Predicted Playing XI of Sri Lanka in 3rd ODI vs England

Sri Lanka will face England in the third and final ODI of the series at The Kia Oval in London on Sunday, September 27. The series is level at 1-1 after the visitors produced a spirited performance at Headingley to secure a 16-run victory in the second ODI.

Sri Lanka posted 321/6 in Leeds, with captain Kusal Mendis leading the way with a brilliant 121 off 100 balls. Kamindu Mendis also contributed a valuable 54, while Pavan Rathnayake and Janith Liyanage provided late impetus. England were eventually restricted to 305/9 despite Jos Buttler’s fighting 69.

With Sri Lanka now having the momentum heading into the decider, the team management could stick with the combination that delivered the series-levelling win. Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out of the ODI series, meaning Sri Lanka’s current combination is expected to remain largely unchanged.

Here is the predicted playing XI of Sri Lanka for the third ODI against England:

1. Pathum Nissanka

Pathum Nissanka is expected to open the innings for Sri Lanka. The right-hander scored 25 off 33 balls in the second ODI and provided a steady start before being dismissed by Gus Atkinson.

Nissanka’s ability to bat through the powerplay will be important at The Oval. Sri Lanka will hope he can provide a stronger contribution in the series decider.

2. Kamindu Mendis

Kamindu Mendis should continue alongside Nissanka at the top. He played an important innings of 54 from 65 deliveries in the second ODI, helping Sri Lanka recover after losing an early wicket.

His ability to rotate the strike and accelerate when required makes him an important part of Sri Lanka’s batting plans.

3. Kusal Mendis (C & WK)

Kusal Mendis will be the central figure in Sri Lanka’s batting lineup. The captain produced a magnificent 121 off 100 balls in Leeds, smashing 14 fours and three sixes.

His century transformed Sri Lanka’s innings and gave the visitors a competitive total. He will once again lead the side and take responsibility behind the stumps.

4. Pavan Rathnayake

Pavan Rathnayake is likely to retain his place after scoring an aggressive 48 off just 39 balls in the second ODI.

His innings contained two fours and a six and helped Sri Lanka maintain momentum after the dismissal of Kusal Mendis. Another impactful contribution from Rathnayake would strengthen the middle order.

5. Charith Asalanka

Charith Asalanka should continue at No. 5. The left-hander made only 11 in the second ODI, but his experience makes him an important component of Sri Lanka’s middle order.

Asalanka can also provide leadership support to Kusal Mendis and is capable of controlling the tempo of an innings when Sri Lanka lose quick wickets.

6. Janith Liyanage

Janith Liyanage is expected to retain his position after making a useful 32 off 26 balls at Headingley.

His late-innings contribution helped Sri Lanka cross the 300-run mark. Liyanage’s ability to find boundaries against pace makes him a valuable option in the closing stages.

7. Dunith Wellalage

Dunith Wellalage should continue as Sri Lanka’s key spin-bowling all-rounder. He remained unbeaten on 16 from 15 balls in the second ODI and played an important role with the ball.

Wellalage dismissed Tom Banton and Harry Brook during England’s chase, providing Sri Lanka with a crucial middle-overs breakthrough.

8. Sachindu Colombage

Sachindu Colombage is likely to retain his place after featuring in the second ODI. The youngster provides another spin option and adds depth to the lower order.

He remained unbeaten on three in Leeds and could be asked to play a more prominent role with the ball at The Oval.

9. Eshan Malinga

Eshan Malinga should continue as one of Sri Lanka’s frontline pace options. The young seamer is part of the bowling group that successfully defended 321 at Headingley.

His ability to bowl hard lengths and provide variation alongside the more experienced seamers could be useful against England’s aggressive batting lineup.

10. Asitha Fernando

Asitha Fernando is expected to retain his place in the pace attack. The experienced seamer can provide movement with the new ball and has the ability to attack the stumps during the middle overs.

Sri Lanka will need him to maintain pressure on England’s top order, particularly with the hosts likely to attack from the outset.

11. Dilshan Madushanka

Dilshan Madushanka should complete Sri Lanka’s predicted XI. The left-arm quick offers a different angle to the attack and can be particularly dangerous with the new ball.

His ability to swing the ball away from England’s right-handed batters could give Sri Lanka an early wicket-taking option.

Predicted Playing XI of Sri Lanka vs England

Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis (c & wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Sachindu Colombage, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka

Note: This is a predicted XI based on Sri Lanka’s second-ODI combination and the latest available squad/injury information. The official playing XI will be confirmed at the toss.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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