Sri Lanka vs England ODI Dream11 Prediction 3rd ODI: fantasy picks, probable XI, Captain, Vice-Captain

The Sri Lanka vs England ODI Dream11 Prediction for the third match of the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026 centres on batting opportunity, bowling workload and the ability to contribute throughout a 50-over contest. The match takes place at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on 22 October, with a scheduled start of 1:30 PM IST. Both sides need a response after losing their opening fixtures against Pakistan, making role clarity particularly important when building a fantasy team.

Sri Lanka’s first match offered encouraging signs from Pavan Rathnayake and Janith Liyanage, who helped rebuild the innings after early wickets. Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis remain important batting considerations, while Dasun Shanaka can add value if his responsibilities with the bat and ball are substantial. Pathum Nissanka’s fitness status needs special attention before selection.

England’s defeat highlighted two different fantasy stories. Ben Duckett and Tom Banton helped establish a strong start, but England then lost wickets in clusters. Joe Root remains an option for a longer innings, while Sam Curran and Adil Rashid could be valuable if their bowling workloads are secure.

Rawalpindi’s ODI conditions can reward batters who settle in, while the new ball and middle overs can provide wicket-taking opportunities. The final team should balance top-order batting with bowlers who are likely to complete meaningful spells. Treat the probable combinations below as provisional and confirm the official playing XIs before entering a contest.

Sri Lanka vs England Match Details

Recent ODI Fantasy-Relevant Form

Sri Lanka Recent Form

Sri Lanka lost their opening match to Pakistan by 37 runs after being bowled out for 268 while chasing 306. Pavan Rathnayake and Janith Liyanage were the most productive batters in that innings, while Kamindu Mendis also contributed during the recovery.

England Recent Form

England’s previous match against Pakistan ended in an 87-run defeat. The team began its chase positively, but a middle-order collapse prevented it from reaching the target.

The recent results favour players who can handle pressure after the first few wickets. Rathnayake and Liyanage showed that Sri Lanka can rebuild an innings, while England’s top-order start was encouraging despite the eventual collapse. Avoid judging a player only by the team’s result; batting position and expected involvement remain more useful selection criteria.

Probable Playing XI and Availability

These are provisional selections based on the announced squads and available team information. They are not confirmed playing XIs.

Sri Lanka Probable XI

Availability watch: Pathum Nissanka was named in Sri Lanka’s squad subject to medical fitness. Do not select him unless his availability and inclusion in the playing XI are confirmed. Sachindu Colombage and Dushmantha Chameera are also squad options.

England Probable XI

England have additional options in Sonny Baker, James Coles, Mason Crane, Henry Crocombe and Josh Tongue. The final balance may change depending on conditions and the team’s preferred combination. Confirm the wicketkeeping assignment and batting order after the toss rather than assuming that every player listed will start.

ODI Fantasy Pitch and Venue Analysis

Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium has generally offered competitive ODI scoring conditions, with a surface that can allow batters to play through the line once they settle. Recent venue data indicates an average first-innings score of around 260 in ODIs played since 2020, although conditions and match situations can change that expectation. Chasing has also been productive at the ground in recent years.

For fantasy selection, top-order batters who can build an innings deserve attention, but the new-ball bowlers should not be overlooked. Sri Lanka’s seamers can be useful if they find early movement, while England’s attack will need to contain the scoring during the opening overs. Spinners and slower bowlers may become important in the middle overs as batters look to maintain momentum.

A balanced team is preferable to loading up exclusively on batters or bowlers. Prioritise those with clear roles and a reasonable chance of completing their expected workload.

Also Check: England vs Sri Lanka Head to Head in ODI – Records, Team & Players Stats

Player-by-Player Fantasy Analysis

Wicketkeepers

Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka)

Kusal is an important selection because of his position in Sri Lanka’s batting order and his wicketkeeping responsibilities. He scored 18 in the opening match, so the immediate priority is whether he can spend longer at the crease. His dual role gives him more than one possible source of fantasy contribution, although a slow start or early dismissal would limit his return.

Tom Banton (England)

Banton’s opening role and recent 57-run innings make him one of England’s wicketkeeper options to consider. He can provide useful batting opportunity before the field spreads, but the final wicketkeeping assignment should be checked. If his batting position changes, compare his likely involvement with Kusal Mendis before selecting both.

Jordan Cox (England)

Cox is a secondary option whose selection depends on England’s final combination and wicketkeeping arrangement. If he bats low in the order, he may have fewer opportunities than Banton or Root. Avoid choosing him simply to add a second wicketkeeper unless the final XI and his role support it.

