Sri Lanka and England will face each other in the third and final ODI of the series at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, on Tuesday, January 27. With the series level at 1-1, this match will decide the winner.

Sri Lanka started the series well by winning the first ODI by 19 runs. However, they were unable to take the momentum into the second match. England had a strong comeback in the last match, with Joe Root playing a crucial role in helping his team level the series. Now, the team will have to regroup and perform better in this crucial match.

In the second ODI, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 219 runs after choosing to bat first. Dhananjaya de Silva (40) and Charith Asalanka (45) were the top contributors, but the team lost wickets at regular intervals. While chasing, England stayed calm after an early wicket. Joe Root scored 75, while Ben Duckett added 39, helping England win the match in the 47th over with five wickets remaining.

SL vs ENG: Head-to-Head Record (ODIs)

• Matches Played: 81
• Sri Lanka Won: 38
• England Won: 39
• Tied: 1
• No Result: 3

SL vs ENG: Pitch Report

The pitch at the R Premadasa Stadium has helped spinners, especially as the match progresses. It gets very difficult to bat out of the powerplay, and teams need to build partnerships carefully. The average first-innings score is 230, which shows it is not that easy to score freely, making bowlers a big factor in the game.

See Also: What happens if Pakistan boycott 2026 T20 World Cup?

SL vs ENG: Predicted Playing XIs

Sri Lanka (SL):

Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Dhananjaya de Silva, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Kusal Mendis (wk), Dunith Wellalage, Pramod Madushan, Jeffrey Vandersay, Asitha Fernando

England (ENG):

Joe Root, Rehan Ahmed, Harry Brook (c), Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell,  Jos Buttler (wk), Will Jacks, Sam Curran, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid

Sri Lanka and England will face each other in the second ODI of the three-match series on Saturday, January 24, at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. With Sri Lanka leading the series 1-0, England will be under pressure to win and keep the series alive.

Sri Lanka began this series on a high with a win by 19 runs in the first ODI. Batting first, they put up a competitive total of 271/6, led by a brilliant unbeaten knock from Kusal Mendis, who scored 93. Janith Liyanage also played a useful role in the middle order. With the ball, Sri Lanka held their nerve in the final overs and restricted England despite a good start from their top order.

England also showed promise in the run-chase with half-centuries by Ben Duckett and Joe Root. However, once both batters were dismissed, England lost wickets quickly and failed to recover. The visitors will now look to improve their middle-order performance and level the series.

SL vs ENG: Head-to-Head Record (ODIs)

• Matches Played: 80
• Sri Lanka Won: 38
• England Won: 38
• Tied: 1
• No Result: 3

SL vs ENG: Pitch Report

The Colombo pitch is again expected to favour the spinners. In the first ODI match, the spinners have played a major role, and this might continue in the second game also. Batting becomes tougher as the innings progresses, making partnerships very important. A first-innings score around 230–250 can be competitive at this venue.

See Also: Watch: “Verge of exclusion…”- Bangladesh Sports Advisor reacts to their decision of boycotting T20 World Cup 2026

SL vs ENG: Predicted Playing XIs

Sri Lanka (SL):

Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamil Mishara, Dhananjaya de Silva, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Dunith Wellalage, Pramod Madushan, Jeffrey Vandersay, Asitha Fernando

England (ENG):

Rehan Ahmed, Zak Crawley, Jamie Overton, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid

Charith Asalanka will take charge of Sri Lanka once again in the upcoming three-match ODI series against England. The series will be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The matches are scheduled for January 22, 24, and 27. This marks Asalanka’s return to leadership duties after being relieved as T20 captain earlier.

Asalanka’s recent tour of Pakistan during the T20I tri-series was cut short due to illness. He returned home midway through the series along with fast bowler Asitha Fernando. The left-hander has now recovered and is fully fit. He is expected to be eager to make an impact against England.

Sri Lanka will also benefit from the presence of Dhananjaya de Silva, whose all-round ability adds balance to the side. Wicketkeeper-batter Lahiru Udara, who was part of the ODI squad in Pakistan, misses out this time. The team combination looks settled with a mix of youth and experience.

