England vs Sri Lanka 2021, 3rd T20I: Sri Lanka's Predicted XI

Sri Lanka is going through a rough phase in international cricket in recent times. Heading into this series, they lost an ODI series against Bangladesh. Many of their players nearly pulled off from the tour give their pay dispute with the board. However, the board was able to accumulate a group of players and send them to England for a white-ball tour. The side plays three ODIs after the final T20I.

Sri Lanka have already lost the series to England after their loss in the first two games. They are badly seeking a win in the final T20I to keep their spirits high for the ODI series. In this article, we will predict Sri Lanka’s playing XI for the final game.

England vs Sri Lanka 2021, 3rd T20I: Sri Lanka’s Predicted XI

Gunathilaka played both games and has scored just 22 runs in the two games. He has failed to give his team a good start which is why the middle and the lower-order have failed to put runs on the board. He would like to make a meaningful contribution for his team in the final T20I against England.

Also Read: England vs Sri Lanka, 3rd T20I-Match Prediction

Avishka Fernando

Fernando is being as one of the best youngsters in the new generation of cricketers in the Lankan side. The 23-year old is just 16 matches old in his T20I international career and has a career-best of 37. He has a good chance of making a name for himself by scoring runs in the final T20I.

Kusal Perera

Perera has been shouldered the responsibilities of leading a relatively young team against England. He is the most experienced batsman among all the players included in the side. He has played 48 T20Is. However, in the series against England, he has not produced the runs yet. His scores of 30 and 21 were both scored on a losing cause.

Kusal Mendis

Mendis like Fernando is a new kid on the block in Sri Lankan cricket. However, he is yet to translate his potential into performance and probably has a stage to do so as well. A score of substance in this game will allow him to stake his claims for the T20 World Cup later this year.

Niroshan Dickwella

Dickwells has been in the international circuit for a few years now He is one of the most senior players in the squad now. In 27 games so far he has just one fifty-plus score. In this series as well, he is not amongst the players in the run-scoring chart.

Dasun Shanaka

Shanaka, an all-rounder is Sri Lanka’s highest-run getter in the T20I series so far. He scored 50 in the first game and just 8 in the second. Sri Lanka could do very well with another fifty-plus score of his bat and a couple of England wickets.

Wanindu Hasaranga

Hasaranga is a recruit from Sri Lanka’s U-19 circuit. He too is a player with great potential waiting for a stage to perform. He is an attacking middle-order batsman and a handy leg-break bowler. He picked up two wickets in the second T20I. Another good performance from him with the ball can see his team to a win.

Also Read: England vs Sri Lanka 2021, 3rd T20I: Match Preview

Isuru Udana

Udans is the most experienced bowler among all the bowlers in the team. He has taken a couple of wickets in the first two games. An inspiring performance from the senior pro is all that the team is seeking from him in the final T20I.

Akila Dananjaya

Akila Dananjaya broke into international cricket with a massive reputation as a next-generation great. After a good performance against India earlier in his career, he was also given an IPL contract by Mumbai Indians. But his skill has faded away off late. He will need a good performance to help his team pull one back in the series.

Nuwan Pradeep

Pradeep with his pace and swing can be an interesting option in the Lankan bowling attack in Southampton. He has played 16 games in an otherwise inexperienced bowling attack. The overhead conditions and the movement of Pradeep can be a difficult task for the England batters.

Dusmanta Chameera

Chameera culminates Sri Lanka’s predicted playing line-up for the final game. He has picked up two wickets in the first two games. He too like Pradeep has the pace to disturb England batsmen if the conditions in Southampton are in favor of pace and swing.

Also Read: England vs Sri Lanka 2021, 3rd T20I: Match Preview