England and Sri Lanka will lock horns in the third and final T20I of the series at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester on Saturday, September 19. With England already securing an unassailable 2-0 lead, Sri Lanka will be hoping to end the series on a positive note. The hosts, meanwhile, will look to complete a clean sweep.
England have been dominant across the first two games. They won the opening T20I by 119 runs before chasing down Sri Lanka’s 145/9 in only 12.1 overs in Cardiff. Tom Banton’s unbeaten 52 off 24 balls and Liam Dawson’s three-wicket haul were the highlights of the second game.
Several individual contests could have a major impact on the final match.
Here are 3 player battles to watch out for in 3rd T20I betwee England and Sri Lanka:
1. Jos Buttler vs Maheesh Theekshana
Jos Buttler versus Maheesh Theekshana could be an intriguing contest during the powerplay. Buttler remains one of England’s most dangerous T20 batters and recently created history by becoming the first player to cross 15,000 career T20 runs. He scored 30 off 16 balls in the second T20I before being dismissed by Kamil Mishara’s catch behind the stumps.
Theekshana, meanwhile, possesses the variations required to challenge an aggressive batter like Buttler. His ability to bowl with the new ball and vary his pace and trajectory can make it difficult for England’s opener to free his arms.
Buttler will look to attack early and put Sri Lanka under pressure, while Theekshana’s objective will be to deny him easy scoring opportunities. If the off-spinner can force Buttler into playing against the turn or mistiming an attacking stroke, Sri Lanka could get an important early breakthrough.
2. Harry Brook vs Wanindu Hasaranga
Another fascinating battle could be between England captain Harry Brook and Sri Lanka’s premier spin-bowling all-rounder, Wanindu Hasaranga.
Brook has been in outstanding T20 form and showed his ability to change the complexion of an innings in the second match. He smashed three sixes in one over from Hasaranga before being dismissed while attempting another aggressive stroke.
That makes their individual contest particularly interesting heading into Manchester. Hasaranga has the experience and variations to challenge Brook, but the England captain has shown that he is willing to take on spin rather than allow the bowler to dictate terms.
Hasaranga’s googly and changes of pace could be crucial against Brook, particularly if England lose an early wicket and he comes in during the middle overs. At the same time, Brook’s ability to attack from the crease means Hasaranga will have to be precise with his lengths.
3. Pathum Nissanka vs Jofra Archer
Pathum Nissanka versus Jofra Archer could be another key battle, especially if Sri Lanka’s opener survives the initial overs.
Nissanka has been one of Sri Lanka’s most dependable top-order batters and made an aggressive start in the second T20I. He scored 37 off 21 balls and was involved in Sri Lanka’s 56-run opening partnership with Lahiru Udara. However, Sri Lanka eventually slipped from 56/0 to 145/9 after England’s bowlers tightened the screws.
Archer returned to England’s attack in Cardiff after being rested for the series opener and made an immediate impact. The pacer finished with 2/34 and also claimed two wickets in the final over. The match was his 50th T20 international appearance.
The third T20I could therefore provide another fascinating examination of Nissanka’s technique against Archer’s pace. Nissanka will want to attack anything in his scoring areas, while Archer will look to use his pace, bounce and variations to prevent the Sri Lankan opener from settling.
Disclaimer: This blog post reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the perspectives shared and draw their own conclusions.