In a surprising tactical change at the R. Premadasa StadiumEngland once again they promoted the teenage sensation Rehan Ahmed to open the stroke in 3rd ODI series decider against Sri Lanka. After England’s five-wicket win in the second game, the captain Harry Brooke won the toss and elected to bat first, aiming for a huge total on a dry, spin-friendly surface. England will hope to eliminate Sri Lanka’s spin attack during the Powerplay by using the 21-year-old leg-spinner in the role of a night bowler, while retaining their middle-order depth for the tough later innings.
Explained: Why Rehan Ahmed opens batting for England vs Sri Lanka in 3rd ODI in Colombo
Rehan’s decision to open the batting for the second consecutive match is a calculated gamble Brendon McCullum‘s coaching staff is designed to exploit the hard ball before the pitch slows down. Rehan, who usually bats at number eight, then stepped up to the plate first in the 2nd ODI Zach Crawley He was sidelined in the opening match of the series with a lingering knee injury.
While Crawley’s absence has opened up a vacancy, England have opted for Rehan’s explosive potential over traditional options such as Will Jacks to protect their left-right combination and provide license to attack. Although Rehan managed just 13 runs in his first outing, his recent domestic form, an average of over 50 for Leicestershire, has given him confidence in his technical ability to face the new ball in management while batting at number three.
This nighthawk experience serves a dual purpose: it allows England to attack Sri Lanka’s pace duo. We hate Fernando and Pramod Madushan While ensuring they like it from the start Joe Root and Harry Brooke protected from any early moisture on the surface. In a high-stakes final where every run counts in the Powerplay, Rehan’s progress is a clear signal of England’s intent to maintain their ‘Baseball’-inspired aggression even in the 50-over format.
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Series-deciding stakes: England and Sri Lanka battle for the ultimate edge
The 3rd ODI serves as a high-pressure finale to a series where both teams have shown remarkable resilience in tough Colombo conditions. Sri Lanka are currently maintaining momentum playing at their ‘fortress’ R. Premadasa Stadium, where their spin trios have historically dismantled visiting squads. After winning the first ODI by 19 runs, the hosts bounced back with a vintage Joe Root (75) leaving a masterclass in the second game, the trophy will be decided in today’s winner-take-all match.
Return to Sri Lanka Wanindu Hasaranga Today gives a big boost to the XI as the ace leg-spinner missed the first two games to manage his workload. England, meanwhile, will be looking to secure their first ODI series win in Sri Lanka since 2018, which will provide a huge morale boost ahead of the tournament. T20 World Cup 2026 starting next month. After this match, both teams will play three T20Is in Pallekele, with today’s result setting the psychological tone for the rest of the tour, making the battle between England’s unorthodox openers and Sri Lanka’s elite spinners the deciding contest of the day.
Also READ: Joe Root sparks in England’s series-levelling win over Sri Lanka in 2nd ODI
