Sri Lanka vs England toss update: Kusal Mendis won the toss and chose to bowl first in the ODI tri-series match at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday, October 22, 2026. England, led by Harry Brook, were asked to set a target in the third match of the tournament. thepakistanconnect.com
The team announcements brought three changes across the two sides. England included fast bowler Josh Tongue and all-rounder Liam Dawson, while Sri Lanka brought in Dunith Wellalage. thepakistanconnect.com
Both teams entered the contest looking for their first victory in the competition after losing their opening matches to Pakistan. The fixture offered an opportunity to recover before the tournament moved into its next stage. www.houstonchronicle.com
Sri Lanka vs England Toss Update and Match Details
| Match Detail | Confirmed Information |
|---|---|
| Fixture | Sri Lanka vs England |
| Match Number | Match 3 |
| Tournament | Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2026/27 |
| Date | October 22, 2026 |
| Venue | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Pakistan |
| Toss Winner | Sri Lanka |
| Decision | Bowl first |
| Sri Lanka Captain | Kusal Mendis |
| England Captain | Harry Brook |
Wisden lists the fixture as the third match of the tri-series. The toss report confirms that Sri Lanka elected to field. www.wisden.com
England Make Two Changes to Their Playing XI
England selected Josh Tongue and Liam Dawson in place of Sonny Baker and Adil Rashid.
Sri Lanka made one adjustment, bringing in Dunith Wellalage for Sachindu Colombage. The Sri Lanka vs England toss update therefore confirmed changes to both bowling combinations before the start of play. thepakistanconnect.com
What the Changes Could Mean
From a team-balance perspective, Dawson and Wellalage offer their captains left-arm spin options as well as batting depth. Tongue provides England with a specialist pace option.
These are possible tactical benefits of the selections. The changes alone do not establish how the pitch will behave or which side will gain an advantage. Their value depends on how effectively the players perform during the match.
Sri Lanka vs England Toss Update: Confirmed Playing XIs
England Playing XI
Ben Duckett, Tom Banton, Joe Root, Harry Brook (captain), Jordan Cox, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue.
Sri Lanka Playing XI
Avishka Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis (captain and wicketkeeper), Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka. thepakistanconnect.com
Why This Match Matters for Both Teams
Pakistan had beaten Sri Lanka by 37 runs and England by 87 runs in the opening two fixtures. Against England, Arafat Minhas claimed six wickets after the visitors had reached a promising 120 for one.
Mendis also continued his successful run at the toss, winning his fifth consecutive call on the tour. The remaining four tournament games, including the October 31 final, were scheduled for Lahore. www.houstonchronicle.com
Sri Lanka Have Middle-Order Positives to Build On
Sri Lanka’s defeat to Pakistan included encouraging contributions from Pavan Rathnayake and Janith Liyanage.
Rathnayake scored 79 and Liyanage added 60. Their 119-run partnership helped rebuild the chase after early wickets. However, Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 268 while pursuing Pakistan’s 305.
Earlier, Salman Ali Agha had scored 107 to help the hosts recover and post a competitive total. abcnews.com
What to Watch After the Toss
With England batting first, the opening phase would test whether their top order could establish a platform without losing wickets in a cluster. For Sri Lanka, early breakthroughs would reduce the pressure on the bowlers through the middle overs.
The chase would present a different challenge. Knowing the target helps a batting side plan its scoring rate, but it still needs partnerships and wickets in hand. Winning the toss gives a captain a choice; it does not guarantee control of the match.
These are the main tactical questions arising from the Sri Lanka vs England toss update, rather than predictions about the result.
Where to Follow the Sri Lanka vs England Scorecard
For scores and match developments, visit the official ICC match centre.
This Sri Lanka vs England toss update covers the pre-match decision and confirmed team selections. Scores and the final result should be checked separately on the match centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the toss in Sri Lanka vs England?
Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis won the toss and decided to bowl first. thepakistanconnect.com
Where was the ODI tri-series match scheduled?
The match was scheduled at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Pakistan on October 22, 2026. www.wisden.com
What changes did England make?
England brought in Josh Tongue and Liam Dawson for Sonny Baker and Adil Rashid. thepakistanconnect.com
What change did Sri Lanka make?
Sri Lanka selected Dunith Wellalage in place of Sachindu Colombage. thepakistanconnect.com
References
- “Sri Lanka wins toss, elects to field against England in ODI cricket tri-series.” Associated Press, via Houston Chronicle. 22 October 2026.
- “Sri Lanka vs England, Rawalpindi today October 22, 2026.” Pakistan Connect. 22 October 2026.
- “Sri Lanka v England at Rawalpindi, KFC Presents Bank Alfalah ODI Tri-Series, 22 Oct 2026.” Wisden.
- “Agha’s comeback century sinks Sri Lanka and gives Pakistan winning start in cricket tri-series.” Associated Press, via ABC News. 18 October 2026.
- “Sri Lanka vs England — ODI Tri-Series in Pakistan, 2026.” International Cricket Council. Official match centre.
