SL vs ENG: Here’s why Rehan Ahmed opens the innings in today’s 3rd ODI in Colombo

In a surprising tactical shift at R. Premadasa StadiumEngland have once again promoted the teen sensation Rehan Ahmed to open the batter in the series-deciding 3rd ODI against Sri Lanka. After England’s five-wicket win in the second match, captain Harry Brook won the toss and elected to bat first, aiming for a formidable total on a dry, spin-friendly surface. By using the 21-year-old leg-spinner in a night owl role, England will hope to disrupt the Sri Lankan spin attack during the Powerplay while maintaining the depth of the middle order for the challenging later overs.

Explained: Why Rehan Ahmed opens the batting in Colombo for England vs Sri Lanka in the 3rd ODI

The decision to have Rehan open the batting for the second consecutive match is a calculated gamble Brendon McCullum‘s coaching staff, designed to exploit the hard ball before the pitch slows down. Rehan, who usually bats at number eight, was then pushed to the top for the first time in the 2nd ODI Zak Crawley was ruled out due to a persistent knee injury sustained during the series opener.

While Crawley’s absence opened a vacancy, England chose Rehan’s explosive potential over traditional options such as Will Jacks to maintain a left-right combination and provide a license for aggression. Although Rehan scored just 13 runs in his first outing as an opener, his recent home form, averaging over 50 for Leicestershire while batting at number three, has given the management confidence in his technical ability to handle the new ball.

This ‘nighthawk’ experiment serves a dual purpose: it allows England to attack Sri Lanka’s pace duo We hate Fernando And Pramod Madushan at an early stage, while ensuring that people like Joe Root And Harry Brook are protected against any early moisture in the substrate. In a high-stakes final where every run in the Powerplay is crucial, Rehan’s promotion is a clear signal of England’s intention to maintain their ‘Bazball’-inspired aggression even in the 50-over format.

Also WATCH: Sri Lanka unveils ICC T20 World Cup 2026 trophy in spectacular fashion at R Premadasa Stadium

Decisive stakes for the series: England and Sri Lanka battle for ultimate dominance

The 3rd ODI serves as a high-pressure finale to a series in which both teams have shown remarkable resilience in the grueling conditions in Colombo. Sri Lanka currently have the momentum to play at their ‘fortress’, R. Premadasa Stadium, where their spin trios have historically dismantled visiting line-ups. After winning the first ODI by 19 runs, the hosts were set back by a vintage Joe Root (75) masterclass in the second game, leaving the trophy to be decided in today’s winner-takes-all match.

For Sri Lanka the return of Wanindu Hasaranga for today’s XI provides a huge boost as the top leg spinner missed the first two matches due to workload management. England, meanwhile, will be looking to secure their first ODI series win in Sri Lanka since 2018, a feat that would be a huge boost to morale ahead of the elections. T20 World Cup 2026 from next month. With both teams set to play three T20Is at Pallekele after this match, today’s result will set the psychological tone for the rest of the tour, making the battle between England’s unconventional openers and Sri Lanka’s elite spinners the defining match of the day.

Also READ: Joe Root buzzes from England’s series-levelling win over Sri Lanka in 2nd ODI