The third and final ODI between Sri Lanka and India is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, August 7, at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo. Charith Asalanka and Co. struggled in the first ODI, but they managed to tie the match. Subsequently, they staged a mesmerizing performance in the second ODI and registered a convincing 32-run win and thereby took a 1-0 lead in the series.
India is in need of a win in the upcoming match to prevent Sri Lanka from clinching the series and to tie the series at 1-1. It is worth noting that India’s batting unit has been underperforming as they struggled to chase down modest targets in both ODIs. Only captain Rohit Sharma shone with the bat, scoring half-centuries in both games.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, have managed to put reasonable totals of 230 and 240, respectively, in the first two ODIs. Dunith Wellalage was one of the standout performers in both games, scoring an unbeaten 67 and 39 in the first and second ODI, respectively, batting down the order. The major talking point in both the ODIs was Sri Lanka’s spin attack. The island nation boasts a formidable attack in spin bowling with Jeffrey Vandersay, Dunith Wellalage, captain Charith Asalanka, and Akila Dananjaya claiming most of the wickets. Specifically, Vandersay’s devastating spell of 6/33 was crucial for Sri Lanka in securing their victory in the second ODI.
Despite the struggles in the first two ODIs, India still has a chance to rectify their performance in the final game of the series. India’s middle order has to perform effortlessly, stitching significant partnerships to take control of the upcoming game. Sri Lanka, who also have woes in their batting department will seek to secure a series win over the T20 World Champions.
Speaking of the pitches at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, it has offered a lot of assistance for the spinners in both ODIs. The spin bowlers are likely to exploit these conditions further, making it difficult for the middle-order batters. With the average first innings score at this venue being 226, the chasing team will be facing more threat here.
Predicted Playing XI
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis(w), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka(c), Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Jeffrey Vandersay, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando, Mohamed Shiraz
India: Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul/Rishabh Pant(w), Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Washington Sundar