SL vs ENG Preview | Sri Lanka look to avoid whitewash against England in last look-out before World Cup

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On February 3, Sri Lanka and England will play the third and final match of the T20I series at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. England has already won the series 2-0, but for Sri Lanka, this match remains important in terms of form and preparation for the World Cup.

The third T20I concludes the series between Sri Lanka and England, which is being played entirely in Paleleekele. England proved stronger in the first two matches and handled key moments at the end of innings better. Sri Lanka lost both matches, although they controlled the game at certain moments. The main problem for the Sri Lankan team remains weak run-scoring in the middle of the innings and the loss of wickets.

For England, this game is important as an opportunity to test combinations and maintain their winning momentum ahead of the next rounds of the season.

Form Guide

Over the past few months, Sri Lanka has played a series of matches against Pakistan and England and shown inconsistent results. The team often starts innings well but then loses momentum in the middle overs. The opening pair does not always get off to a good start, and the finish of the innings remains weak. In matches against England, the team was unable to defend its totals.

England looks like a more cohesive team. In recent matches, they have played well in the chase and confidently used the depth of their squad. The middle order consistently supports run-scoring, and the bowlers keep the pressure on in the powerplay and at the end of the innings.

Sri Lanka: L L W L L

England: NR W NR W W

Sri Lanka vs England Head-to-Head

In recent years, England has had the upper hand over Sri Lanka in head-to-head T20I matches. The English team tends to win more often thanks to a more stable batting order and better control in the middle innings.

Sri Lanka 4-12 England

Pitch and Weather

The match will be played at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. This pitch is suitable for batting at the start of the innings, when the ball comes off the bat well. As the game progresses, the surface becomes slightly slower, and spin bowlers get more help.

Warm weather is expected, around 28-30C. High humidity is possible, but no rain is expected. Dew may appear in the evening.

The team that wins the toss will most likely choose to bowl first in order to chase in more favorable conditions later.

Team News

The Sri Lankan team continues to rely on spin attack and fast bowlers at the end of innings. Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana remain key players in the middle overs. The team expects a more consistent start from Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera as openers. Matheesha Pathirana and Dushmantha Chameera will be responsible for the powerplay and death overs.

England are not planning any major changes in this series. Phil Salt and Jos Buttler form an aggressive start to the innings. Harry Brook continues to lead the middle order and control the run-scoring pace. Sam Curran provides a balance between batting and bowling, while Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson are responsible for spin in the middle of the innings.

Sri Lanka (Probable XI): Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Perera (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Dushmantha Chameera, Dunith Wellalage

England (Probable XI): Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook (c), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton, Luke Wood, Adil Rashid

Broadcasting Platforms

The Sri Lanka vs England 3rd T20I match will be available live on Sony Sports, Ten Cricket, Sony Sports Network sports channels, as well as online streaming on Sony LIV and FanCode platforms.