Key Players and Conditions to Watch in Colombo

Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara are likely to continue as openers for Sri Lanka. Kusal Mendis is expected to bat at number 3, while Sadeera Samarawickrama will play an important role in the middle order. The all-rounders Dunith Wellalage and Wanindu Hasaranga will be important for their team as they will face a strong lineup of England.

See Also: Veteran Sunrisers batter returns as England announces playing XI for first ODI against Sri Lanka

Eshan Malinga and Asitha Fernando are likely to spearhead the attack. Janith Liyanage offers an extra bowling option if needed. With Colombo conditions likely to help spinners, part-time bowlers like Asalanka and Kusal Mendis may also be used. Spin is expected to play a major role in the series.

Sri Lanka ODI squad: Charith Asalanka (Captain), Maheesh Theekshana, Kamil Mishara, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Pathum Nissanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Dhananjaya de Silva, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Kusal Mendis, Jeffrey Vandersay, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Pramod Madushan, Eshan Malinga.

Sri Lanka will take on Pakistan in the second T20I of the three-match series at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Friday, January 9. Pakistan were leading the series 1-0, as they won the opening match by six wickets.

Sri Lanka had a poor start to the tournament, as their batsmen were unable to turn good starts into decent scores. Janith Liyanage looked positive in the first match, but the team was unable to put up a decent score. To keep the series alive, the hosts will need a better batting performance in this match.

Pakistan, however, were impressive in the first match. The bowlers were able to limit Sri Lanka to a low score, while the batters chased down the target of 129 runs with ease. With confidence on their side, Pakistan will look to win again and seal the series.

SL vs PAK: Head-to-Head Record (T20Is)

• Matches Played: 25
  
• Sri Lanka Won: 10
• Pakistan Won: 15
  
• Tied/No Result: 0 

SL vs PAK: Pitch Report

The pitch at Dambulla usually helps teams batting first, but dew can make chasing easier later in the game. In past matches here, both batting first and chasing have worked. Bowlers can get some help early, while batters who settle in can score runs freely.

See Also: BBL 2025-26 Match 28: HUR vs STR head-to-head, pitch report & predicted playing XIs

SL vs PAK: Predicted Playing XIs

Sri Lanka (SL):

Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (WK), Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka (C), Dasun Shanaka, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara

Pakistan (PAK):

Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha (C), Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan (WK), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed

Sri Lanka are all set to return to international cricket this month with a tour of Pakistan that includes a three-match ODI series and a T20I tri-series also featuring Zimbabwe. The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) selectors have named 16-member squads for both formats, with Charith Asalanka taking charge as captain in what will be his first full assignment as skipper across formats.

Asalanka to lead a refreshed Sri Lankan side

The selectors have shown confidence in 27-year-old Charith Asalanka, who has been one of the team’s most reliable middle-order batters in recent years. His calm leadership and consistent form have earned him the responsibility to guide a young Sri Lankan side in both the ODIs and T20Is.

There have been a few forced changes in the squad due to injuries. Left-arm pacer Dilshan Madushanka, a key bowler in recent months, has been ruled out with a knee injury, paving the way for Eshan Malinga to make the ODI squad. Meanwhile, Matheesha Pathirana, who was originally included in the T20I side, has been sidelined as he recovers from an upper respiratory tract infection, with Asitha Fernando replacing him.

Crucial preparation ahead of T20 World Cup

The tour will not only mark Sri Lanka’s return to action but will also serve as valuable preparation ahead of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The upcoming matches will give the selectors a closer look at emerging talents such as Kamil Mishara, Janith Liyanage, and Pavan Rathnayake, who are pushing for permanent places in the white-ball setup.

All-rounders Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana will provide the spin firepower, while Dushmantha Chameera and Asitha Fernando will lead the pace attack.