Batters

Joe Root (England)

Root is a strong Captain candidate because ODI batting rewards players who can manage risk, rotate strike and build a long innings. His value is not dependent on a rapid start; he can accumulate runs through the middle overs and accelerate later. The main risk is that he may receive fewer deliveries if England’s top order dominates or the innings loses wickets quickly.

Ben Duckett (England)

Duckett’s place near the top of the order creates a clear opportunity to face a substantial share of the innings. His aggressive approach can help a fantasy team if England make another strong start, though he carries the usual risk of an early dismissal. He is worth considering as a core batter when his opening role is confirmed.

Harry Brook (England)

Brook’s batting position makes him relevant, but his previous match ended in a collapse after England’s opening partnership. He remains a possible selection because he can influence the innings in the middle order. For fantasy purposes, compare his expected time at the crease with Root’s more established innings-building role before making a Captain decision.

Pavan Rathnayake (Sri Lanka)

Rathnayake was Sri Lanka’s leading scorer in the opening game, making him one of the more attractive batting choices for this match. His innings showed an ability to build a partnership and score at a useful rate. The challenge is repeating that contribution against a different attack; one strong performance should support consideration, not guarantee selection.

Janith Liyanage (Sri Lanka)

Liyanage’s 60-run innings demonstrated his ability to bat through the middle overs. His value improves if he retains a position that gives him time to settle and build a partnership. He is a useful alternative to selecting only Sri Lanka’s more familiar names, although his batting opportunity still depends on how the top order performs.

All-Rounders

Sam Curran (England)

Curran is attractive when England give him a meaningful bowling workload alongside a realistic batting opportunity. His value can fall if his batting position is too low and his overs are limited, so his role matters more than the all-rounder label alone. Check the confirmed combination and likely use of England’s seamers before placing him in the main team.

Dasun Shanaka (Sri Lanka)

Shanaka can provide lower-middle-order batting and an additional bowling option, but his expected overs should not be assumed. He scored 28 in Sri Lanka’s first match and can be useful if the innings requires acceleration. Consider him when his role offers a credible chance to contribute in both disciplines.

Kamindu Mendis (Sri Lanka)

Kamindu made 44 in the opening match and can provide stability through the middle order. His fantasy appeal depends on his batting opportunity and whether Sri Lanka use him for meaningful overs. Treat him primarily as a batting option unless his bowling role is clear.

Dunith Wellalage (Sri Lanka)

Wellalage is worth considering if Sri Lanka expect him to bowl regularly. Left-arm spin can be useful during the middle overs, when batters are trying to keep the scoreboard moving without taking excessive risks. His batting contribution is an additional consideration, but should not be the main reason for selection without a confirmed role.

Will Jacks (England)

Jacks becomes more attractive if England expect him to contribute with both bat and ball. His batting position may limit the number of deliveries he faces, so his bowling involvement is important to the selection decision. Avoid assuming he will complete a full spell simply because he is listed as an all-rounder.

Bowlers

Eshan Malinga (Sri Lanka)

Malinga’s four-wicket performance in the opening match makes him worth monitoring. The important question is whether he can maintain a substantial bowling workload and create chances against England’s top order. He is a candidate for the main XI if selected, but do not expect another four-wicket haul simply because he performed well last time.

Asitha Fernando (Sri Lanka)

Asitha took three wickets in the opening match and could be useful if he again receives a significant spell. He may offer value with the new ball and through the middle of the innings, depending on the captain’s plan. His previous economy should be considered alongside his wicket-taking contribution rather than viewed in isolation.

Dilshan Madushanka (Sri Lanka)

Madushanka can be considered if he is selected and receives an opening spell. Left-arm pace can create a different angle against England’s top order, particularly in the first ten overs. His appeal depends on the conditions and whether Sri Lanka use him for a substantial workload.

Adil Rashid (England)

Rashid is an important middle-over option because his leg-spin can create wicket-taking opportunities when batters try to accelerate. His selection is particularly relevant if England expect spin to play a role on the surface. He is a more attractive pick when his workload is secure than when England choose a pace-heavy combination.

Gus Atkinson (England)

Atkinson is worth considering if he receives the new ball and a substantial spell. Early wickets can make a significant difference in ODI fantasy scoring, but the selection case weakens if England reduce his role or leave him out. Confirm his inclusion and likely bowling responsibilities after the toss.

Josh Tongue (England)

Tongue is an alternative pace option if England select him. His appeal depends on whether he receives a meaningful spell, especially during the early overs. Avoid including him in the fixed team if his selection is uncertain or if England choose a different combination.

Safe Fantasy Picks

These are relatively attractive choices based on their roles and recent involvement. None is guaranteed to perform, and the list should be reviewed after the toss.

