Sri Lanka will take on England in the third and final match of the ongoing three-match T20I series at the Palleke International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, February 3. This match will be crucial for the hosts as they aim to avoid a whitewash of the series ahead of the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup.

England are confident after two consecutive wins to seal the series. This game will test their bench strength as they may look to rest key players. However, both teams have strong line-ups and Palleke offers something that can help the spinners, so a competitive finish to the series is expected.

This article provides the likely line-up for the third T20I between Sri Lanka and England, possible team combinations and key players to watch out for at Palleke.

Your daily dose of cricket!

Sri Lanka vs England, 3rd T20I

Opening match: Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara

Pathum Nissanka, Sri Lanka’s second-highest scorer in the series with 57 runs in two innings, will be looking to provide a good start. Kamil Mishara, who started the first few games, may get another chance. Kusal Pereira is also an option if the team decides to shuffle the roster.

Middle-order batsmen and all-rounders: Kusal Mendis (wk), Charith Asalanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage

Kusal Mendis is Sri Lanka’s leading scorer in the series with 69 runs and is crucial at number three. The team may bring in Kamindu Mendis to replace Janith Liyanage to strengthen the center position.

Charith Asalanka will dominate the innings while captain Dasun Shanaka and Wanindu Hasaranga provide finishing firepower and all-round value. Pavan Rathnayake scored 40 points off 22 balls in the latest match.

Bowlers: Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana

Dushmantha Chameera is expected to enter the starting XI, replacing Eshan Malinga who was injured in the last match. Mathesha Pathirana will continue to lead the death bowling attack.

The spin department will be looked after by Hasaranga and Dunith Wellalage, who are expected to feature at Pallekele.

Sri Lanka starting lineup: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Charith Asalanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (center), Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Werarachi (C) Wellalage), Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana.

England vs Sri Lanka, 3rd T20I

Opener: Phil Salt and Jos Buttler (week)

England are likely to open with Phil Salter and Jos Buttler. Salter has had a quiet series so far, but remains a dangerous player eager to move forward. Buttler provides aggressive batting at the top and can also play long innings.

Mid-order and all-rounders: Jacob Bethell, Harry Brooke (c), Tom Banton, Will Jacks, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton

Harry Brooke remained unbeaten on 36 off 12 balls in the last match. The British captain will serve as the main force of the squadron. Tom Banton, along with all-rounders Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Jacob Bethell and Will Jacks, add depth and balance, allowing England to bat deep.

Bowlers: Luke Wood, Rehan Ahmed

England may rest their key bowlers with the series already won. Jofra Archer could make way for Luke Wood to manage his workload. Adil Rashid is also likely to be rested, paving the way for young leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed to get game time.

England starting lineup: Phil Salt, Will Jacks, Jos Butler (wk), Harry Brook (c), Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton, Luke Wood, Rehan Ahmed.

England arrive full of confidence after two convincing DLS wins, but the third T20I is Sri Lanka’s chance to break their losing streak. England’s rotation policy may give the hosts a glimmer of a chance.