![Sri Lanka predicted XI vs England [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1793177842538_SriLankaODI.jpg?type=hq)
Sri Lanka predicted XI vs England [Source: AFP]
Sri Lanka take on England in the 6th ODI of the tri-series in Pakistan after already securing a place in the final against the hosts. The final match ahead of the final will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium on October 29 at 1:30 PM (IST).
This is after the Lankans chased down a mammoth 430 in their clash against England in Rawalpindi. They followed it up by beating Pakistan in Lahore in their last fixture to make it to the final, while the winless England eyes to salvage a win in the deadrubber game. Here's a quick look at Sri Lanka's predicted XI for the match.
Top Order- Kamindu Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (c) (wk)
There are two openers in Kamil Mishara and Lahiru Udara, who haven't played in the series, and considering this is a dead-rubber, they could be in the reckoning for the final match of the series. However, Kamindu Mendis and Avishka Fernando are still settling in as a pair, so the Lankan management would ideally give them more time together.
Chasing 111 vs Pakistan, Kamindu scored 62 off 60 with 8 fours and two sixes, while Fernando scored 97 off 83 in their last match against England. Captain and wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis will be the number 3. He has had a poor series, but was also unfortunate with a couple of dismissals, but the batter had also scored a century vs England earlier in 2026.
Middle Order and Allrounders- Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage
Sri Lanka boast a deep batting lineup, extending to number 8. Pavan Rathnayake likes playing against England — both his ODI tons have come against them, including 130(106) in the last encounter. He averages 54 against them in 7 ODIs. He will be followed by a fluid 5, 6, 7 of Sahan Arachchige, Janith Liyanage and Dasun Shanaka.
Off-spin bowling allrounder, Arachchige is new to ODI cricket, with 105 runs in 5 innings, but has over 3200 List A runs and 84 wickets, making him a complete package. Liyanage played a blinder of 61*(27) in their 430 chase, closing the match with a six and Dasun Shanaka will add pace-bowling and power hitting as a senior finisher, after a 97 vs England in the chase.
Sri Lanka can try out Maheesh Theekshana, who has been warming the bench in the series, but Dunith Wellalage bowled only 2 overs for 1/4 in the last match and would fancy a chance at 50 ODI wickets in this match, having clinched 48 scalps in 39 games so ar.
Bowlers- Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madhushanka
Sri Lanka have a rich variety in their frontline pace attack. In Eshan Malinga, they have a right-arm pacer, who brings a unique slingy angle to the attack, alongside conventional right-arm pace of Asitha Fernando, who will open the new-ball attack for them and finally a left-arm pace angle in Dilshan Madhushanka.
Settling in as a trio, all three bowlers have fared well in the series. Malinga has picked 5 wickets in 3 innings at an economy rate of just over 6 runs per over. Asitha Fernando is also sitting on 5 wickets at an economy rate of 6.19 runs per over, while Madhushanka, who is coming off a 5/34 in the last ODI against Pakistan has 7 scalps in 3 matches.
There could be a temptation to add Dushmantha Chameera in the playing XI and give him some fifty-over game-time, with the final coming up. Nonetheless, the initial feelings look like they will have an unchanged XI.
Sri Lanka Playing XI vs England- 5th ODI, 2026
Kamindu Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (c) (wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madhushanka.
