Sri Lanka Predicted Playing XI vs England. [Source - AFP]Sri Lanka will head into the third and final ODI against England with the series still alive after producing a strong comeback in Leeds. The match will be held at Kennington Oval, London, on September 27, with the clash scheduled to begin at 3 PM IST.After losing the opening ODI by 89 runs, Sri Lanka bounced back brilliantly in the second game, posting 321/6 before restricting England to 305/9. Kusal Mendis' 121 led the batting effort, while the bowling unit collectively held its nerve to secure a 16-run victory.With the series level at 1-1, Sri Lanka have little reason to make drastic changes to a combination that delivered in the previous game. Ahead of the decider, here is how their playing XI could line up against England.Openers and Top Order: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (c/wk), Pavan RathnayakePathum Nissanka should retain his place at the top despite not producing a big score in the second ODI. The right-hander made 25 from 33 balls in Leeds and has scored 52 runs across the two matches so far; however, his ability to bat through the new-ball phase makes him an important part of Sri Lanka's top order.Kamil Mishara could continue as the second opener, although his inclusion would represent a change from the batting combination used in the second ODI. The left-hander offers a left-right combination at the top and can provide an aggressive option against England's seamers.Kusal Mendis remains the obvious choice at No. 3 and will captain the side from behind the stumps. He is comfortably Sri Lanka's leading run-scorer in the series, with 163 runs from two innings at an average of 81.50. Pavan Rathnayake should continue at No. 4 after another useful contribution in Leeds. His 48 off 39 balls helped Sri Lanka accelerate during the latter stages, and his part-time off-spin also gives the team another bowling option.Also Read- England Predicted Playing XI vs Sri Lanka - 3rd ODI, 2026Middle Order: Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Dunith WellalageCharith Asalanka has not enjoyed a productive series with the bat, scoring just 12 runs across two innings. However, his off-spin remains valuable in a lineup already built around multiple spin options, making him difficult to leave out.Janith Liyanage should retain his No. 6 position after scoring a brisk 32 off 26 balls in the second ODI. His right-arm medium-fast bowling also adds flexibility to the attack.Dunith Wellalage should remain the No. 7 all-round option. He has already taken four wickets in the series and has scored 61 runs, including an unbeaten 16 in the second ODI. His left-arm orthodox bowling gives Sri Lanka a crucial spin dimension.Bowlers: Sachindu Colombage, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan MadushankaSachindu Colombage has been one of Sri Lanka's most effective bowlers in the series. He has four wickets from two matches and bowled 16 overs across the games. His leg-spin can become particularly important against England's aggressive middle order.Eshan Malinga could return to the XI after being left out of the second ODI. He picked up two wickets in the last match and provides a different pace angle with his right-arm fast-medium bowling.Asitha Fernando has also claimed four wickets in the series and should retain his place as one of Sri Lanka's primary seam options. His ability to attack with the new ball gives the visitors another avenue for early breakthroughs.Dilshan Madushanka completes the attack as the left-arm pace option. He has three wickets in the series and adds variety alongside Fernando and Malinga, particularly with his angle against England's right-hand-heavy batting order.Sri Lanka Predicted Playing XI vs England – 3rd ODI 2026Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (c/wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Sachindu Colombage, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan MadushankaAlso Read- Will Shubman Gill Play India vs West Indies 1st ODI After Elbow Injury? Official Update Issued
