England won the toss and batted first in the third and final One Day International in Colombo against Sri Lanka, hoping to win an ODI series on foreign soil, which was not easy, making the England-Sri Lanka ODI a key contest. Although England had managed to pursue a target in the last contest, this time round they decided to take the initiative and bat first because of the type of Khettarama pitch, which is known to slow down markedly in lights, as well as chasing is usually a tough aspect in an England-Sri Lanka ODI.

The move was in line with the trend in the series since Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka had opted to bat first in the first two ODIs after winning the toss, keeping the England-Sri Lanka ODI pattern intact. Weather conditions in Colombo also remained critical in the toss, as the initial part of the game had blue skies and a minimal possibility of evening rain, since January is generally one of the drier months in Colombo during an England Sri Lanka ODI.

The only change that happened to the Sri Lanka playing XI was the addition of star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga, who was rested in the first two matches, a notable shift in the England-Sri Lanka ODI. Pramod Madushan, who is a seam bowler, was omitted to allow Hasaranga, which reinforced the spin attack of Sri Lanka for this England Sri Lanka ODI.

It is also seen that the batting line of Sri Lanka is enriched with the inclusion of Hasaranga, and with him and Dunith Wellalage likely to occupy the no 8 and no 9 positions in the batting order, respectively, a factor in the England-Sri Lanka ODI. This provides the hosts with increased flexibility in the lower order, and this may be crucial when the surface is slowing in an England-Sri Lanka ODI.

England, in its turn, produced the same XI as it had the previous Saturday, maintaining continuity in the England-Sri Lanka ODI. England will count on some experienced players like Joe Root, Jos Buttler, and captain Harry Brook to set a competitive score as the England-Sri Lanka ODI reaches its decisive phase.

At the series level, there will be a lot of intensity as the match draws to a close, as both teams seek to end on a high, defining the England-Sri Lanka ODI. England will also expect their batting depth and spin choices to enable them to defeat the home advantage of the Sri Lankans, and the hosts will be relying on the presence of Hasaranga to make a decisive presence in this pivotal England-Sri Lanka ODI.