Pakistan and Zimbabwe to provide strong competition

Pakistan come into the series on the back of a busy home season, having drawn their ODI series against South Africa and won the T20Is 2–1. They also recently reached the Asia Cup final after defeating Sri Lanka in the Super Fours, so the hosts will be full of confidence.

Zimbabwe, meanwhile, have been showing signs of resurgence with their younger squad and will be eager to challenge both subcontinent giants in the tri-series.

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Full Schedule: Sri Lanka tour of Pakistan & T20I Tri-Series

Sri Lanka squads

ODI Squad:
Charith Asalanka (C), Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Udara, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Pramod Madushan, Eshan Malinga.

T20I Squad:
Charith Asalanka (C), Dasun Shanaka (VC), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Kamil Mishara, Kamindu Mendis, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Thushara, Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga.

India kept their unbeaten streak alive in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup 2025 with an exciting Super Over triumph against Sri Lanka in Dubai. The game acted as a dead rubber before the final but turned out to be a thriller after Pathum Nissanka’s stunning century nearly spoiled India’s streak. 

India batted first and made 202/5 which is their highest total of the tournament thus far. Abhishek Sharma gave India a blazing start, scoring 61 runs off 31 balls and hitting seven fours and two sixes. Tilak Varma anchored the middle overs with an unbeaten 49 off 34, while Sanju Samson contributed 24. Sri Lanka picked wickets at regular intervals but could not stop India from crossing the 200-run mark comfortably.

Sri Lanka’s chase was led by Nissanka, who scored his maiden T20I century, and Kusal Perera, who added 54 off 27. Together, they stitched a record 127-run partnership and kept Sri Lanka in the game. However, Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy slowed the scoring in the middle overs, triggering a mini-collapse. The game went down to the final ball, with three runs needed. Nissanka was dismissed first ball of the last over, and Dasun Shanaka managed only two, tying the match at 202. In the Super Over, Arshdeep Singh bowled superbly, dismissing both Perera and Shanaka for just two runs, allowing India to win off the first ball through Suryakumar Yadav’s three-run strike.

IND vs SL: Who Said What?

Suryakumar Yadav (India Captain):

"It felt like a final (laughs). The boys showed a lot of character after the first half in the second innings. Told them to play this like a semi-final. Get everyone close in, have good energy and then let's see what happens. Good to be on the winning side. To have that start, and then someone like Sanju and Tilak batting that way and taking the tempo ahead from where Abhishek left (cannot say from where I left it)…Sanju not opening, going down the order, taking responsibility and Tilak taking confidence and responsibility, that was good to see. Arshdeep has been in that situation a lot of time and he has delivered for us. I only told him to back your own plans and not to think about anything. We are already in the finals, but have your own plans and execute it. I have seen him execute his plans, do really well for India and his IPL franchise. His confidence says it all and no one but Arshdeep for that Super Over. Let's have a good recovery tonight. Let us not think about that (the final) right now. Few boys had a lot of cramps today. Have a good recovery day tomorrow and we will turn up the same way we did today. What I wanted from the boys, just trying to execute their plans, be clear and not to fear, that was really important and I am sure everyone got what they wanted. Happy to be in the final."

Charith Asalanka (Sri Lanka Captain):

"It was a fabulous game and we were in the game until Varun and Kuldeep bowled those middle overs. It was unbelievable batting (from Nissanka), they have some extremely good bowlers and it was really good to see him bat with that attacking approach. Lots of positives from the Asia Cup. We have been playing good cricket and unfortunately we couldn't win in the last 2 games. As a captain, there are a lot of positives to take."

Pakistan produced an all-round performance to beat Sri Lanka by five wickets in their 4 clash of the Asia Cup 2025 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, on Wednesday. Chasing 134, Pakistan crossed the finish line with 12 balls to spare, riding on a match-winning stand between Hussain Talat and Mohammad Nawaz after losing early wickets.

