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: Sri Lanka vs England, 3rd ODI Tri-Series Match Preview
Sri Lanka and England meet in the third match of the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday, October 22. The match is scheduled to begin at 1:30 PM IST and promises to be a crucial early test for two teams looking to get their campaigns back on track.
Pakistan have won both of their opening matches and currently lead the standings. That leaves Sri Lanka and England under pressure to claim their first points, with a place in the final at stake for the top two teams. This guide covers the SL vs ENG Dream11 prediction, likely playing XIs, fantasy captaincy options, match conditions and key players to consider.
Match Details
Match: Sri Lanka vs England, 3rd Match, ODI Tri-Series in Pakistan 2026
Date: Thursday, October 22, 2026
Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
Start time: 1:30 PM IST
Match Preview: Sri Lanka and England Seek a First Win
Sri Lanka will be looking to respond after a 37-run defeat to Pakistan in their opening match. Pakistan scored 305, with Salman Ali Agha anchoring the innings through an impressive 107 from 90 balls. Sri Lanka reached 268 before being bowled out in 48.1 overs.
The chase did show promise. Janith Liyanage and Pavan Rathnayake combined for a valuable 119-run partnership, demonstrating that Sri Lanka can build momentum when their middle order settles in. However, they need contributions earlier in the innings and must avoid leaving too much work for the lower order. Captain and wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis will be central to that effort, while Kamindu Mendis and Liyanage can provide stability and flexibility through the middle overs.
England also arrive after a difficult opening performance, losing to Pakistan by 87 runs. Pakistan made 302 for nine, with Hasan Nawaz scoring 79 and Arafat Minhas adding 59. Minhas then turned the match with the ball, taking six wickets for 40 runs as England were dismissed for 215.
Tom Banton’s 57 and Ben Duckett’s 45 offered England a platform, but the side could not sustain its progress once Pakistan’s bowlers applied pressure. Joe Root, Harry Brook and Banton will be important if England are to avoid another middle-order collapse. Their ability to rotate the strike and build partnerships could prove just as important as boundary hitting on a ground where a substantial total may be required.
SL vs ENG Dream11 Prediction: Fantasy Picks
For fantasy cricket players, this fixture offers options across the top order, all-rounder group and pace attack. Kusal Mendis is a strong wicketkeeper selection because he can contribute with the bat and collect points through catches and stumpings. Root is a dependable batting option, while Banton and Duckett offer attacking potential near the top of England’s order.
All-rounders Sam Curran, Kamindu Mendis and Will Jacks can add value in more than one discipline. Janith Liyanage is another useful pick after his partnership with Rathnayake against Pakistan. Among the bowlers, Gus Atkinson and Eshan Malinga are options for teams seeking wicket-taking potential, while Asitha Fernando and Sonny Baker provide alternatives for a different combination.
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
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 suggested teams are starting points rather than guaranteed combinations. Check the confirmed XIs and toss update before finalising a fantasy side, as late changes can affect player availability and role.
Captain and Vice-Captain Choices
Captain options: Joe Root, Tom Banton
Vice-captain options: Kusal Mendis, Pavan Rathnayake
Root offers the prospect of a substantial innings if England’s top order is tested, while Banton’s recent contribution makes him an appealing alternative. Mendis can earn points both behind the stumps and with the bat. Rathnayake is a higher-upside choice after his productive stand against Pakistan, although fantasy managers should weigh that against the greater uncertainty of a smaller sample of recent performances.
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.
Rawalpindi Pitch and Weather Considerations
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium can offer a good surface for stroke-makers, so batters who get set may be able to score freely. At the same time, bowlers who vary their pace and maintain disciplined lines can create opportunities, particularly when batters are forced to accelerate. The toss could influence tactics: the team batting first may aim to build a competitive total, while the chasing side will need to manage the required rate without losing wickets in clusters.
Specific weather conditions and the latest pitch assessment should be checked closer to match time. Fantasy selections can also be adjusted once the teams confirm their line-ups and the toss provides clues about how the surface is expected to play.
Players to Watch
Joe Root: England’s experienced batter can help steady the innings if early wickets fall and is a strong candidate for a long stay at the crease.
Kusal Mendis: Sri Lanka’s captain carries responsibility as both a top-order batter and wicketkeeper, giving him multiple routes to fantasy points.
Tom Banton: His 57 against Pakistan showed his ability to score at a useful tempo. England will hope he can turn that start into a bigger contribution.
Janith Liyanage: His partnership with Rathnayake was one of the positives from Sri Lanka’s opening match. Another composed innings could help the side avoid a repeat of its earlier chase.
SL vs ENG Match Prediction
Both teams have clear areas to address, but England’s batting depth and range of all-round options give them a slight edge on paper. Sri Lanka can challenge them if their top order builds a platform and their bowlers strike early. The SL vs ENG match prediction leans towards an England victory, though the result may depend on which side handles pressure better in the middle overs.
Fantasy disclaimer: Dream11 selections and match predictions are for informational purposes only. Confirm the final playing XIs before entering a contest, and make choices responsibly.


