Sri Lanka vs India Match Preview, 3rd ODI

Sri Lanka and India. (Source – BCCI)

After a draw in the first ODI, India suffered an embarrassing defeat in the second match, losing by 32 runs in Colombo. After the loss, India captain Rohit Sharma called for more consistency from the middle order batters and keeping that in mind, there might be a couple of changes in India’s playing XI. Riyan Parag and Rishabh Pant, who are currently waiting in the wings may get into the squad as Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul’s spot is under threat.

The captain himself has done a good job, hitting back-to-back half-centuries. However, just like in the ODI World Cup, Rohit failed to convert his starts into a big score. Star batter Virat Kohli too has struggled but the team management isn’t much bothered by that. The bowlers meanwhile have done a commendable job. Mohammed Siraj led the pace unit while Axar Patel and Washington Sundar did their bit.

For Sri Lanka, they have managed to stick to the game plan, which has given them the result. Despite not having the likes of Matheesha Pathirana, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka and Wanindu Hasaranga, Sri Lanka have been excellent and would hope to carry on with the momentum. Jeffrey Vandersay, who replaced Hasaranga in the second ODI picked up six wickets and dismantled India’s batting unit.

Also Read – SL vs IND Match Prediction – Who will win today’s 3rd ODI match between SL vs IND?

If he manages to continue in a similar fashion, India will be in trouble in the third ODI, which will be played on August 7 in Colombo. Among batters, Kusal Mendis and Avishka Fernando did their part but a bit more is expected from them, especially playing on the home surface. Meanwhile, lower middle order batters Dunith Wellalage and Kamindu Mendis were very effective with the bat in the last match and India cannot afford that to happen again.

R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo — Pitch Report

The surface is pretty sluggish at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Batting first is extremely vital as the surface slows down towards the back end. Anything over 265 runs will be very good, given that chasing is difficult on this ground.

Match Details:

Head-To-Head Records

SL vs IND Probable Playing XIs

Sri Lanka:

Sri Lanka are likely to back their winning squad for the third ODI. Vandersay once again will play a key role, given that the Indians have struggled to pick him. Meanwhile, the batters need to take more responsibility, as someone needs to take the game deep.

Predicted XI: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Akila Dananjaya, Asitha Fernando, Jeffrey Vandersay

Also Read: Most Runs in SL vs IND 2024

India:

India are expected to make at least one change to their playing XI. Either of Riyan Parag or Rishabh Pant may play the third ODI. In terms of batting ability, Pant is ahead in the race, but Parag offers part-time spin bowling, which is key. Either of them can replace Shivam Dube, who has looked a bit out of form in the first two games.

Also Read: Most Wickets SL vs IND 2024

Predicted XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Riyan Parag, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh