SL vs ENG Dream11 Prediction, 3rd Match, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Playing XI, Injury Updates, Pitch Report for Pakistan ODI Tri-Series

SL vs ENG Dream11 Prediction, 3rd ODI: Fantasy Cricket Tips, Playing XI, Injury Updates & Pitch Report

Match Preview

Sri Lanka will take on England in the third match of the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday, October 22.

Both teams are yet to open their accounts in the series after losing their respective opening matches against Pakistan. Sri Lanka suffered a 37-run defeat, while England went down by 87 runs. Both sides will now be desperate to bounce back and secure their first victory of the tournament.

Sri Lanka will rely on their experienced batting lineup to deliver a stronger performance. Pavan Rathnayake was one of the standout performers in the opening match, scoring an impressive 79 runs against Pakistan. Kusal Mendis and Joe Liyanage will also be important contributors as Sri Lanka look to build a competitive total.

The Sri Lankan bowling attack will need to improve its overall performance, although Eshan Malinga provided a major positive by claiming four wickets in the opening match. Asitha Fernando and Dushmantha Madushanka could also play important roles with the new ball.

Meanwhile, England will be eager to recover from their heavy defeat against Pakistan. Harry Brook’s team has several experienced batters capable of changing the game, including Joe Root, Tom Banton, and Will Jacks. Root scored 33 runs in the opening match and will be looking to make a bigger contribution against Sri Lanka.

England’s bowling attack also has promising options. Sonny Baker picked up three wickets against Pakistan and will be keen to continue his impressive form. Adil Rashid could prove crucial during the middle overs with his ability to control the scoring rate and take wickets.

With both teams under pressure to register their first victory, the match promises to be a competitive contest. England enter the game as the predicted favourites, but Sri Lanka have enough quality to challenge them if their batting and bowling units perform together.

Match Information

Match: Sri Lanka vs England, 3rd ODI
Tournament: Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026
Date: Thursday, October 22, 2026
Time: 1:30 PM IST
Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
Series Status: Both teams are yet to win a match

SL vs ENG Pitch Report

Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is generally considered a batting-friendly venue in ODI cricket, offering a good surface and consistent bounce that allow batters to play their shots freely.

The pitch is expected to support stroke-making, particularly when batters settle in and build their innings. However, fast bowlers could find some assistance with the new ball, making the opening overs important for both teams.

Spinners may become influential during the middle overs as they look to restrict the scoring rate and create wicket-taking opportunities. Batters who maintain their composure and rotate the strike effectively should be able to build substantial innings.

An average first-innings score of around 255 is expected. Fantasy players should consider top-order batters alongside bowlers who have demonstrated wicket-taking ability.

Pitch Type: Balanced
Average First Innings Score: 255

Weather Report

The weather in Rawalpindi is expected to remain mostly clear, providing favourable conditions for the third ODI. No major weather interruptions are indicated in the supplied forecast, so a full match is expected.

Probable Playing XI

Sri Lanka

Avishka Fernando, Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Pathum Nissanka, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis (C), Sachindu Colombage, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka

Bench: LU Igalagamage, Kamil Mishara, Dushmantha Chameera, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana

England

Gus Atkinson, Tom Banton, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook (C), Jordan Cox, Will Jacks, Sam Curran, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Sonny Baker

Bench: Liam Dawson, James Coles, Mason Crane, Josh Tongue, Henry Crocombe

Injury News

There are no confirmed injury updates available in the supplied information for either team. Both sides are expected to have their available players to choose from, but fantasy players should check the final playing XIs after the toss.

Captain and Vice-Captain Picks

Harry Brook

Harry Brook is a potential captaincy option for the SL vs ENG Dream11 team. Although he scored only five runs in England’s opening match against Pakistan, the England captain has the ability to deliver a substantial innings. His aggressive batting style makes him an interesting option for fantasy players expecting a strong comeback.

Kusal Mendis

Kusal Mendis is another captaincy candidate worth considering. The Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter scored 18 runs against Pakistan and will be eager to make a bigger contribution in this contest. His experience and ability to accelerate during the middle overs could make him a valuable fantasy selection.

