England and Sri Lanka will meet on Saturday, September 19 for the third and final T20I, with the hosts seeking a series whitewash and Sri Lanka hungry to finish the tour with a win.
The match will be played at Old Trafford in Manchester, England already hold a 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
England have Series Under Control
England have dominated the first two matches. They opened the series with a huge 119-run victory in Southampton before winning the second T20I in Cardiff by six wickets.
The second victory was particularly comfortable. Sri Lanka posted 145/9, but England chased down the target in only 12.1 overs. Tom Banton made 52 in 24 balls, while Liam Dawson’s three-wicket haul helped England hold the advantage.
England’s performances have put them in position to complete a 3-0 sweep.
Sri Lanka is in a must-win game
For Sri Lanka, the third T20I is about avoiding a whitewash.
Charith Asalanka admitted after the second match that his side needed to improve significantly after poor performance in the second match and England's bowling and a lack of momentum with the bat failed to get on top of things all at England's bowling and that the team needed to work hard at the end of the match to the best of their ability.
Sri Lanka will require a much stronger batting performance at Old Trafford. Pathum Nissanka has been among their more important contributors, while players including Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga and Dasun Shanaka will be expected to make more contributions.
England’s Batting Depth is a Major Threat.
Many England have players capable of changing the game very quickly. Harry Brook is one of their all-round players who have been among their top run-scorers in the series, and Tom Banton's explosive innings in Cardiff and the depth of England's batting depth is also shown by England's depth in the team as well.
Jos Buttler also achieved a huge milestone in the second T20I, becoming the first batter to score 15,000 career T20 runs.
With Buttler, Brook, Banton and other attacking options available, Sri Lanka's bowlers face another difficult challenge.
Bowling could decide the finale.
England’s bowling has also been impressive. Liam Dawson contributed 3/32 in Cardiff against Wales, whilst Jofra Archer took two wickets in his 50th T20I appearance. Sonny Baker also provided an economical spell.
Sri Lanka will need to find ways to prevent England's batters from controlling the powerplay and middle overs.
When and where is the 3rd T20I?
The England vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20I is scheduled for September 19, 2026 at Old Trafford, Manchester. It will start at 2:30pm local time or 7:00pm IST on September 19, 2026.
What Is at Stake?
England will be hoping to complete a 3-0 series sweep, while Sri Lanka will be trying to avoid a whitewash. The result could also provide both teams with momentum in the build-up to ODI series starting September 22.
