England won the toss and chose to bowl first against Sri Lanka in the third T20 at Emirates Old Trafford. Sri Lanka reached 64-3 after eight overs, with Kamindu Mendis hitting a six off Adil Rashid to end the over. Earlier, Pathum Nissanka top-scored with 37 before being dismissed by a stunning diving catch from Harry Brook off Will Jacks.

Nissanka had struck three sixes during the powerplay, surpassing Sri Lanka's total from the previous two matches combined. Kamil Mishara fell for 2, caught by Jamie Overton off Jacks, continuing a poor series with just 12 runs across three innings. Ex-Sri Lanka all-rounder Russel Arnold praised Nissanka's form, noting he "lets the bat do the talking," while Dawid Malan commended the tourists' aggressive intent.

England's spinners, including Jacks and Liam Dawson, applied pressure after early boundaries. The match is a dead rubber with England leading the series 2-0.