Sri Lanka Cricket team [Source: AFP]Sri Lanka will have one final opportunity to salvage something from the T20I series when they meet England in the third and final match at Southampton on September 19.The visitors have already surrendered the series after England followed their 119-run win in the opener with a six-wicket victory in Cardiff. Sri Lanka managed only 135 in the first game and then failed to defend 145 in the second, leaving Charith Asalanka's side searching for answers with both bat and ball.With the series already decided, Sri Lanka could use the final game to assess a couple of alternatives from their squad. The core of the XI is likely to remain intact, but Dunith Wellalage could come into contention after his useful 33-run knock in the opening match. Here is the predicted Sri Lanka playing XI for the third T20I.Openers and Top Order: Pathum Nissanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Charith Asalanka (C), Kamindu MendisPathum Nissanka should retain his place at the top of the order after showing some of Sri Lanka's best intent with the bat during the series. He scored a brisk 37 off 21 balls in Cardiff, including four fours and a six, and currently leads Sri Lanka's run charts with 49 runs from two innings.Pavan Rathnayake could be given an opportunity to partner Nissanka at the top. Kamil Mishara has managed only 10 runs across his two innings and was dismissed for a first-ball duck in the second T20I. With the series already lost, Sri Lanka could look towards Rathnayake to provide a fresh option in the final game.Captain Charith Asalanka will continue at No. 3. The left-hander has not produced a major score yet, but his 31 off 31 in the second T20I made him Sri Lanka's second-highest scorer. His experience will remain important in a batting unit that has struggled to build substantial partnerships.Kamindu Mendis should follow at No. 4. He scored a quick 12 off eight balls in Cardiff and remains one of Sri Lanka's more flexible players, capable of contributing with both bat and ball.Also Read- [Watch] Theekshana And Wellalage Fight For Ball Of The Tournament With 2 Magical DeliveriesMiddle Order and All-Rounders: Lahiru Udara (WK), Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith WellalageLahiru Udara is expected to continue as the wicketkeeper and move into the middle order after opening in the second T20I. He scored 21 off 20 balls but could be used differently if Rathnayake is promoted to the top.Wanindu Hasaranga remains a key part of the middle order and the bowling attack. His 27 off 22 balls was Sri Lanka's third-highest score in Cardiff, while he also picked up Harry Brook's wicket. Dunith Wellalage could replace Tharindu Ratnayake in the XI for the final match. Wellalage made an immediate impact in the series opener, scoring 33 off just 21 balls with four fours and two sixes. He also claimed a wicket, although his three overs cost 51 runs. His left-arm spin and batting ability could give Sri Lanka an additional dimension.Bowlers: Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga, Dilshan Madushanka, Maheesh TheekshanaDushmantha Chameera should lead the pace attack. He has taken two wickets in the series, including Jos Buttler in the second T20I, although his seven overs across the first two games have cost 82 runs.Eshan Malinga is another likely starter after featuring in both matches. He removed Aneurin Donald in Cardiff and has two wickets in the series. His pace could be particularly important against England's aggressive top order.Dilshan Madushanka should also return to the attack after conceding 22 runs from his two overs in Cardiff without taking a wicket. His left-arm angle gives Sri Lanka variation alongside Chameera and Malinga.Maheesh Theekshana could come into the XI in place of Ratnayake, giving Asalanka another specialist spin option. Theekshana played the opening game but was left out in Cardiff. With England's batting lineup packed with right-handers, his powerplay and middle-over bowling could be useful.Sri Lanka Playing XI vs England – 3rd T20I, 2026Pathum Nissanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Charith Asalanka (C), Kamindu Mendis, Lahiru Udara (WK), Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Eshan Malinga, Dilshan Madushanka, Maheesh TheekshanaAlso Read- Nasser Husaain Picks World's 2 Best Batters, No Indian Listed
