England vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20I Predictions - record-breaking Buttler teed up for big finish

Simon Lewis

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Last updated: 34 minutes ago

Simon Lewis 34 minutes ago

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England have won their last six T20Is on the bounce.
Sri Lanka have suffered three heavy T20I defeats in a row.
Sri Lanka will need to post well over 180 at Old Trafford if they hope to challenge England for a morale-boosting win.

Jos Buttler has scored 15,000 runs in T20 cricket (Getty Images).

England vs Sri Lanka Predictions

England secured the series by taking a 2-0 lead in the three-match series, with Buttler making history by racking up his 15,000th T20 run, the first player to hit that statistical landmark.

England vs Sri Lanka Predictions
Head-to-Head
England Form
Sri Lanka Form
Team news

England’s Jos Buttler has scored 33, 23, 80 & 30 in his last 4 knocks.
England’s Harry Brook has scores of 75, 114* & 23 in his last 3 innings.
England’s Liam Dawson took 2/23 & 3/32 in the first 2 T20Is.
Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka has scored 23 & 37 in his last 3 matches.
Sri Lanka’s Charith Asalanka has scores of 23 & 31 in his last 3 innings.
Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga has taken 5 wickets in his last 5 matches.

Head-to-Head

England have won their last five T20Is against Sri Lanka.

England Form

England head to Old Trafford with the series already secured after two emphatic victories and another chance to complete a clean sweep. Their latest success in Cardiff was built on an aggressive chase, with Tom Banton unbeaten on 52 from 24 balls as England reached 146/4 in just 12.1 overs.

Harry Brook has led from the front throughout the series, while Jos Buttler and Aneurin Donald have given the innings strong starts. England’s depth has also stood out, with contributions arriving throughout the order.

The bowling unit has been equally impressive. Liam Dawson’s 3/32 in Cardiff swung the match after Sri Lanka had raced to 56/0, while Jamie Overton and Sonny Baker continued to apply pressure.

England have now won 22 of their last 25 completed T20Is and 14 successive matches against Sri Lanka, underlining their dominance heading into the finale.

Sri Lanka Form

Sri Lanka face the final T20I needing a major response after being comprehensively outplayed in the opening two matches. Their biggest frustration in Cardiff was wasting a strong start, having reached 56/0 before collapsing to 145/9.

Pathum Nissanka again looked threatening with 37 from 21 balls, while Lahiru Udara contributed 21, but the middle order failed to maintain momentum once Liam Dawson struck twice in quick succession.

That pattern has summed up the series: promising passages have not translated into complete performances. Sri Lanka’s attack has also struggled to contain England’s power hitters, with the hosts comfortably chasing in both matches.

Wanindu Hasaranga and the rest of the bowling group will need far greater control if they are to avoid a 3-0 defeat. The final match at Old Trafford therefore becomes a test of pride, discipline and whether Sri Lanka can finally sustain pressure across an entire innings.

Team news

Despite making changes to their side Sri Lanka have taken a hammering from England and are unlikely to offer much resistance in the final match of the series.

England (possible XI): Jos Buttler, Aneurin Donald, Harry Brook (c), Tom Banton, James Coles, Jordan Cox, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid, Josh Tongue, Sonny Baker.

Sri Lanka (possible XI): Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Lahiru Udara, Charith Asalanka (C), Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chaamera, Tharindu Ratnayake, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga.

Verdict

England v Sri Lanka

England are the firm favourites to take the win to complete a 3-0 series win. Harry Brook is in great form, but record-breaking Jos Buttler is backed to top score on his home turf. Liam Dawson, Liam Dawson and Wanindu Hasaranga are also backed to star with bat and ball.

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