Sri Lanka v India, 3rd ODI – Match Result Predictions

It’s now or never for Sri Lanka as they take on India in the 3rd ODI of the series at Pallekele. Where the visitors would be looking to seal the series with an unassailable lead, the hosts need to step up big time to stay alive otherwise they would lose yet another series at the hands of the neighbors. The 3 Tests and the 1st ODI were heavily dominated by India but Sri Lanka, for the first time, stood up to the challenge in the second ODI.

Akila Dananjaya was the major destroyer as he bagged a 6-wicket haul in a single spell to leave India suffering at 131/7 while they were in pursuit of a mediocre 231 to win. At 109/0, India were well on course to enforce another one-sided victory but Dananjaya sent back one batsman after the other to put the strong Indian line-up in trouble for the first time on the tour.

But a steady partnership between MS Dhoni and Bhuvneshwar kept India in the hunt. The duo sucked up all the pressure and added 100 runs for the 8th wicket to give the side its second consecutive victory in the series. Whether or not Sri Lanka lift themselves up from a disheartening loss, remains to be seen.

Here is what Crictracker predicts for the game:

Scenario 1: Sri Lanka wins the toss

Toss prediction: Sri Lanka will choose to bowl first

First innings score prediction: 290-300

Result prediction: India will win the match by more than 20 runs

Scenario 2: India wins the toss

Toss prediction: India will choose to bowl first

First innings score prediction: 270-280

Result prediction: India will win the match by 5 wickets

Head to Head Record

Overall: Total Matches – 158, India Won – 85, Sri Lanka Won – 55, No Result/Tied – 18

Matches in Sri Lanka: Total Matches – 64, India Won – 25, Sri Lanka Won – 27, No Result/Tied – 12

India are inching closer to get a lead in the number of victories in the Island nation and another couple of victories will see them get past Sri Lanka. The odds of that happening in the next 2 games are pretty high as the Virat Kohli-led side has been ruthless over the opposition.

Playing Combinations:

Sri Lanka

Niroshan Dickwella was once again aggressive in the last game but threw his wicket away after a quickfire 31. Danushka Gunathilaka might be replaced by Lahiru Thirimanne as the former suffered a shoulder injury. The 2 match suspension of Upul Tharanga makes way for Dinesh Chandimal in the side. Now, he holds the responsibility alongside Angelo Mathews to provide stability to the fragile middle-order.

The fast bowlers Lasith Malinga, Vishwa Fernando, Dushmanta Chameera didn’t pose much threat once again. It was only Akila Dananjaya who managed to trouble the strong Indian batting line-up. Now the Indians would be more careful against him and the battle between him and the opposition will again attract attention.

Predicted XI:  Angelo Mathews, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Lahiru Thirimanne, Kusal Mendis, Chamara Kapugedera, Lakshan Sandakan, Thisara Perera, Akila Dananjaya, Lasith Malinga, Dushmantha Chameera, Milinda Siriwardana

India

Rohit Sharma played a superb knock of 54 and alongside Shikhar Dhawan (49), added 109 runs for the 1st wicket. The experiment to play KL Rahul at No.3 and Kedar Jadhav at No.4 didn’t work as both got out in quick succession. Virat Kohli batted at No.5 but he too became a victim of Dananjaya’s mystery. The best thing that happened to India was the time that Dhoni spent in the middle and took the team to a victory like he has done in his entire career.

Where Bhuvneshwar failed to pick up a wicket again, Jasprit Bumrah filled in and bagged 4 wickets. His spell at the death was crucial to keep Sri Lanka to a paltry score. The spinners Yuzvendra Chahal and Axar Patel had decent outings and Hardik Pandya too played his part quite well. The Indian bowling looks strong and has been responsible to keep the opponents at low scores.

Predicted XI: Virat Kohli(c), Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma (vc), KL Rahul, MS Dhoni (wk), Kedar Jadhav, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah

Sri Lanka gave a fight to India for the first time in the last match and as the do or die situation arrives, one can expect them to come hard again. But the Indian side always seems to find the answer and once again, should be the favorites.

The prediction goes in India’s favor who should seal the series in the 3rd ODI itself.

Do let us know your predictions in the comments section below.