Predicting Sri Lanka’s Playing XI for their 3rd T20I game against India 

Charith Asalanka hasn’t made a great start to his Sri Lankan Captaincy career as he has seen his team lose the T20I series to India. The home side were no match for the visiting T20 World Cup winning side both with the bat and also with the ball. It has been a tough learning curve for Asalanka against a clinical side led by Suryakumar Yadav. 

The third and final game of the series will be played in Pallekele on Tuesday. The home team will hope to win the game and avoid an embarrassing series whitewash at home. It will also give some of the Sri Lankan stars the much-needed boost to stake their claim to be in the team for future series. 

Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera have been the two standout batters for their team. It is the constant collapses that will worry Sanath Jayasuriya and Co. Twice in two games the Sri Lankans have lost their way from a commanding position with the bat. 

Here is the likely Sri Lanka XI for the 3rd T20I versus India 

Openers – Avishka Fernando and Pathum Nissanka 

With over 100 runs in the first two matches of the series, Pathum Nissanka has been the best batter for Sri Lanka. The youngster has been taking the attack to the Indian bowlers and making use of the powerplay overs. With Kusal Mendis struggling for form, there is a chance that Avishka Fernando could be given a go-to and given a free hand. 

Middle-order – Kusal Perera and Charith Asalanka

Kusal Perera has made a strong comeback to the Sri Lankan side and has been among the runs. His half-century in the second game was the biggest reason behind Sri Lanka managing to score 161 on the board. Charith Asalanka would love to move up the order and bat longer after his role has been reduced to that of a finisher. 

All-rounders – Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Kamindu Mendis 

Sri Lanka’s two most experienced players Dasun Shanaka and Wanindu Hasaranga haven’t been able to fire throughout the series. The two stars will want to make use of the opportunity to show their talent and potential and come back to form. Kamindu Mendis has been impressive so far with the bat and his ambidextrous bowling could trouble the Indian batters on a pitch which is offering a good amount of turn. 

Bowlers – Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Ramesh Mendis, and Asitha Fernando 

The onus of leading the bowling charge will fall on the shoulders of young Matheesha Pathirana. With five wickets from 2 games, Pathirana has been the best bowler for the home team and has troubled the Indian batters., Maheesh Theekshana will be a key bowler with the new ball as troubled the Indian players in his first over on Sunday. Ramesh Mendis and Asitha Fernando didn’t get a bowl on Sunday and they will be itching to prove their worth for their team in the final game on Tuesday. 

Sri Lankan XI for the final game versus India

Nissanka, A Fernando, K, Perera (WK), C. Asalanka (Captain), D Shanaka, W Hasaranga, R Mendis, M Theekshana, M Pathirana, and A Fernando 

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