Sri Lanka vs England: 3rd ODI, Preview- Rain threat looms around as England look to wrap things up

England will be all pumped up to make the scoreline of the series 2-0.

Published - 16 Oct 2018, 19:28 IST | Updated - 16 Oct 2018, 19:28 IST

3 Min Read

England would’ve felt fortunate to have got a result in the second ODI against Sri Lanka. They won that game by 31 runs according to the DLS method and the Lankans didn’t quite present a lot of competition at any stage of the match. As both the teams gear up for the third ODI at Pallekele, a rain threat is looming around yet again.

The chances of rain increase as the day progresses. Also, the humidity levels going as high as 86 per cent, there should be a lot of assistance on offer for the pacers. The spinners might not get much purchase off the surface. The side winning the toss will want to bowl first and chase the target down in what could possibly be a shortened second innings.

England will be all pumped up to make the scoreline of the series 2-0. However, Sri Lanka will be itching to give the visitors a tough competition and reinstate the belief the fans usually have on them. It is their batting unit that will need to come together to give a tougher fightback to the opposition.

Team Combinations

Sri Lanka

The XI members who were on the field for the 2nd ODI is probably Sri Lanka’s best combination. Hence, don’t expect them to tweak around much with their batting order. Upul Tharanga will open the innings with Niroshan Dickwella. Dinesh Chandimal will come in at three.

Kusal Perera will play at four to strengthen the middle order. Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka and Thisara Perera are to follow. The bowling unit will comprise of Akila Dhananjaya, chinaman Lakshan Sandakan, the comeback man Lasith Malinga and Nuwan Pradeep.

Predicted XI: Upul Tharanga, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Dinesh Chandimal (C), Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka, Thisara Perera, Akila Dhananjaya, Lakshan Sandakan, Lasith Malinga and Nuwan Pradeep.

England

The number one ICC ODI team looks quite settled on the paper. However, they are forced to make one change as Liam Dawson is injured. Jason Roy, after a rare failure in the last game, will be eager to do well along with his partner Jonny Bairstow. Joe Root and Eoin Morgan will be the formidable forces in the middle order followed by Ben Stokes. Jos Buttler will assume the role of a finisher and Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes and Joe Denly will be the all-rounders. Adil Rashid and Olly Stone will complete the bowling.

Predicted XI: Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan (C), Joe Denly, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler(wk), Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid, Olly Stone.

Here is the Fantasy Guide for the match: Sri Lanka vs England 2018, 3rd ODI – Dream11 Fantasy Tips

Focus will be on

Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka)

Having made a comeback into the side after one year during the Asia Cup, Malinga has been nothing short of impressive in each game since. He started off with a four-wicket haul in the first game against Bangladesh. Then, just in the last encounter against England, Malinga was mighty impressive and bagged five wickets. He picked some very important wickets and the Lankans will bank a lot of hopes on him.

Eoin Morgan (England)

England skipper missed out narrowly on a well-deserved hundred in the 2nd ODI when Malinga got him on 92. But having done well in the subcontinent should give him a lot of confidence going ahead in the tour. He could be a huge threat for Sri Lanka going forward as he tends to score his runs at a quick pace and they’ll need to have their plans in place to get the better of this left-hander.