Sri Lanka, asked to bat first, struggled to find rhythm in their innings. Shaheen Shah Afridi struck early, removing Kusal Mendis for a duck and Pathum Nissanka soon after. Kusal Perera’s brief cameo was ended by Haris Rauf, while captain Charith Asalanka and Dasun Shanaka fell in quick succession, leaving Sri Lanka in deep trouble. Kamindu Mendis offered resistance with a well-made 50 off 44 balls, but with little support apart from Wanindu Hasaranga (15) and Chamika Karunaratne (17*), Sri Lanka were restricted to 133/8 in 20 overs. Afridi starred with 3/28, Hussain Talat chipped in with two key strikes, and Abrar Ahmed’s spell of 4-0-8-0 built crucial pressure.

In reply, Pakistan started briskly with Sahibzada Farhan’s 24 off 15 balls and Fakhar Zaman’s 17, but both fell to Maheesh Theekshana in the Powerplay. Hasaranga’s double strike then reduced Pakistan to 57/4, raising Sri Lanka’s hopes. However, Hussain Talat (32 off 30) and Mohammad Nawaz (38* off 24) steadied the chase with a 58-run partnership. Nawaz’s clean hitting in the final overs sealed victory, as Pakistan reached 138/5 in 18 overs.

SL vs PAK: Who Said What?

Hussain Talat (Player of the Match):

It is difficult as it is hot. The conditions were not easy. I took my time. The conditions don't allow you to go full fledged even if you want to play aggressive cricket. The captain and coach talked to me. The plan was go to and attack. But I backed my gut feeling. I wanted to take some time and then felt the boundaries will come. There was a lot of humidity. My energy was low. At the end, we decided he will go for the big shots. I was working on my bowling quite a lot with my bowling coach. I had to back my plan B. If I bowl two good overs, I knew my team will benefit.

See Also: Asia Cup 2025: IND vs BAN Dream11 Prediction Super Four 4th Match Fantasy Cricket Tips, Probable Playing XI

Salman Agha (Pakistan Captain):

I always smile. Can't say it is a perfect game. We lost four wickets in 3 overs. Apart from that, it was a perfect game. We need to stop these. Our fielding coach has been working really hard with him. We have named him Rockstar. Our players have been doing extra on the field. Shaheen has been bowling really well. He is an asset for us. He is a match-winner. We play so many all-rounders as the game nowadays demands that. I know Talat for several years. Really happy for him. Nawaz as a batter has so much potential. Hope both can continue. Abrar has been bowling well. Whenever we are in a difficult situation, I go to him. Hope he can continue like this for many more seasons for Pakistan.

Charith Asalanka (Sri Lanka Captain):

If you lose 5 wickets before the 10th over, it will be hard. The surface was good. They bowled and fielded really well in the first 8-9 overs. We just scored 133. But we didn't give up and fought really hard. Hasaranga is a super star in white ball cricket.

Mohammed Nabi’s incredible innings, including five successive sixes, crunched Afghanistan during the Asia Cup 2025 encounter, over the 165-run mark in their allotted 20 overs of the first innings. It was a score that could have been defended by them if they could bowl well in the right line and length. However, they were irregular with their line and got punished.

In the middle overs when the spinners came into the attack, it was vital for them to pick wickets. Rashid Khan, the captain, had a huge responsibility on his shoulders, and he displayed that with a fine catch on the penultimate delivery of the over.

See Also: [WATCH] Mohammad Nabi smashes five consecutive sixes in 20th over of SL vs AFG Asia Cup 2025 clash

The Sri Lanka captain, Charith Asalanka, smashed a boundary on the second ball of the 15th over and looked to pull Noor Ahmed for another big shot. But he skewed it up in the timing as the ball went flat in the air, where Rashid ran forward from the deep mid-wicket region and slipped in attempting the catch, but still kept it in both hands to provide them the crucial wicket.

Watch: Rashid Khan’s fantastic catch keeps Afghanistan alive in SL vs AFG clash

With the ball, the premier leg spinner gave away only 23 runs in his spell of four overs, but he didn’t get a single wicket, which was a little issue in the area. On the third ball of the 16th over, he nearly injured his shoulder after Kamindu Mendis got a leading edge looking to close the bat face. Rashid attempted a run-out and had nearly made it.

