Published on: Sep 18, 2026 7:00 pm IST | Updated on: Sep 18, 2026 7:50 am IST
England have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series by winning the first two games quite comprehensively. The two teams will now head into the final game of the series at Old Trafford in Manchester. For Sri Lanka, the series is already lost, but a win in the final game will give them confidence heading into the three-match ODI series set to commence on September 22. Meanwhile, the hosts, England, will be eyeing a clean sweep with a win in the third T20I and enter the ODIs with their tails up. In this post, we have shared free expert tips for the 3rd T20I, ENG vs SL, at the Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester.
Sri Lanka have been disappointing so far in the series. They were actually never in the game in both the fixtures and need to put together a valiant effort to earn a victory in the third game of the series. As far as the hosts England are concerned, they must be eyeing a cleansweep, which will be the cherry on the cake for them. They look possessed to do so and should enter as the favorites in Manchester. Expect the win probability meter to lean in favor of the Englishman. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for the 3rd T20I, ENG vs SL, at the Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester.
ENG: 84% win chance SL: 16% win chance
The English batter has been in terrific form and will look to bank upon the same. After a ton in the opening game, Brook will be eyeing a smooth run in the final game of the series as well.
After scoring a quickfire 21 off 12 deliveries in the opening game of the series, Jacks has made his reputation as a finisher. He will be adding those crucial 20-30 runs lower down the order for England.
The left-hand opener of Sri Lanka holds the key at the top. Pathum will do the quick scoring, whereas Kamil could hold the other end, making him more of a safe bet in this game.
Sri Lanka's designated finisher, the former skipper Dasun Shanaka, can be the difference maker with the bat lower down the order. Expect Dasun to go all guns blazing in this game.
Check out our prediction for the ENG vs SL 3rd T20I at the Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester.
England head into the third and final T20I against Sri Lanka with their sights firmly set on a series whitewash. Having already secured convincing wins by 119 runs and six wickets, the hosts have showcased their dominance across departments and will be eager to finish the job in style.
Skipper Harry Brook has led from the front with his aggressive batting and sharp captaincy, while Jos Buttler’s consistency at the top has provided England with explosive starts. The presence of Will Jacks and Tom Banton adds further depth to the batting lineup, ensuring relentless pressure on the Sri Lankan bowlers. In the bowling department, Adil Rashid’s spin variations, Jofra Archer’s pace, and the promising Sonny Baker remain key weapons to dismantle the opposition.
For England, the motivation is clear, a clean sweep not only reinforces their supremacy in the format but also builds momentum heading into future assignments. With confidence soaring and balance across the squad, Brook’s men look well‑placed to deliver another commanding performance and seal the series 3–0.
Sri Lanka’s T20I campaign against England has been disappointing, with defeats in the first two matches by 119 runs and six wickets respectively. The series result is already sealed, but Charith Asalanka and his men will be determined to salvage pride with a consolation win in the third and final game before shifting focus to the upcoming ODIs.
The batting unit, led by Pathum Nissanka’s consistency and Dasun Shanaka’s experience, must find greater fluency to counter England’s aggressive bowling attack. Youngster Lahiru Udara has shown promise, while the presence of Kamindu Mendis adds depth to the middle order. With the ball, Dushmantha Chameera’s pace and Wanindu Hasaranga’s all‑round brilliance remain crucial weapons if Sri Lanka are to restrict England’s powerful batting lineup.
For Asalanka, the challenge is to inspire his side to play with intent and discipline across departments. A win here would not change the series outcome but would provide much‑needed confidence heading into the ODIs. More importantly, it would allow Sri Lanka to end the T20I leg on a positive note and carry momentum into the next format. Let’s move ahead and check the cricket tips.
Matches Played: 20 SL won: 4 ENG won: 16 No Result: 0 Tied: 0 RECENT form SRI LANKA: L W L L L RECENT form ENGLAND: W W W W W
England and Sri Lanka have now played 20 T20Is, wherein the Englishmen have been the leaders in head-to-head contests, winning 16 games, whereas Sri Lanka have managed only 4 games.
How will the two teams, i.e., England and Sri Lanka, fare in the 3rd T20I? Let’s take a look.
Kamil Mishara (WK), Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Udara, Charith Asalanka (C), Kamindu Mendis/Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madhushanka/Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga
Aneurin Donald, Jos Buttler (WK), Jordan Cox, Harry Brook, Tom Banton, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid, Josh Tongue, Sonny Baker/Saqib Mahmood
Here’s the pitch and weather report for the 3rd T20I match between England and Sri Lanka at the Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester:
With the pitch expected to slow down as the game progresses, captains winning the toss are likely to bat first. Runs on the board have proven decisive at Old Trafford, and a target in the 165–175 range could be match‑winning. Batting first looks the safer option.
The 3rd T20I match of the Sri Lanka tour of England will be live-streamed on the Sony LIV and FANCODE app. TV streaming for this series will be available on Sony Sports Channels.
England will start as the outright favorites ahead of the final T20I. They have already taken an unassailable lead in the series, and a win here will help them secure a cleansweep. Sri Lanka will also look for a win to gain some sort of confidence before heading into the ODIs, but their performance so far doesn’t make their case stronger for the same. Therefore, as per our prediction, the hosts, England, are expected to win the ENG vs SL 3rd T20I match at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester.
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