SL vs ENG Dream11 Prediction Today Match, Dream11 Team Today, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Playing XI, Pitch Report, Injury Update- ODI Tri Series in Pakistan 2026, Match 3

SL vs ENG Dream11 Prediction, Match Preview and Fantasy Cricket Tips: 3rd ODI Tri-Series Match

Sri Lanka and England meet in the third match of the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday, 22 October. The match is scheduled to begin at 1:30 PM IST. Both teams are looking for their first win of the tournament, making this an important fixture in the race to reach the final.

Pakistan have made the strongest start, winning both of their opening matches. With only the top two sides progressing, Sri Lanka and England cannot afford another defeat. This guide covers the SL vs ENG Dream11 prediction, likely playing XIs, key fantasy picks, match conditions and a winner prediction. Fantasy selections are suggestions rather than guarantees, so check the confirmed team news before the toss.

SL vs ENG Match Details

Match: Sri Lanka vs England, 3rd ODI Tri-Series match
Date: 22 October 2026
Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
Start time: 1:30 PM IST

Match Preview: Sri Lanka and England Seek a Reset

Sri Lanka enter the contest after a 37-run loss to Pakistan. Chasing 306, they were bowled out for 268 in 48.1 overs. Janith Liyanage and Pavan Rathnayake gave the chase life with a valuable 119-run partnership, but Sri Lanka could not sustain the momentum once Pakistan’s bowlers broke through. Their challenge is to build partnerships earlier and avoid leaving too much work for the lower order.

England also struggled against Pakistan, losing by 87 runs. Pakistan made 302/9, with Hasan Nawaz scoring 79 and Arafat Minhas adding 59. Minhas then took 6/40 as England were dismissed for 215. Tom Banton’s 57 and Ben Duckett’s 45 offered resistance, but England’s innings lost direction after the early stages.

The match could turn on how both sides handle the middle overs. Sri Lanka have several batting options, but their top order will need to set a stable platform. England, meanwhile, will look to Joe Root, Harry Brook and Banton to steady the innings and prevent another collapse. With both teams under pressure, a disciplined start with the ball could be just as important as a big batting performance.

Rawalpindi Pitch and Weather Considerations

Rawalpindi is generally associated with a good batting surface, where stroke-makers can score freely once they settle. The ground’s conditions can also reward bowlers who vary their pace and hit consistent lengths. In a one-day match, the new ball may offer a useful early opportunity for seamers, while spinners could become important as the innings progresses.

Captains may weigh the value of batting first against the possibility of chasing under changing conditions. A competitive total will depend on preserving wickets through the middle overs and accelerating at the right time. Weather and pitch conditions can shift, so fantasy players should review the latest forecast and toss information before finalising a team.

Predicted Playing XIs

Sri Lanka

Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (captain and wicketkeeper), Kamindu Mendis, Pavan Rathnayake, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka.

England

Ben Duckett, Tom Banton (wicketkeeper), Joe Root, Harry Brook (captain), Jordan Cox, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson, Adil Rashid, Sonny Baker.

These are predicted line-ups and may change once the teams announce their final XIs. Confirm player availability and batting positions after the toss.

SL vs ENG Dream11 Prediction: Fantasy Picks

For fantasy cricket, a balanced team can include top-order batters, versatile all-rounders and bowlers likely to play a role across the innings. Kusal Mendis offers wicketkeeping points alongside his batting, while Joe Root is a dependable option for anchoring an ODI innings. Ben Duckett and Tom Banton can provide attacking potential, and Pavan Rathnayake arrives after an encouraging contribution against Pakistan.

All-rounders are especially useful in fantasy formats because they can earn points with both bat and ball. Sam Curran, Kamindu Mendis, Will Jacks and Janith Liyanage are possible selections, subject to their expected roles. Among the bowlers, Gus Atkinson and Eshan Malinga offer pace options, while Asitha Fernando and Sonny Baker could be considered in an alternative combination.

Suggested Dream11 Team 1

Wicketkeeper: Kusal Mendis (vice-captain)
Batters: Joe Root, Ben Duckett, Tom Banton (captain), Pavan Rathnayake
All-rounders: Sam Curran, Kamindu Mendis, Will Jacks, Janith Liyanage
Bowlers: Gus Atkinson, Eshan Malinga

Suggested Dream11 Team 2

Wicketkeeper: Kusal Mendis
Batters: Joe Root (captain), Ben Duckett, Tom Banton, Pavan Rathnayake (vice-captain)
All-rounders: Sam Curran, Kamindu Mendis, Will Jacks, Janith Liyanage
Bowlers: Asitha Fernando, Sonny Baker

These teams are starting points, not fixed selections. Consider adjusting them based on the toss, confirmed XI, batting order and any late injury updates. Avoid choosing players solely on reputation: recent role and expected involvement are important in fantasy cricket.

Captain and Vice-Captain Choices

Captain options: Joe Root, Tom Banton
Vice-captain options: Kusal Mendis, Pavan Rathnayake

Root can be a steady captaincy choice because his role often places him at the centre of England’s innings. Banton offers a more attacking alternative, while Mendis and Rathnayake could provide value if Sri Lanka’s batting unit responds well after its opening defeat. Captain and vice-captain choices carry extra fantasy weight, so consider the match conditions and confirmed batting positions.

Players to Monitor and Fantasy Advice

Before locking in a team, check whether each selected player is in the final XI and whether their role matches your expectations. A batter promoted up the order may have more opportunity than one expected to come in late. Likewise, all-rounders who are likely to bowl several overs can offer a broader route to fantasy points.

Do not overfill your team with players from one side simply because of a single recent performance. Pakistan’s matches have shown that conditions can favour different contributors, and this fixture may develop differently. Use a balanced combination, keep an eye on the toss and treat any Dream11 prediction as informed analysis—not a certainty.

SL vs ENG Match Winner Prediction

England are the predicted winners based on the available team combination, with experienced batters and multiple all-round options in their lineup. However, their heavy defeat to Pakistan exposed a need for greater composure in the middle order. Sri Lanka also have the players to compete, particularly if their top order builds a strong platform and their bowlers strike early.

Overall, England may hold a slight edge on paper, but the outcome could depend on which side adapts more effectively to Rawalpindi and handles pressure in the middle overs. For fantasy players, a balanced SL vs ENG Dream11 prediction that reflects both teams’ key contributors is the safer approach.