Sri Lanka reached 74-3 after 10 overs in the third men’s T20 international against England at Old Trafford, according to The Guardian’s live coverage. England won early wickets but Sri Lanka made a brisk start, helped by Pathum Nissanka’s aggressive strokeplay and a difficult breeze across the ground.
Sonny Baker took England’s first wicket when a top edge from Kamil Mishara was caught by Jos Buttler, who held the ball behind the stumps. Mishara’s dismissal left Sri Lanka 24-1 after three overs, with Nissanka having already moved to 12.
Nissanka then attacked Liam Dawson, slog-sweeping the spinner’s first delivery for six. He added another six against Baker during the sixth over, but was dismissed soon afterwards when Harry Brook made a diving catch at short midwicket from a powerful pull shot. Nissanka departed for 32, leaving Sri Lanka 47-2 at the end of the PowerPlay.
Captain Charith Asalanka joined Kamindu Mendis, but his innings ended in the eighth over. The Guardian reported that Asalanka hit Will Jacks for six before four wides increased the pressure; the pair then attempted a quick single and Asalanka was run out. Sri Lanka were 71-3 at that point.
Mendis struck a six from Adil Rashid’s over, but Jamie Overton subsequently conceded only three runs in the 10th. The Guardian said Sri Lanka appeared to need a stronger second half of the innings to set a competitive total. Mendis was unbeaten on 16 and Asalanka had made seven when the 10-over score was recorded.
England were unchanged from the previous match, with Brook captaining a side including Buttler, Jofra Archer, Rashid and Baker. Sri Lanka rested Dushmantha Chameera and brought in Nuwan Thushara. England entered the match seeking a 3-0 series victory.