England will face Sri Lanka in the third match of the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday, October 22. Both teams will be looking to register their first victory in the tri-series after losing their opening matches against Pakistan.
England will aim to recover from their batting collapse in the previous game, while Sri Lanka will look to improve their performance after falling short in their opening fixture. Based on recent ODI results and squad depth, England enter this contest with a slight advantage.
SL vs ENG Match Details
Series: Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026
Date: Thursday, October 22, 2026
Time: 1:30 PM IST / 1:00 PM Pakistan Standard Time
Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
Live Streaming: Check the broadcaster details below
Sri Lanka vs England Match Preview
Sri Lanka began their campaign against Pakistan on October 18 and lost by 37 runs. They will need a stronger batting performance to challenge England, particularly if the pitch offers good conditions for stroke-making.
England also suffered a defeat against Pakistan, losing by 87 runs on October 20. After making a promising start to their chase, England lost wickets in quick succession and were dismissed for 215 while pursuing a target of 303.
The result exposed England's difficulties against Pakistan's spin attack. Captain Harry Brook and the middle order will be expected to respond with a more disciplined performance against Sri Lanka.
England's batting depth gives them a route to victory, but Sri Lanka have experienced players who can turn the match around if they build partnerships and take early wickets.
SL vs ENG Head-to-Head Record in ODIs
England have a narrow overall advantage in ODI cricket against Sri Lanka. According to the available head-to-head record, the teams have met 81 times.
Head-to-head record | Matches |
|---|---|
Total matches | 81 |
England wins | 40 |
Sri Lanka wins | 37 |
Tied | 1 |
No result | 3 |
England's recent results against Sri Lanka have also been competitive. In their September 2026 ODI series, England won the first match by 89 runs, Sri Lanka won the second by 16 runs, and England won the third by 223 runs.
Sri Lanka vs England: Last Five ODI Results
Sri Lanka – Recent Results
Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
September 27, 2026 | England | Lost by 223 runs |
September 24, 2026 | England | Won by 16 runs |
September 22, 2026 | England | Lost by 89 runs |
January 27, 2026 | England | Lost by 53 runs |
January 24, 2026 | England | Lost by 5 wickets |
England – Recent Results
Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
October 20, 2026 | Pakistan | Lost by 87 runs |
September 27, 2026 | Sri Lanka | Won by 223 runs |
September 24, 2026 | Sri Lanka | Lost by 16 runs |
September 22, 2026 | Sri Lanka | Won by 89 runs |
January 27, 2026 | Sri Lanka | Won by 53 runs |
These results show that England have won four of the five listed matches, while Sri Lanka have won one. However, recent form is only one factor, and conditions in Rawalpindi could influence the outcome.
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium Pitch Report
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium can provide a good batting surface, allowing players to play their shots once they settle at the crease. Batters who manage the new ball and rotate the strike effectively could build substantial innings.
Fast bowlers may find some assistance early on, while spinners could become important during the middle overs. England's recent struggles against Pakistan's spin attack make their approach against Sri Lanka's slower bowlers worth watching.
The toss could influence the teams' decisions, but the final assessment should take account of the match-day pitch and weather conditions.
SL vs ENG Probable Playing XIs
The following are probable XIs, not officially confirmed line-ups. Final selections may change after the toss.
Sri Lanka Probable Playing XI
Pathum Nissanka
Avishka Fernando
Kamil Mishara
Kusal Mendis (captain and wicketkeeper)
Pavan Rathnayake
Kamindu Mendis
Dasun Shanaka
Dunith Wellalage
Maheesh Theekshana
Eshan Malinga
Dushmantha Chameera
England Probable Playing XI
Ben Duckett
Joe Root
Harry Brook (captain)
Jordan Cox (wicketkeeper)
Sam Curran
Jamie Overton
Liam Dawson
Adil Rashid
Josh Tongue
Both teams have additional squad options available. The final XIs should be updated after the official team announcements.
SL vs ENG Live Streaming Details
Broadcast and streaming availability varies by country. The following options have been announced or reported for the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series:
Pakistan: PTV Sports; streaming on PCB Live, Tapmad and Tamasha.
United Kingdom and Ireland: Sky Sports and NOW.
India: Check official broadcaster and streaming-platform announcements before the match.
Other countries: Check local sports broadcasters or the official PCB coverage information.
Fans should confirm regional availability and subscription requirements before the start of play.
Key Players to Watch
Sri Lanka
Kusal Mendis: The Sri Lankan captain's performance at the top of the middle order could be important in setting up a competitive total or guiding a chase.
Pavan Rathnayake: Rathnayake is one of the batting options Sri Lanka will look to for a substantial contribution.
Eshan Malinga: His ability to take wickets and control the scoring rate could help Sri Lanka put pressure on England's batting line-up.
England
Joe Root: Root's experience and ability to build an innings make him an important player in England's recovery.
Harry Brook: England's captain will need to provide stability and help the team avoid another middle-order collapse.
Adil Rashid: Rashid's leg-spin could be a key factor, particularly if the pitch offers assistance to spin bowling.
SL vs ENG Match Prediction: Who Will Win?
England have a slight advantage heading into the third ODI of the Pakistan Tri-Series 2026. Their recent ODI record against Sri Lanka has been stronger, and they possess batting depth alongside experienced bowling options.
However, England must improve their shot selection and partnerships after their defeat to Pakistan. Sri Lanka will have a chance if their top order produces a strong performance and their bowlers take wickets during the powerplay.
Match prediction: England to win.
Predicted winner: England
This prediction is based on recent results, squad strength and the available match information. It is not a guarantee; the toss, final playing XIs and match-day conditions could affect the outcome.
