Both teams seek redemption in Rawalpindi after defeats to Pakistan, with England aiming to address their struggles against spin ahead of next year’s World Cup.

RAWALPINDI, October 21, 2026: Sri Lanka will face England in the third match of the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday, October 22, 2026, with both sides looking to recover from defeats against the hosts.

READ MORE: Arafat Minhas stars as Pakistan beat England by 87 runs

The 1:00 pm fixture marks the final match of this leg before the tournament moves to Lahore. Under the double round-robin format, each team faces the others twice, giving both sides an opportunity to avenge their losses.

England suffered a heavy defeat after failing to chase Pakistan’s 302-run target, collapsing from 91 without loss to 215 all out. Several batters wasted promising starts, while Arafat Minhas exposed their vulnerability against spin by taking six wickets.

England will look to strengthen their batting and bowling combinations, with Josh Tongue expected to return to the pace attack. Adil Rashid and Will Jacks remain important options in the spin department.

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will seek to exploit England’s difficulties against slow bowling. Dunith Wellalage, Akila Dananjaya? and Maheesh Theekshana offer potential options to challenge England through the middle overs, while Eshan Malinga impressed with four wickets in the previous match.

READ MORE: Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by 37 runs as Salman Agha hits century

Sri Lanka also need greater consistency at the top of the order and stronger finishing after losing their final five wickets for just 15 runs against Pakistan.

England lead the overall ODI head-to-head 42-39 and won their home series against Sri Lanka last month. However, both teams have struggled at Rawalpindi, adding uncertainty to Thursday’s contest.

The match offers both sides an important opportunity to refine their combinations ahead of the 2027 Cricket World Cup in South Africa.