Sri Lanka vs West Indies, 2020, 3rd ODI: Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Match Details

The third game of the three-match one-day international series between Sri Lanka and West Indies will be played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele.

The match starts at 02:30 PM local time (09:00 AM GMT) (02:30 PM IST). This match will be live on Sony SIX and Sony SIX HD. Live Streaming will be available on Sony LIV.

Preview for Dream11 Fantasy

The caravan of the West Indies tour of Sri Lanka continues with both sides set to lock horns in the third and final ODI of the three-match series. Sri Lanka has already won the series by taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match rubber thanks to whirlwind hundreds from Avishka Fernando [127] and Kusal Mendis [119] that spearheaded the island nation’s batting-unit to propel their target to 8/345 after 50 overs.

Chasing 346, the West Indies needed one of their top-3 to kick-on and get a really big score if they really were to give themselves any chance of making it close to the Sri Lankan total. The opening pair started well with Shai Hope- who racked up yet another half-century-  and Sunil Ambris putting up a 62-run-stand. But, once the likes of Hope and Ambris were dismissed, the middle-order was spun out by the duo of Lakshan Sandakan [3/57] and Wanindu Hasaranga [3/30]- both of whom claimed three apiece to bowl the Windies out for 184 in 39.1 overs.

Weather Condition/Report

Bright sunny spells followed by grey skies are expected to be the order of the day in Pallekele on Sunday if the weather reports are to be believed. According to the report, the temperature is set to fluctuate between 22-33 degrees Celsius while the humidity is set to hover around 59%. Chances of rain- 10℅

Pitch Condition/Report

Another run-scoring fest is expected when both sides lock horns in Pallekele; a ground that has normally dished out flat batting surfaces. The ball might grip and turn as the game wears on but dew could play a substantial role in what the captains decide to do post the toss.

Average first innings score: 260 (Unaffected matches at the venue since 2015)

Record of chasing teams: Won – 04, Lost – 01

Injury and Availability News

Will be updated if there’s any

Probable Playing XIs

Sri Lanka

Avishka Fernando, Dimuth Karunaratne (C), Kusal Perera (WK), Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Thisara Perera, Wanindu Hasaranga, Isuru Udana, Lakshan Sandakan, Nuwan Pradeep

Bench: Shehan Jayasuriya, Dasun Shanaka, Lahiru Kumara

West Indies: Shai Hope (WK), Sunil Ambris/Brandon King, Darren Bravo, Roston Chase, Nicholas Pooran, Kieron Pollard (C), Jason Holder, Keemo Paul, Fabian Allen/Hayden Walsh, Alzarri Joseph, Sheldon Cottrell

Bench: Brandon King/Sunil Ambris, Rovman Powell, Fabian Allen/Hayden Walsh, Romario Shepherd

Top Picks

Sri Lanka: Skipper Dimuth Karunaratne [53 runs in 2 games] and Avishka Fernando [177 runs in 2 games] have spearheaded the batting-unit by giving them ideal starts at the top of the order. Kusal Mendis scored a whirlwind hundred in the last game, and he along with the opening pair will once again hold the key for Lanka.

As far as bowling is concerned, the wrist-spin duo of Lakshan Sandakan and Wanindu Hasaranga have proved to be the difference between the two sides in the middle-overs. The pair claimed six wickets between them in the last game and will once again pose the biggest threat to the Windies batsmen.

West Indies: Barring Shai Hope [166 runs in 2 games], none of the batsmen have really fired for the West Indies in this series and they’ll hope that the likes of Darren Bravo, Roston Chase, Nicolas Pooran will come good in the final ODI.

Alzarri Joseph- 6 wickets at an average of 16.50- has been the pick of the bowlers for the visitors. Fabian Allen was ineffective during the middle-overs and with Sri Lanka playing two leg-spinners, the Windies may be tempted to play one of their own in Hayden Walsh.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection

Captain – Shai Hope, Avishka Fernando, Wanindu Hasaranga

Vice-Captain – Lakshan Sandakan, Alzarri Joseph, Nicolas Pooran

Suggested Playing XI No.1 for Fantasy Cricket

Keeper – Nicholas Pooran, Shai Hope (C), Kusal Perera

Batsmen –  Dimuth Karunaratne, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis

All-Rounders-  Thisara Perera

Bowlers- Keemo Paul, Alzarri Joseph, Wanindu Hasaranga (VC), Lakshan Sandakan

Suggested Playing XI No.2 for Fantasy Cricket

Keeper – Nicholas Pooran, Shai Hope

Batsmen –  Dimuth Karunaratne, Avishka Fernando (C), Kusal Mendis

All-Rounders-  Thisara Perera, Jason Holder, Roston Chase

Bowlers- Keemo Paul, Isuru Udana, Lakshan Sandakan (VC)

Experts Advice

West Indies batsmen’s issues against spin- in particular, leg-spin- are well documented. And, it was once again exposed to the core as Sandakan and Hasaranga knocked over their middle-order. They will once again pose the biggest threat to the West Indies, and making either of them as captain/vice-captain could prove to be a game-changer for you. 

Probable Winners

Sri Lanka are expected to come out as winners.

Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.