In an anticipated match-up in Lahore, Sri Lanka have opted to bowl first against England after winning the toss. Sticking with their winning formula, Sri Lanka have decided not to experiment with their line-up, even in a match with no bearing on the tri-series final outcomes.
This marks the seventh time in a row captain Kusal Mendis has successfully called the toss during their current tour in Pakistan, and once again he’s chosen to chase.
England, on the other hand, have made a solitary change, bringing in seamer Sonny Baker to replace Jamie Overton, who misses out due to a mild quad injury despite his recent form with the ball. Overton has been a key bowler for England in this series, notably taking three wickets in their last outing against Pakistan.
Spin options remain a point of discussion for England, with Adil Rashid sitting out for the third consecutive match. Instead, Liam Dawson continues to be favoured as the leading spinner.
The match itself serves as a last hurrah for England in this tri-series, as they are already out of the running for the final, having suffered three straight losses. Sri Lanka and Pakistan have secured their spots in Saturday’s showdown.
Weather conditions are expected to remain ideal throughout the game, providing a promising backdrop for this contest.
The line-ups for today’s match are as follows:
Sri Lanka: 1. Kamindu Mendis, 2. Avishka Fernando, 3. Kusal Mendis (captain/wk), 4. Pavan Rathnayake, 5. Sahan Arachchige, 6. Janith Liyanage, 7. Dasun Shanaka, 8. Dunith Wellalage, 9. Eshan Malinga, 10. Asitha Fernando, 11. Dilshan Madushanka.
England: 1. Tom Banton, 2. Ben Duckett, 3. Joe Root, 4. Harry Brook (captain), 5. Jordan Cox (wk), 6. Will Jacks, 7. Sam Curran, 8. Liam Dawson, 9. Gus Atkinson, 10. Henry Crocombe, 11. Sonny Baker.
Both teams will be looking to gain the psychological edge with strong performances as they wrap up this phase of the series.