Top Fantasy Picks

Joe Root

Joe Root scored 33 runs in England’s opening match against Pakistan. The experienced batter is known for his ability to build an innings and maintain consistency in ODI cricket. With Rawalpindi expected to offer good batting conditions, Root could be one of England’s most reliable fantasy options.

Pavan Rathnayake

Pavan Rathnayake impressed with 79 runs in Sri Lanka’s opening match against Pakistan. His ability to contribute a substantial score makes him one of the strongest batting picks for this contest. He will be eager to continue his form and help Sri Lanka secure their first win of the series.

Budget Picks

Sonny Baker

Sonny Baker picked up three wickets against Pakistan and will be a valuable bowling option for England. His ability to take wickets makes him an attractive fantasy selection, particularly if he receives assistance from the surface with the new ball.

Eshan Malinga

Eshan Malinga claimed four wickets against Pakistan and was one of Sri Lanka’s standout performers in the opening match. He will be crucial to Sri Lanka’s bowling plans and could provide significant fantasy points through his wicket-taking ability.

Players to Avoid

Mason Crane

Mason Crane is listed among England’s bench players in the supplied squad information. Unless he is confirmed in the starting XI, selecting him could carry unnecessary fantasy risk.

Dunith Wellalage

Dunith Wellalage is listed among Sri Lanka’s substitutes in the supplied team details. Fantasy players should avoid selecting him unless he is confirmed in the final playing XI.

Dream11 Prediction Team (Small League)

Wicketkeeper: Kusal Mendis

Batters: Sahan Arachchige, Pavan Rathnayake (VC), Harry Brook, Joe Root (C), Tom Banton

All-rounders: Dasun Shanaka, Janith Liyanage, Sam Curran

Bowlers: Asitha Fernando, Adil Rashid

Dream11 Prediction Team (Mega League)

Wicketkeeper: Kusal Mendis

Batters: Pavan Rathnayake (VC), Tom Banton, Will Jacks, Jordan Cox

All-rounders: Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis (C), Jamie Overton, Sam Curran

Bowlers: Eshan Malinga, Sonny Baker

The Small League combination focuses on established batters and all-round contributors, while the Mega League team includes several players who could deliver high returns through aggressive batting or wicket-taking performances.

Fantasy Tip: Confirm the final playing XIs before the toss. Select only players who are expected to feature in the match, and adjust your captain and vice-captain choices according to the final team combinations.

Match Prediction

Sri Lanka and England will both be eager to register their first victory in the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026 after losing their opening matches against Pakistan.

Sri Lanka will take confidence from Pavan Rathnayake’s impressive 79-run innings and Eshan Malinga’s four-wicket haul. If their key players repeat those performances, they could put England under pressure.

England, meanwhile, have a strong batting lineup featuring Joe Root, Harry Brook, Tom Banton, and Will Jacks. Sonny Baker’s three-wicket performance in the previous match also provides encouragement for their bowling attack.

Although both teams have the potential to win, England are the predicted favourites based on the supplied win prediction. Their batting depth and all-round options could give them an advantage in the contest.

Prediction: England are likely to win the 3rd ODI against Sri Lanka.

FAQs

1. Who are the best captain picks for SL vs ENG Dream11?

Harry Brook and Kusal Mendis are captaincy options worth considering. Pavan Rathnayake and Joe Root are also strong alternatives based on their batting potential.

2. Who are the best budget picks for SL vs ENG Dream11?

Sonny Baker and Eshan Malinga are valuable bowling options. Baker took three wickets against Pakistan, while Malinga claimed four wickets in Sri Lanka’s opening match.

3. What is the pitch report for the SL vs ENG 3rd ODI?

Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is expected to offer balanced conditions with good bounce for batters. Fast bowlers could receive assistance with the new ball, while spinners may be important during the middle overs.

4. Who is likely to win the SL vs ENG 3rd ODI?

England are the predicted favourites to win the match, although Sri Lanka could challenge them if their key batters and bowlers perform well.

5. What is the expected first-innings score at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium?

The average first-innings score is expected to be around 255, making top-order batters and wicket-taking bowlers important fantasy considerations.