sri Lanka’s spin attack offers greater variety and control
The home side has more batters comfortable spending time at the crease in local conditions
The value on offer is undeniable and makes backing Sri Lanka the smarter betting decision
SL vs ENG Betting Tips
Fifty To Be Scores in This Match
While the pitch isn’t expected to be a batting paradise, it is far from unplayable. Smart running between the wickets and good shot placement have been rewarded throughout the series. Sri Lanka have shown a pattern of batters getting in and building starts, while England’s lineup, despite issues against spin, has shown enough resilience to push past the 50-run mark. This is a low-risk bet based on a highly probable outcome.
The best result of the first partnership to be from Sri Lanka
The Sri Lankan opening pair looks well placed to dominate the first-wicket battle once again. They handled the new ball impressively in the opening ODI, putting together a solid 50-run stand under testing conditions. Kamil Mishara is an exciting young prospect, while Pathum Nissanka has consistently delivered at the international level, especially in home conditions. With England’s opening bowlers struggling to make early inroads, backing Sri Lanka to register the best first partnership is a strong value bet.
Team form (Last 5 matches)
Sri Lanka
N/A
England
N/A
England’s long-standing struggles against spin in Asian conditions remain a major concern. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, have displayed composure with both bat and ball throughout this ODI series, even when momentum has shifted. With the series on the line, the hosts appear better equipped to handle pressure and adapt to conditions in this decisive encounter.
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Sri Lanka vs England Head-to-Head Record
The ongoing ODI series between Sri Lanka and England is level at one win apiece. The third and final ODI will serve as the series decider.
Sri Lanka vs England Live-streaming and Broadcast
In India, the Sri Lanka vs England ODI series will be shown on the Sony Sports Network, with live streaming on SonyLIV and FanCode. Viewers in Sri Lanka can watch on local TV broadcasters, while England audiences can tune in via Sky Sports. The series will be available in Pakistan and Bangladesh through regional sports channels, in the USA on Willow TV, and in the UAE via Sony’s regional sports feeds and streaming platforms.
You can find live odds, updated tips after every day's play, and more information about this match at ocbsports.com.
SL vs ENG Team Previews
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka may not have secured victory in the second ODI, but their performance on a challenging surface was encouraging. After being put under pressure early, they showed resilience during the middle overs.
Captain Charith Asalanka led from the front with a gritty 45, while Dhananjaya de Silva contributed a composed 40. Pavan Rathnayake’s quick 29 ensured the scoring rate didn’t stall, and contributions from Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, and Dunith Wellalage added depth to the innings.
With the ball, Sri Lanka once again proved how difficult they can be to face at home. The wickets were shared around, with Jeffrey Vandersay and Dhananjaya de Silva picking up two wickets each, while Asitha Fernando removed Joe Root at a crucial stage. With the series level, Sri Lanka look well positioned to push for a series-clinching victory.
Sri Lanka Expected Playing 11
Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Dunith Wellalage, Pramod Madushan, Jeffrey Vandersay, Asitha Fernando
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England
England will take confidence from their win in the previous ODI, but significant questions remain about their approach against spin. Chasing 220 in Colombo, the top order struggled for fluency. The experiment of opening with Rehan Ahmed failed, while Ben Duckett’s aggressive 39 lacked substance.
Once again, Joe Root was forced into the anchor role, scoring a vital 75 off 90 balls, supported by Harry Brook’s 42. Sri Lanka will continue to apply pressure on what still looks like a rusty English batting lineup.
England’s decision to strengthen their spin attack paid dividends, as they restricted Sri Lanka to 219. Adil Rashid claimed two wickets, while Liam Dawson and Will Jacks chipped in with one apiece. However, concerns remain over the lack of penetration once the frontline bowlers are rotated.
Despite improvement since the first ODI, England still appear heavily reliant on Joe Root to navigate Asian conditions.
England Expected Playing 11
Rehan Ahmed, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Sam Curran, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid
SL vs ENG Toss Prediction
With both sides having gained experience on this surface during the series, captains are likely to prefer batting first. The pitch is expected to be at its best early on, making runs on the board a priority.
Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
Typical Colombo conditions are expected, with spin playing a major role. Spinners and seamers with effective variations should enjoy success on this used surface. Batters who play spin well and run hard between the wickets will be best rewarded. The most recent first-innings ODI score at this venue was Sri Lanka’s 219 all out.
Players will also need to contend with hot and humid weather, though rain is unlikely to interrupt play.
SL vs ENG: Who Will Win?
Sri Lanka will feel they let a winning opportunity slip in the previous ODI. At home, and in conditions that clearly suit their strengths, they remain the more complete side. England’s reliance on individual brilliance—particularly from Joe Root—makes them vulnerable if early wickets fall.
Bet on Sri Lanka to win.
