Wobbly SL Look for Respite Against Red-Hot India
Wobbly SL Look for Respite Against Red-Hot India
As the series progresses, Sri Lanka finds itself in a precarious position. In Charith Asalanka's first series as full-time T20I captain, the middle-order collapses have been stark. The team lost nine wickets for 30 runs in the first T20I and seven for 32 in the second, underlining a recurring theme of inconsistency and lack of depth. Asalanka’s personal form has also been a concern, with scores of 0 and 14 in the two games.
Sri Lanka’s top three batters have shown promise, reaching 140 and 80 at the fall of the second wicket in the two matches. Pathum Nissanka stands out as the leading run-scorer of the series, while Kusal Perera has a half-century, and Kusal Mendis scored 45 in the first match. However, the middle and lower orders have faltered, with Kamindu Mendis' 26 being the highest score from these segments in the second T20I.
India’s Strategy: Give More Time to Young Guns
India, having sealed the series with dominant performances, aims to utilize the final T20I to give valuable time in the middle to players like Sanju Samson, Rinku Singh, and Riyan Parag. With the series already won, India has the luxury to experiment and provide opportunities to its younger talents.
Form Guide
Sri Lanka: LLWLL (Last five completed T20Is, most recent first)
India: WWWWW
In the Spotlight: Pathum Nissanka and Rishabh Pant
Pathum Nissanka has been a standout performer for Sri Lanka, amassing over 100 runs in the series with a strike rate of 154.16. His consistent form in 2024, including a stellar Lanka Premier League performance, puts him at the forefront of Sri Lanka's batting line-up.
Rishabh Pant, after his heroic return from a life-threatening accident, aims to solidify his place in the shortest format. Though he had a promising start with a 49 off 33 in the first game, his performance has been under scrutiny, especially with Sanju Samson waiting in the wings.
Team News
Sri Lanka: They are likely to field a similar XI to the second game, though Avishka Fernando or Dinesh Chandimal could replace the struggling Dasun Shanaka. Romesh Mendis, brought in for Dilshan Madushanka, might retain his spot despite not being utilized in the rain-curtailed second game, given his added batting depth.
Probable XI:
Pathum Nissanka, 2. Kusal Mendis (wk), 3. Kusal Perera, 4. Kamindu Mendis, 5. Charith Asalanka (capt), 6. Dinesh Chandimal/Avishka Fernando, 7. Wanindu Hasaranga, 8. Romesh Mendis, 9. Maheesh Theekshana, 10. Matheesha Pathirana, 11. Asitha Fernando
India: With the series in hand, India might rotate their squad, possibly resting a fast bowler for Khaleel Ahmed and giving Washington Sundar a game. Shivam Dube could also be included, though Hardik Pandya might continue to avoid excessive changes. Shubman Gill's availability is uncertain due to a neck spasm.
Probable XI:
Yashasvi Jaiswal, 2. Sanju Samson, 3. Suryakumar Yadav (capt), 4. Rishabh Pant (wk), 5. Riyan Parag/Washington Sundar, 6. Hardik Pandya, 7. Rinku Singh, 8. Axar Patel, 9. Ravi Bishnoi, 10. Mohammed Siraj, 11. Arshdeep Singh/Khaleel Ahmed
Pitch and Conditions
The final game will be played on a fresh surface at Pallekele. Batting conditions have favored the top order early on, with spinners and variations becoming more effective as matches progress. The new pitch is expected to play similarly.
Stats and Trivia
Matheesha Pathirana has dismissed Suryakumar Yadav in all three T20 innings he has bowled to him.
Mohammed Siraj, who has been effective in ODIs against Sri Lanka, has struggled in T20Is, averaging 39 against them.
Wanindu Hasaranga has taken 15 wickets against India, his highest against any opposition.
Quotes
"The obvious thing to say is that we don't have enough power, but that's not true. If you look at our stats this year, we're neck-and-neck with other teams for six-hitting. If you hit it out of the stadium or just clear the boundary, it's still a six. More than skills, I think handling situations and sticking around in tough situations have been the problems," said Sri Lanka batting coach Thilina Kandamby on the team's woes.
Match Details
Date: Tuesday, July 30, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM IST (Toss at 6:30 PM IST)
Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele
Live Telecast: Sony Sports Network (also available on Sony Liv app and website)
Squads
India: Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Sanju Samson, Riyan Parag, Khaleel Ahmed, Shivam Dube
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk), Charith Asalanka (c), Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana, Binura Fernando, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Perera, Asitha Fernando, Dunith Wellalage, Chamindu Wickramasinghe
Reference
- Sri Lanka vs India 3rd T20I Match Preview - ESPN Cricinfo
- India vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20I Live Streaming Info - Sportstar
- Sri Lanka vs India 3rd T20I Preview - India Today
- SL vs IND 3rd T20I Dream11 Prediction - India TV News
Check out the above links for more details