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Sri Lanka will take on England in the sixth match of the ODI tri-series at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Thursday, October 29. With the tournament moving towards its final stage, the encounter presents an important opportunity for both teams to strengthen their position and build momentum. The match is scheduled to begin at 1:00 PM local time (1:30 PM IST).
Sri Lanka will head into the contest with confidence after defeating England by two wickets in their previous meeting on October 22. The Lankan side will hope to repeat that performance, while England will look to bounce back and finish the group stage strongly.
Sri Lanka’s batting depth, all-round options and pace attack could be central to their plans.
Here is the predicted playing XI of Sri Lanka:
Kamindu Mendis is expected to open the innings alongside Avishka Fernando. Kamindu’s adaptability gives Sri Lanka the option of building a steady start before accelerating, while Avishka can put pressure on England’s new-ball bowlers with his attacking strokeplay. A strong opening partnership would help Sri Lanka avoid an early collapse and create a platform for the middle order.
Avishka’s role will be particularly important against England’s pace attack. He will need to make good use of the fielding restrictions without taking unnecessary risks. If he settles early, Sri Lanka could put the visitors on the back foot during the powerplay.
Captain and wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis is likely to bat at No. 3. His responsibility will be to manage the innings according to the match situation, whether that means rebuilding after an early wicket or maintaining the scoring rate after a strong start. His leadership and experience make him a key figure in Sri Lanka’s batting plans.
Pavan Rathnayake is expected to occupy the crucial No. 4 position. He has been one of Sri Lanka’s standout batters in the competition, with the latest tournament figures listing 209 runs, including a highest score of 130. His ability to convert starts into substantial scores makes him a major player to watch against England.
Dasun Shanaka could follow at No. 5, offering Sri Lanka power and experience in the middle overs. The all-rounder can increase the tempo against spin and pace alike, while also providing an additional bowling option if required. Sri Lanka will want him to contribute with the bat rather than leave the finishing duties entirely to the lower order.
Janith Liyanage is likely to bat at No. 6. He provides another option for stabilising the innings if wickets fall in quick succession, but he can also help lift the scoring rate when the platform is established. His partnership with Shanaka could prove important in the final stages of the innings.
Sahan Arachchige is predicted to feature at No. 7, adding balance to the lineup with his all-round abilities. His presence gives Sri Lanka flexibility when deciding how to approach the middle and death overs. If the top order delivers a strong start, he could help maintain the momentum; if early wickets fall, he may need to focus on rebuilding.
Dunith Wellalage is likely to slot in at No. 8. His left-arm spin could be valuable against England’s right-handed batters, particularly during the middle overs when controlling the run rate becomes crucial. He can also contribute useful runs down the order, making him an important component of Sri Lanka’s lower-middle order.
The pair’s contributions could allow Sri Lanka to field a balanced side without compromising their batting depth or bowling options.
Eshan Malinga is expected to lead the pace options alongside Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka. Malinga has taken four wickets in the tri-series, according to the latest available tournament statistics, and will be keen to make an impact with the new ball and during the closing overs.
Asitha Fernando should be an important part of Sri Lanka’s plans. His ability to generate movement and challenge batters with disciplined lines makes him a potential threat early in the innings. Sri Lanka will look to him to strike before England’s middle order gets settled.
Dilshan Madushanka could complete the pace attack, offering a left-arm angle that complements the right-arm options. His ability to attack the stumps and create uncertainty with variations gives the captain another option at different stages of the innings.
Wellalage and Arachchige are also likely to contribute with the ball, providing spin and additional flexibility. This combination should help Sri Lanka manage the middle overs while retaining pace options for the powerplay and death overs.
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