The strongest combination should mix established batting opportunity with bowlers expected to deliver meaningful spells. If any player is omitted from the final XI, replace them with a confirmed player who has a clearly defined role.

Differential Picks

These are role-based differential ideas, not claims about fantasy ownership. Use them when the confirmed XI and expected workload support the selection rather than simply choosing less familiar players.

Players to Avoid and Fantasy Risks

These are not judgments about the players’ ability. The concern is the possibility of limited involvement or uncertain selection in this particular match. If the official XI confirms a player and establishes a useful role, reassess rather than automatically excluding them.

Captain Options

Captain Option 1 – Joe Root

Root is the preferred Captain for a team built around batting reliability. His ability to rotate strike, build partnerships and remain at the crease for a substantial part of an ODI gives him an opportunity to accumulate runs without needing an unusually fast start. That is particularly useful in a 50-over format, where a long innings can outweigh a brief burst of boundaries.

The risk is that he could be dismissed early or have limited opportunity if England’s innings takes a different shape. Even so, his role makes him a sensible first choice if he is confirmed in the top order.

Captain Option 2 – Pavan Rathnayake

Rathnayake is an alternative Captain for fantasy players looking to build around Sri Lanka’s batting. His recent 79 showed that he can play a substantial innings and accelerate when needed. If Sri Lanka are to post a competitive total, a contribution from their middle order could be important.

The concern is sample size: one strong innings does not establish consistent form. He is a higher-variance alternative to Root and should be considered with that risk in mind.

Vice-Captain Options

Vice-Captain Option 1 – Kusal Mendis

Kusal is a reasonable Vice-Captain when his top-order position and wicketkeeping role are confirmed. His batting opportunity can increase if Sri Lanka lose an early wicket, while his work behind the stumps creates additional chances to contribute. The main risk is that he has not yet produced a substantial innings in this tournament.

Vice-Captain Option 2 – Sam Curran

Curran offers a different approach because his potential contribution can come through both batting and bowling. He becomes more attractive if England use him for a meaningful spell and he has a realistic opportunity to bat. If either responsibility is reduced, his appeal falls, so check the final combination before choosing him as Vice-Captain.

Also Check: England vs Sri Lanka Prediction, 3rd ODI, Pakistan Tri-Series 2026

Suggested Fantasy XI

Captain: Joe Root
Vice-Captain: Kusal Mendis

Before finalizing: Confirm that both wicketkeepers are selected and that their fantasy roles are correctly listed on the platform. If a bowler or all-rounder is left out, replace them with a confirmed player who is expected to have a meaningful role. Do not retain an uncertain player just to preserve the combination.

ODI Fantasy Team Strategy

This team combines four batters with two all-rounders and three specialist bowlers, alongside two wicketkeepers. The main idea is to give priority to players who could influence a substantial portion of a 50-over innings rather than relying only on quick cameos.

Root and Duckett provide England batting coverage, while Rathnayake and Liyanage are included because they have recently shown they can build an innings for Sri Lanka. Kusal Mendis adds wicketkeeping involvement, and Banton is included for his top-order opportunity if selected. Curran and Shanaka add balance, but their value depends on the actual overs they are expected to bowl.

Rashid is selected for his middle-over wicket-taking role, while Malinga and Asitha are included for their potential bowling workload. The main risk is that England’s final XI or Sri Lanka’s batting order could differ from the provisional combinations. Root is the Captain for his innings-building potential, with Kusal as Vice-Captain because of his batting and wicketkeeping roles. Confirm the final XI before entering a contest.

Final ODI Dream11 Recommendation

For the Sri Lanka vs England ODI Dream11 Prediction, Joe Root is the preferred Captain because his batting style suits the longer format, while Kusal Mendis is the Vice-Captain if his place and wicketkeeping role are confirmed. Pavan Rathnayake is a worthwhile alternative for teams seeking a less obvious Captain, and Eshan Malinga deserves consideration after his recent wicket-taking performance.

Do not overlook the importance of bowling workload. Rashid, Asitha Fernando and Malinga are useful candidates if selected for meaningful spells, while Sam Curran’s appeal depends on his expected contribution in both disciplines. Pathum Nissanka should remain outside the main XI unless his fitness and availability are confirmed. The safest approach is to prioritize confirmed players with defined roles and avoid building the team around uncertain selections.

Fantasy Disclaimer

Fantasy cricket involves risk and depends on player performance, playing XI selection, match conditions and other factors. These suggestions are for informational purposes only and do not guarantee fantasy points, winnings or returns. Please check the confirmed playing XI before finalizing your team.

Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricketwebs on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Legal Disclaimer: All content is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Cricketwebs does not promote betting or gambling.