As India vs. Sri Lanka T20I series comes to its zenith, all eyes are on the third match. It will take place on July 30, 2024, at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. This match holds significant importance as Sri Lanka will try to avoid a whitewash, with India already having won the series 2-0. Both teams have shown glimpses of brilliance, and the finale promises to be a high-octane encounter.
Under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, India were strong and dynamic. Suryakumar's form has been pivotal. His aggressive batting set the tone for the squad. The inclusion of young Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rinku Singh added energy to the team. Jaiswal, in particular, has impressed with his fearless stroke play and superb knocks at the top of the order.
Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel have been in outstanding all-round form, contributing with both bat and ball. Wrist-spinner Ravi Bishnoi has effectively controlled the middle overs, limiting Sri Lankan scoring. Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj have been outstanding in the fast-bowling department, consistently taking wickets at crucial junctures.
India's strategy will likely focus on maintaining their aggressive batting approach while ensuring tight bowling. The goal is to restrict the Sri Lankan batsmen. Hardin Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav's performace in the middle order will be the key to provide stability and finishing power.
Led by Charith Asalanka, Sri Lanka will aim to salvage pride and avoid a whitewash. Despite the series scoreline, the hosts have had their moments of brilliance. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis have provided strong starts. Yet, the middle order has struggled to capitalize, leading to collapses at crucial moments.
Wanindu Hasaranga, their star all-rounder, has been a standout performer, offering valuable runs and key wickets. The young pacer Matheesha Pathirana, often dubbed the next Lasith Malinga, has shown promise with his action. Sri Lanka will need their experienced campaigners like Dinesh Chandimal and Dasun Shanaka to step up and deliver in this crucial match.
Sri Lanka's game plan will revolve around solidifying their batting lineup to withstand the Indian bowling attack. They will also try to leverage their spinners to exploit any weaknesses in the Indian batting order. The team's ability to handle pressure and execute their plans will be key to their chances of securing a win.
Venue and Conditions
The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, known for its picturesque setting, offers a balanced pitch for both batsmen and bowlers. With a capacity of 35,000, the atmosphere is expected to be electric, providing a fitting backdrop for the match. The weather forecast indicates clear skies, ensuring an uninterrupted game.
Probable Playing XI
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(w), Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka(c), Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Ramesh Mendis, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Asitha Fernando.
India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Rishabh Pant(w), Hardik Pandya, Riyan Parag, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Siraj.
Key Players
India
Suryakumar Yadav: The newly appointed India skipper has been in excellent batting form. He scored 58 in the first match and made a quick-fire 26 in the previous encounter. Suryakumar will be eager to end the series on a high note.
Yashasvi Jaiswal: The youngster made 40 in the first T20I and played another whirlwind knock of 30 in the second match of the series. He will be eager to go all the way and get a fifty in this clash.
Ravi Bishnoi: The wrist-spinner has been in superb form since the Zimbabwe T20Is. Bishnoi bowled a magnificent spell of 4-0-26-3 in the previous match. He will be eager to deliver another good spell in this game.
Sri Lanka
Pathum Nissanka: The Sri Lankan opener has gotten his team off to solid starts in both matches. Nissanka played a superb knock of 79 in the first match and followed that up with another good knock of 32 in the second T20I.
Kusal Perera: The wicketkeeper-batter has also been in excellent form. Perera played a good cameo of 20 in the first match and scored another superb fifty in the last game. The Southpaw will be looking to deliver an even better performance this time.
Matheesha Pathirana: The fast bowler picked up four wickets in the first T20I. He also picked up the wicket of Suryakumar in the second T20I. He has been in excellent wicket-taking form and will be eager to continue.
Match Prediction
Given India's dominant performance in the first two T20Is, they are favoured to complete a series sweep. With Suryakumar Yadav's aggressive captaincy, the emergence of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, and the bowling performance from Ravi Bishnoi and Arshdeep Singh, India appears well-balanced. While enjoying home advantage and standout players like Wanindu Hasaranga, Sri Lanka has struggled to maintain consistency. Thus, India is likely to emerge victorious in the third T20I.