Rashid Khan pulls off a stunner to dismiss fellow captain Charith Asalanka 💥

Watch #SLvAFG LIVE NOW, on the Sony Sports Network TV channels & Sony LIV.#SonySportsNetwork #DPWorldAsiaCup2025 pic.twitter.com/GpbhoShnXu

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 18, 2025

Mendis played a crucial role in helping Sri Lanka and Bangladesh into the Super 4 stage of the event as Afghanistan got eliminated with a six-wicket defeat. The right-handed batter remained unbeaten on 74 runs in 52 balls at a strike rate of 142.31 with the help of 10 boundaries.

He was well supported by Kamindu Mendis from the other end, as the southpaw drilled 26 runs in 13 balls at a strike rate of 200, thanks to two sixes. Noor Ahmed didn’t have a good outing as he finished with 1/37 in three overs.

Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka are set to clash in the decisive third T20I of the three-match series at the Harare Sports Club on Sunday, September 7. With the series locked at 1-1, both teams will be eager to secure victory and take home the trophy. In the second T20I, Zimbabwe won the toss and opted to bowl first, a decision that worked perfectly as Sri Lanka endured a nightmare with the bat, collapsing for just 80 runs in 17.4 overs.

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Brad Evans and Sikandar Raza were the standout performers with the ball, each claiming three wickets to dismantle Sri Lanka’s batting lineup. Chasing a modest target of 81, Zimbabwe faced some resistance but managed to cross the finish line in 14.2 overs, sealing the contest by five wickets. Sikandar Raza’s brilliant all-round display earned him the Player of the Match award, and he will once again be crucial as Zimbabwe aim for a series victory.

Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka, 3rd T20I: Live Streaming Details

Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka, 3rd T20I: Probable Playing XI

Zimbabwe:

Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Sean Williams, Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Tashinga Musekiwa, Tony Munyonga, Brad Evans, Tinotenda Maposa, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani

Sri Lanka:

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamil Mishara, Nuwanidu Fernando, Charith Asalanka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Binura Fernando

Sri Lanka has announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe. Despite the Asia Cup 2025 to follow just a few days after the end of the trip, they have picked a strong 50-over side, perhaps for the preparation of the next ODI World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

Wanindu Hasaranga isn’t part of the three 50-over fixtures, which begin on August 29 and will continue to August 31 and September 03, as all the games will be played at the Harare Sports Club in Harare. The spinner isn’t part of the side in ODIs and is expected to be part of the T20Is, which will be followed by the Asia Cup 2025 a few days later.

See Also: [WATCH] Prithvi Shaw reacts to his love for Chennai after century in Buchi Babu Trophy 2025

Pathum Nissanka has cracked the formats beautifully recently. In 69 ODI innings, the right-handed batter has smashed 2548 runs at an average of nearly 40 and a strike rate of nearly 90 with the help of six centuries and 16 half-centuries at the best score of unbeaten 210 runs.

Sri Lanka rest Wanindu Hasaranga for away Zimbabwe ODIs

The responsibility of the captain will be immense. Leader, Charith Asalanakar, who has now clubbed 2544 runs in 68 innings at an average of 43.86 and a strike rate of 90.88, with five centuries and 16 fifties at the best score of 127 runs, will look to lead the side from the front.  

Maheesh Theekshana who has 77 wickets in 54 ODI innings, at an average of 26.26 and an economy rate of 4.57. He has the skill of handling the new ball beautifully and picking inside the power play. Asitha Fernando has also grown with skills for the new ball bowling.

Sri Lanka will also have Dunith Wellalage and Jeffrey Vandersay to use the old ball in the middle overs. Dushmantha Chameera will be another fast bowler who can use his expressive pace to trouble the batters.

Sri Lanka’s ODI squad for Zimbabwe series

Charith Asalanka (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Nuwaindu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyange, Pavan Rathnayake, Dunith Wellalage, Milan Ratnayake, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Asitha Fernando, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka.