SL vs ENG Match Prediction: Who will win 3rd T20I? England tour of Sri Lanka 2026

SL vs ENG 3rd T20I Match Predictions. [Source - AFP]

Sri Lanka lock horns with England in the third T20I of the series on Tuesday, February 3, at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, with the match starting at 7:00 PM IST. Having lost both rain-hit games, Sri Lanka will aim to finish strongly and gain momentum ahead of the T20 World Cup.

England, meanwhile, sealed the series with a composed win in the second T20I, as their batters delivered another clinical performance. With spinners continuing to impress, they will expect to get a 3–0 clean sweep and a valuable confidence boost before the T20 World Cup.

As they play again at the same venue, here's what to expect.

Sri Lanka vs England current form (Last 5 T20Is)

Sri Lanka vs England 3rd T20I: Player battles

Kusal Mendis vs Adil Rashid

Kusal Mendis has looked dangerous in the series, striking at an impressive 186.49, but has fallen once the spinners are introduced. England’s leading wicket-taker Adil Rashid has dismissed him five times in white-ball cricket, including once in the first T20I in this series, making this a key battle to watch.

Jos Buttler vs Matheesha Pathirana

Jos Buttler has been in fine touch this series, striking at 143.59, and is England's best batter inside first six overs with 186.19 strike-rate in the powerplay since 2025. However, Matheesha Pathirana has managed to keep him quiet, conceding just 10 off nine balls, making their early battle potentially decisive for Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka vs England top performers

Most runs for SL vs ENG (current squad members)

Captain Dasun Shanaka has scored 141 runs in 1 innings against England in T20I cricket, including a half-century to his name.

Most wickets for SL vs ENG (current squad members)

Dushmantha Chameera has enjoyed bowling in this fixture, taking 7 wickets at 21.28 average and 16.4 strike-rate in this fixture.

Most runs for ENG vs SL (current squad members)

England's most capped international Jos Buttler is leading run-scorer in SL vs ENG T20Is with 441 runs at 63 average and 145.54 strike-rate.

Most wickets for ENG vs SL (current squad members)

Adil Rashid is the leading wicket-taker with 14 wickets amongst the players currently playing in SL vs ENG T20Is at 14 average and 15 strike-rate.

Sri Lanka vs England, 3rd T20I toss prediction

Historically at Pallekele, teams batting first have won 15 matches, compared to 13 successful chases. However, the last three T20Is saw teams batting second prevail, as the ball comes nicely onto the bat as the game progresses.

There is usually some turn and grip for spinners, while fast bowlers have little margin for error. With both sides boasting in-form batting line-ups, the team winning the toss is likely to bowl first.

Sri Lanka vs England, 3rd T20I: 1st innings score prediction

Powerplay- 55/1

Final score- 180/6

Sri Lanka vs England, 3rd T20I: 2nd innings score prediction

Powerplay- 52/2

Final score- 181/5

Sri Lanka vs England top players prediction

Sri Lanka top players prediction

Kusal Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga

England top players prediction

Jos Buttler, Adil Rashid

Who will hit the most sixes in SL vs ENG 3rd T20I?

Harry Brook

Who will hit the most fours in SL vs ENG 3rd T20I?

Jos Buttler

Sri Lanka vs England winner prediction: Who will win the 3rd T20I?

With England having already sealed the series, they enter the third T20I at Pallekele with confidence and in-form players. While Sri Lanka will be eager to fight back, finish the series on a high and use their familiarity with the pitch, England should still be able to get over the line with ease.