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England vs Sri Lanka 3rd ODI Predictions - Buttler to take England to 2-1 series triumph

Simon Lewis

Editor

Last updated: 26 Sep 2026

Simon Lewis 26 Sep 2026

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England’s three-match winning streak ended with a 16-run defeat to Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka’s batters were brilliant in setting up victory in the 2nd ODI.
We should be in for plenty of runs as the Kennington Oval track is batting-friendly but sides batting second have been more successful, so the toss could be an important factor.

Expired

Jos Buttler is in great form with the bat (Getty Images).

Sri Lanka have found form at the perfect moment to challenge a strong England side for what would be a momentous series win. England’s consistency and Sri Lanka’s inconsistent top order has me backing the hosts to take the win.

England’s Jos Buttler has scored 80, 30, 62*, 31 & 69 in his last 5 knocks.
England’s Ben Duckett has scores of 32 & 67 in his last 2 innings.
England’s Will Jacks has taken 7 wickets in 3 innings.
Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis has scored 50, 42 & 121 in his last 3 knocks.
Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis has scores of 35 & 54 in his last 3 innings.
Sri Lanka’s Dunith Wellalage took 3/49 against England in the 2nd ODI.

Head-to-Head

England have won three and lost two of their last five ODIs against Sri Lanka, although the visitors one the most recent meeting to level the three-match series at 1-1.

England Form

England head into the ODI series decider looking to bounce back from a 16-run defeat at Leeds, where they fell short of Sri Lanka’s imposing 321/6 despite an encouraging batting performance.

Tom Banton and Ben Duckett gave the hosts an excellent platform with a 143-run opening partnership. Banton top-scored with 73, while Duckett contributed 67, but quick wickets allowed Sri Lanka back into the contest. Jos Buttler then struck an aggressive 69 from 49 deliveries, with Will Jacks adding 52, as England eventually finished on 305/9.

The bowling attack will need to improve after struggling to contain Sri Lanka on a good batting surface. Rehan Ahmed and Gus Atkinson claimed two wickets apiece, while Jofra Archer collected one.

England have demonstrated considerable batting depth throughout the series, but tighter bowling and better execution during the closing overs will be essential if they are to secure the series victory.

Sri Lanka Form

Sri Lanka have given themselves an opportunity to claim the ODI series after producing an impressive all-round performance in their 16-run victory at Leeds. The tourists posted 321/6 before restricting England to 305/9, levelling the series at 1-1.

Captain Kusal Mendis led from the front with a superb 121 from 100 deliveries, striking 14 fours and three sixes. Kamindu Mendis contributed 54, while Pavan Rathnayake added 48 as Sri Lanka maintained their scoring momentum. Janith Liyanage chipped in with 32 and Pathum Nissanka made 25.

Their bowling unit then delivered under pressure despite England’s strong start. Dunith Wellalage was the standout performer with 3/49, while Dilshan Madushanka and Eshan Malinga claimed two wickets each.

Having struggled during the T20I series, Sri Lanka have found renewed confidence in the longer format. Another substantial contribution from their top order could put England under considerable pressure in the decider.

Team News

England (possible XI): Tom Banton, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook (c), Jos Buttler, Will Jacks, Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue

Sri Lanka (possible XI): Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis (c), Pavan Rathnayake, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Sachindu Colombage, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka.

Verdict

England v Sri Lanka 3rd ODI

England are tipped to clinch the series at 2-1 with low odds of 1.11. Jos Buttler and Kusal Mendis have been incredibly consistent with the bat, while Will Jacks and Dunith Wellalage have both devastated their opponents’ batting in the series.

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