Sri Lanka and England face off in a high-stakes decider as the third and final ODI determines the winner of a closely fought series in Colombo. With the series locked at 1-1, both sides enter the contest with clear plans built around spin, patience, and middle-order stability.
Match Details
Sri Lanka vs England, 3rd ODI
England tour of Sri Lanka 2026
Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Venue: R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Start Time: 2:30 pm IST, 2:00 pm PST, 9:30 am GMT
Series Overview
The three-match ODI series has delivered competitive cricket and contrasting performances. Sri Lanka started strongly with a disciplined all-round display to secure a 19-run win in the opening match, using home conditions smartly and applying pressure through spin in the middle overs. England responded in the second ODI with a composed chase led by Joe Root, whose controlled aggression and experience helped the visitors level the series and keep the contest alive.
With momentum swinging between the two teams, the decider shapes up as a tactical battle rather than a high-scoring shootout. Both teams understand the conditions well now, and execution under pressure will decide the outcome.
Sri Lanka Team Overview
Sri Lanka have looked settled across departments, especially with the ball. Their spinners have consistently dictated terms, while the batting unit has shown the ability to post competitive totals despite challenging surfaces. Pathum Nissanka remains key at the top, setting the tone in the powerplay, while Kusal Mendis provides flexibility and intent in the middle order.
Captain Charith Asalanka’s role is central in stabilising innings and rotating strike against spin. The presence of all-rounders like Dhananjaya de Silva and Dunith Wellalage gives Sri Lanka depth and balance. With the ball, Jeffrey Vandersay and Wellalage form a strong spin pairing, supported by Pramod Madushan and Asitha Fernando with the new ball.
England Team Overview
England have adapted well after early struggles in the series. Joe Root’s form has been the standout, anchoring the batting with clarity and calm. Ben Duckett and Rehan Ahmed add aggression at the top, while captain Harry Brook continues to grow into his leadership role.
Jos Buttler’s experience in finishing chases remains vital, and the all-round options of Sam Curran and Will Jacks provide flexibility in both batting and bowling combinations. England’s spin trio of Adil Rashid, Rehan Ahmed, and Liam Dawson becomes crucial on a surface that rewards control and variation rather than pace.
Pitch Report: R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
The Colombo pitch has once again underlined its reputation as a spinner-friendly venue. In the opening match, spinners claimed the majority of wickets, and the surface slowed considerably after the powerplay. Batting becomes tougher as the match progresses, placing a premium on partnerships and strike rotation. The average first-innings score of around 230 at this venue reflects the difficulty of scoring freely, making decision-making at the toss extremely important.
Head-to-Head ODI Record
Sri Lanka and England have shared a long and competitive ODI rivalry.
Matches played: 81
Sri Lanka wins: 38
England wins: 39
Tied: 1
No result: 3
The numbers highlight how evenly matched the teams have been historically, a trend that has continued in this series.
Probable Playing XIs
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wicketkeeper), Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka (captain), Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Dunith Wellalage, Pramod Madushan, Jeffrey Vandersay, Asitha Fernando.
England: Rehan Ahmed, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (captain), Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper), Will Jacks, Sam Curran, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid.
Live Streaming and Broadcast Information
The third ODI will be broadcast live on Sony Sports Network on television. Digital streaming will be available on SonyLIV and FanCode apps and websites for viewers in India and Pakistan. In the United Kingdom, the match will be available through official England cricket broadcast partners on TV and digital platforms. Australian viewers can watch via licensed sports broadcasters and streaming services carrying international cricket, while global audiences can follow the match through regional official broadcasters and ICC-approved streaming platforms.
Match Prediction
Given the nature of the surface and trends from the first two matches, the team batting first holds a slight advantage. Setting a target allows spinners to operate with scoreboard pressure, which has proven effective at this venue. Sri Lanka may hold an edge if they bat first due to their familiarity with conditions, while England’s chances improve significantly if Joe Root anchors the innings and their spinners strike early. Expect a low to mid-scoring contest decided by middle-over control rather than explosive hitting.
