England vs Sri Lanka – 3rd T20 International Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is England vs Sri Lanka taking place? Saturday 26th June, 2021 – 14:30 (UK)
Where is England vs Sri Lanka taking place? Ageas Bowl, Southampton
What is the expected weather for England vs Sri Lanka? 18c in mostly cloudy skies
What channel is England vs Sri Lanka on? The match will be televised live on Sky Sports Cricket
Where can I stream England vs Sri Lanka? The match can be streamed live via SkyGo
LAST MEETING
England beat Sri Lanka by 5 wickets (DLS method)
THE TEAM NEWS
ENGLAND
- England were not as dominant as they were in the first game but they still did enough to seal the victory in their second contest and with it, they secured the series win but they will want to complete the whitewash in this third and final match.
- The hosts lost two wickets before ten runs were even on the board as they chased down a total of 112 to win and things did not improve with England finding themselves at 36/4 at one point.
- Liam Livingstone steadied the ship as he made 29* to help England to victory in a rain-affected game with the Lancashire man doing his chances of cementing a spot in the side no harm while Mark Wood and Adil Rashid took two wickets apiece with the ball.
SRI LANKA
- Sri Lanka showed some signs of improvement with the ball but it was ultimately not enough as their batting woes prevented the tourists from posting a big enough total to cause England any real issues in their second clash of the series.
- Both openers fell cheaply and despite a rally from third-wicket pairing Kusal Perera and Kusal Mendis with them putting on a half-century stand, the tourists could only manage a measly 111/7.
- Despite taking four early wickets to put themselves in a strong position, the Sri Lankans could not capitalise and allowed England back into the game although they will be buoyed by the efforts of Wanindu Hasaranga who finished with figures of 2-20.
THE PREDICTION
England sealed the series success with victory in game two against
Sri Lanka at Sofia Gardens but they will want to finish the job by
completing the whitewash in this third and final game. They will move on
to the Ageas Bowl in a change of scenery and for the hosts, they may
look to tinker with their side once again. David Willey bowled well
without taking a wicket in the second contest between the two sides with
his efforts highlighting England’s strength in depth. Their options have been impacted with the loss of Jos Buttler to injury but some changes are expected again with the series already in the bag. England did not have it all their own way in Thursday's game but showed
their class to seal the win and another is likely here. They have
twice chased down a total to win but if they are to set a total this time around, they can post the highest score of the series so
far by amassing at least 165 runs.
