• Home
  • Cricket

England vs Sri Lanka 3rd ODI Betting Tips - England to bounce back in series decider

ralph-staniforth
Editor
Last updated: Sat 26 Sep 2026 08:46
The ODI series between England and Sri Lanka is set for a thrilling decider after Sri Lanka's all-round display evened the score at 1-1. England, led by the consistent Jos Buttler and with deep batting, are tipped to edge the series. Key player matchups include Buttler and Will Jacks for England, and Kusal Mendis and Dunith Wellalage for Sri Lanka. While England are strong favorites, the toss and another strong Sri Lankan batting display could prove decisive. Updated lineups and predictions are provided.
Ralph Staniforth 2 hours ago
Share this article
Or copy link
  • Series tied 1-1 after Sri Lanka’s impressive win at Leeds.
  • Jos Buttler and Kusal Mendis are standout performers.
  • England tipped to win but Sri Lanka’s top order poses threat.
Jos Buttler
Jos Buttler is in great form with the bat (Getty Images).

Sri Lanka were sublime in the second ODI to draw level and now go into this series decider with a chance of an unlikely series win. We are sticking with England but the toss could prove key here.

Key Stats - Buttler In Solid Form


  • England’s Jos Buttler has scored 80, 30, 62*, 31 & 69 in his last 5 knocks.
  • England’s Ben Duckett has scores of 32 & 67 in his last 2 innings.
  • England’s Will Jacks has taken 7 wickets in 3 innings.
  • Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis has scored 50, 42 & 121 in his last 3 knocks.
  • Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis has scores of 35 & 54 in his last 3 innings.
  • Sri Lanka’s Dunith Wellalage took 3/49 against England in the 2nd ODI.

Series Level


England have won three and lost two of their last five ODIs against Sri Lanka. 

England Fell Short Last Time Out


England head into the ODI series decider looking to bounce back from a 16-run defeat at Leeds, where they fell short of Sri Lanka’s imposing 321/6 despite an encouraging batting performance.

Tom Banton and Ben Duckett gave the hosts an excellent platform with a 143-run opening partnership. Banton top-scored with 73, while Duckett contributed 67, but quick wickets allowed Sri Lanka back into the contest. Jos Buttler then struck an aggressive 69 from 49 deliveries, with Will Jacks adding 52, as England eventually finished on 305/9.

The bowling attack will need to improve after struggling to contain Sri Lanka on a good batting surface. Rehan Ahmed and Gus Atkinson claimed two wickets apiece, while Jofra Archer collected one.
England have demonstrated considerable batting depth throughout the series, but tighter bowling and better execution during the closing overs will be essential if they are to secure the series victory.

Sri Lanka Batting Showed some Resistance at Last


Sri Lanka have given themselves an opportunity to claim the ODI series after producing an impressive all-round performance in their 16-run victory at Leeds. The tourists posted 321/6 before restricting England to 305/9, levelling the series at 1-1.

Captain Kusal Mendis led from the front with a superb 121 from 100 deliveries, striking 14 fours and three sixes. Kamindu Mendis contributed 54, while Pavan Rathnayake added 48 as Sri Lanka maintained their scoring momentum. Janith Liyanage chipped in with 32 and Pathum Nissanka made 25.

Their bowling unit then delivered under pressure despite England’s strong start. Dunith Wellalage was the standout performer with 3/49, while Dilshan Madushanka and Eshan Malinga claimed two wickets each.

Having struggled during the T20I series, Sri Lanka have found renewed confidence in the longer format. Another substantial contribution from their top order could put England under considerable pressure in the decider.

Team News & Predicted Lineups


England (possible XI): Tom Banton, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook (c), Jos Buttler, Will Jacks, Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue

Sri Lanka (possible XI): Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis (c), Pavan Rathnayake, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Sachindu Colombage, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka.

Verdict

England are tipped to clinch the series at 2-1 with low odds of 1.11. Jos Buttler and Kusal Mendis have been incredibly consistent with the bat, while Will Jacks and Dunith Wellalage have both devastated their opponents’ batting in the series.
    
Best Bet1: Will Jacks Take Over 1.5 Wickets @5/6 at bet365 - 2 Units
Best Bet2: Dunith Wellalage Take Over 1.5 Wickets @1/1 at dabble - 1 Unit
Best Bet3: Jos Buttler Best England Batt @5/2 at 10bet - 1 Unit
Best Bet4: Kusal Mendis Best Sri Lanka Batter @3/1 at Star Sports - 1 Unit
Will Jacks
Take Over 1.5 Wickets
@5/6 - 2 Units
Bet £10 Get £30
with bonus code NEWBONUS

Available to new customers only. Make a qualifying deposit of £5 or more and claim the offer within 30 days of registering your account to qualify for 300% of that amount in Bet Credits, up to a maximum of £30 in Bet Credits. Once released, your Bet Credits will be held in your account balance and are non-withdrawable. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Registration required. Time limits and T&Cs apply. The bonus code NEWBONUS can be used during registration but does not change the offer amount in any way. #ad

Bet at bet365
Dunith Wellalage
Take Over 1.5 Wickets
@1/1 - 1 Unit
Bet £10 Get £10
Promo Code: NEWBONUS

New customers only. Bet £10+ to receive £10 in Free Bets. 7-day free bet expiry. Stake not returned. Promotional Terms Apply. 18+. GambleAware.org

Bet at dabble
Jos Buttler
Best England Batt
@5/2 - 1 Unit
100% up to £/€50 bonus
Get up to £/€50 on your first deposit

New players. Choose bonus at signup. Wager bonus 10x. Deposit used 1st. Any withdrawals void bonus. Valid 30 days. Odds, bet & payment limits. T&Cs apply. 18+.

Bet at 10bet
Kusal Mendis
Best Sri Lanka Batter
@3/1 - 1 Unit
Bet £20 Get £10
Use promo code NEWBONUS

18+ New customers only. Bet £20 (or more) EVS (2.0) or greater Get 2 x £5 Free Bets. 1 x £5 Free Bet paid automatically & following £5 Free Bet after 24hrs. Min Free Bet odds 4/1 (5.0) on accumulators Trebles & upwards. Expires after 24hrs. Full T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org

Bet at Star Sports
ralph-staniforth
Ralph Staniforth

Sports Editor, South African Sports Writer • 10+ Years of Experience, South African Sports Specialist

Ralph is a passionate sports journalist and coach based in Cape Town. Find his coverage across the biggest rugby union and cricket events as well as South African soccer and tennis.


Ralph is from South Africa and studied Sports Science post school at ETA (Education Teachers Academy) in Cape Town.
He has always had a great passion for sport and this led him into the world of sports journalism, while coaching on the side. 

Since 2012 Ralph has worked as a journalist and covered many topics from business to sport.

Over the last decade and more, he has interviewed numerous top rugby and cricket players and coaches in South Africa.

You can follow Ralph on LinkedIn and Muckrack and find him featured on Mzansiwins, Bets.co.za and Cape Media Corporation.

Read More

Top Betting Sites

special-offer-1Betting offers

Upcoming Events

27 Sep 2026

England v Sri Lanka 3rd ODI

days

hours

min

Add to Calendar
Hear more from Freetips.com