England vs Sri Lanka 3rd ODI Preview: Buttler Ruled Out as Series Decider Set for The Oval

England and Sri Lanka head into the final ODI with the series level at 1-1 after the visitors produced a strong comeback at Headingley. The decider will take place at The Kia Oval on Sunday, September 27, with both teams looking to finish the series with a victory.

The England vs Sri Lanka 3rd ODI is scheduled to begin at 2:30 PM PKT. England will have to adjust their combination after Jos Buttler was ruled out with a hamstring injury, while Sri Lanka will look to build on their second-ODI performance.

England vs Sri Lanka 3rd ODI Preview

England started the ODI series strongly at Chester-le-Street, winning the opener by 89 runs. Will Jacks played a major role with both bat and ball, scoring 46 and then taking 5 wickets for 22 runs as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 176.

The second ODI at Headingley followed a very different script. Kusal Mendis struck 121 from 100 balls to help Sri Lanka reach 321/6. England appeared in control during their chase after Tom Banton and Ben Duckett added 143 for the opening wicket, but Dunith Wellalage changed the contest with three wickets.

Jos Buttler then appeared set to take England home before suffering a left hamstring injury. He returned late in the innings but could not complete the chase, leaving England on 305/9 and Sri Lanka with a 16-run victory.

Key Match Details

• Match: England vs Sri Lanka, 3rd ODI
• Venue: The Kia Oval, London
• Date: Sunday, September 27, 2026
• Time: 2:30 PM PKT
• Series: Three-match ODI series
• Series Score: 1-1

England vs Sri Lanka Last 2 ODIs Summary

1st ODI: England Take Early Series Lead

England started the series with an 89-run victory at Chester-le-Street after posting 265 all out. Will Jacks made 46 before producing a brilliant 5/22, helping England bowl Sri Lanka out for 176. His all-round contribution gave the hosts a 1-0 lead.

2nd ODI: Sri Lanka Level the Series

Sri Lanka responded at Headingley through a superb 121 from captain Kusal Mendis, which helped them reach 321/6. England's chase began strongly as Tom Banton and Ben Duckett added 143 for the first wicket, but Dunith Wellalage removed both openers and Harry Brook to shift the momentum. Jos Buttler battled through a hamstring injury to make 69, but England finished on 305/9 as Sri Lanka won by 16 runs to level the series 1-1.

The Oval Pitch and Conditions

The Kia Oval generally offers a good batting surface with reliable bounce, which should allow stroke-makers to play their shots once they settle. However, the earlier start could provide some assistance to seamers through movement and moisture.

England will need to balance their aggressive batting approach with greater control against spin. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, could rely heavily on their slow-bowling options during the middle overs, particularly after Wellalage's decisive spell in Leeds.

England vs Sri Lanka 3rd ODI Predicted Playing XIs

England Expected XI

Tom Banton, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook (C), Jordan Cox, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue

Sri Lanka Expected XI

Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis (C), Pavan Rathnayake, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Sachindu Colombage, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka

England vs Sri Lanka 3rd ODI Key Player Battles

Jofra Archer vs Kusal Mendis

Kusal Mendis enters the decider after producing one of the defining innings of the series. His 121 at Headingley showed his ability to attack the bowling, but Archer's pace and bounce will provide a completely different challenge at The Oval.

Dunith Wellalage vs Joe Root

Wellalage played a major role in Sri Lanka's second-ODI victory, removing both England openers before dismissing Harry Brook. Root's experience against spin could become crucial if Wellalage again controls the middle overs.

Watch England vs Sri Lanka 3rd ODI on tapmad

Cricket fans can follow the ENG vs SL 3rd ODI live on tapmad and keep up with the series finale at The Kia Oval. The platform provides live cricket coverage along with access to important match moments and highlights.