The third and last ODI of the ongoing series between Sri Lanka and India will be played on 6th August at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.
Match Preview:
The ongoing series between these two Asian sides has been nothing short of amazing. And in other words, it has revived the charm and purpose of ODI cricket and of course the comeback of the Champions Trophy.
Sri Lanka, undoubtedly, surprised India after having a below-par T20i series as they failed to clinch victory in a single game.
Keep in mind, SL lost the services of their main five pacers and after the first ODI the side lost the services of Wanindu Hasaranga. If anything, the side still managed to beat India in the second ODI by the virtue of Jeffrey Vandersay as he took 6 wickets for 33 and removed the likes of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill. If anything, both Sri Lanka and Vandersay will remember this match for a long time.
Talking about the upcoming game, Sri Lanka has a great opportunity to win an ODI series against India before their home crowd after 27 years.
Besides the spinner Vandersay and Dunith Wellalage, all the eyes will be on Avishka Fernando. Since the start of 2023, Fernando showed the tendency of early dismissal or easy to be precise after settling perfectly well at the crease. Sri Lanka would hope Fernando utilises the third ODI well and makes a mark.
The game will be important for the captain Charith Asalanka as he needs 43 runs to complete 2000 runs in 50-over cricket. Whereas, Chamika Karunaratne needs 49 runs to reach 500 runs in ODIs.
Talking about India, the side must be disappointed in their batting unit as they lost the game on the occasions, they were winning easily. Sharma played classical knock in both of the ODIs while Kohli failed to make a mark.
There were positives for India in the name of Axar Patel in the second ODI. Nevertheless, the side will expect Shivam Dube, Gill, and KL Rahul to make a mark in the third ODI. Kohli if performed will look up to complete 27000 runs in his international career as he is just 78 runs short to achieve this feat. And if anything, India will look to keep their record intact of 27 years, the record we mentioned above.
Pitch and weather report:
In the second ODI, the spinners were on song as they collectively took a total of 15 wickets. So, in the third ODI the same pitch is expected and will be assisting spinners. Winning the toss and batting first and making use of the slow pitch in the second innings could be a wise decision.
About the weather, there are 40% chances of rain with the forecast of thunderstorms as well. If rain spoils the show, Sri Lanka will win the ODI series after 27 years against India at home.
Predictions:
Although Sri Lanka have played decent cricket thus far, India are expected to make a comeback and level the ODI series as it is hard to keep them at the backfoot for long. So, India may win the third ODI of the series.
Head-to-head record:
Both India and Sri Lanka have faced each other in 170 games in ODI history. India have won 99 games while Sri Lanka clinched victory in 58 games.
Where to watch:
India and Sri Lanka: Sony Sports Network, Sony Liv App
Pakistan: Tapmad
Rest of the world: TNT Sports 2, CricHd
