![Sri Lanka playing XI vs England. [Source - AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1792571726533_SriLankaplayingXIvsEngland.jpg?type=hq)
Sri Lanka playing XI vs England. [Source - AFP]
Sri Lanka and England will face each other in the third ODI of the ongoing tri-series in Pakistan on Thursday, October 22. The match will begin at 1:30 PM IST at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Both teams have played one match each in the series and suffered defeats against Pakistan. As both teams will be eager to bounce back with a win, let’s take a look at Sri Lanka’s predicted playing XI for the third ODI against England on Thursday, October 22.
Top Order – Avishka Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis (c/wk)
Avishka Fernando is expected to get another opportunity at the top in Sri Lanka's predicted playing XI vs England, after scoring five runs in the opening game. He has scored 1,594 ODI runs at an average of 31.25 in his ODI career so far.
Kamindu Mendis scored 44 in the previous game but failed to convert his start into a big score. Averaging 27.2 in ODIs this year, he will hope to improve his numbers while opening the innings in this match.
Kusal Mendis will bat at No. 3 alongside being the captain and the wicket-keeper. As Sri Lanka’s leading ODI run-scorer this year, he has amassed 427 runs at an average of 61, including a recent century against England.
Middle Order And All-Rounders – Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage
Pavan Rathnayake is expected to bat at No. 4 after scoring 79 in the previous game. He will be keen to build on that performance and provide stability to Sri Lanka’s middle-order against England.
Sahan Arachchige managed just three runs in the previous match but is likely to retain his place in Sri Lanka's predicted playing XI vs England. He has one ODI half-century in four career innings so far.
Janith Liyanage played a crucial role in the previous game, scoring 60 off 74 balls. Expected to bat at No. 6, he will look to continue his promising form and strengthen Sri Lanka’s middle order against England.
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Dasun Shanaka is expected to slot in at No. 7 as Sri Lanka’s finishing option and an important all-rounder. Back in the ODI setup, he will look to provide late-order runs and contribute with the ball when required.
Dunith Wellalage could replace Sachindu Colombage after missing the previous game. The left-arm spinner may strengthen Sri Lanka’s bowling attack, particularly after England losing 6 wickets to Arafat Minhas in the last game.
Bowlers– Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga
Dushmantha Chameera missed the opening match but is expected to return to Sri Lanka’s predicted playing XI against England. His pace and experience will strengthen the attack as Sri Lanka look to bounce back in the ODI Tri-series.
Asitha Fernando is the leading ODI wicket-taker for Sri Lanka this year, with 13 wickets in eight matches. He also claimed 3/59 in the previous game and will be crucial to Sri Lanka’s pace attack against England.
Eshan Malinga claimed 4/56 in the previous game and is expected to retain his place as Sri Lanka’s third pacer. He will be important in the middle-overs and at the death against England in Rawalpindi.
Sri Lanka Playing XI vs England – 3rd ODI, Pakistan Tri-Series 2026
Avishka Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis (C)(WK), Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, and Eshan Malinga.
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