Manashimaya
Having already sealed the series, India will be hoping to give the likes of Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson, and Riyan Parag more time in the middle. In contrast, struggling Sri Lanka seeks relief against in-form India as they grapple with a faltering middle order.
Big Picture: Sri Lanka’s Middle-Order Worries
In Charith Asalanka’s first series as Sri Lanka’s full-time T20I captain, the team has faced significant struggles. The first T20I saw Sri Lanka lose nine wickets for just 30 runs, followed by seven wickets for 32 runs in the second match. This troubling pattern has marked the series so far. Asalanka himself has only managed scores of 0 and 14. While the top three batters have shown promise, with Pathum Nissanka leading the run charts, the middle order’s lacklustre performance has been glaring.
India’s Strategic Outlook
With the series already in the bag, India aims to provide their batters, such as Sanju Samson, Rinku Singh, and Riyan Parag, with more opportunities to showcase their skills. India, having shown comprehensive performances, now focuses on fine-tuning their lineup rather than addressing major concerns.
Pathum Nissanka has been a standout for Sri Lanka, amassing over 100 runs in the series at a striking rate of 154.16. His form in 2024 has been sensational, highlighted by his 753 runs in the Lanka Premier League. The responsibility on him to deliver big performances is heavier than ever, as struggling Sri Lanka seeks relief against in-form India.
Rishabh Pant’s Get Together
In the Indian Premier League of 2024, Rishabh Pant joyfully made his comeback to competitive cricket after a possibly catastrophic accident. His promise is still very much alive, even though he had a disappointing performance after being selected for the 2024 T20 World Cup squad. Given that Sanju Samson is a serious candidate for the wicketkeeper-batter role, Pant’s performance in the current series has come under intense scrutiny.
Updates on Teams and Probable Starting Lineups
It is expected that Sri Lanka will start either Dinesh Chandimal or Avishka Fernando in place of the injured Dasun Shanaka, much like the starting lineup from the second game. Romesh Mendis was not used in the rain-postponed game, although he might play because of his added hitting depth.
India, having played back-to-back matches, might rest one of their fast bowlers, allowing Khaleel Ahmed a chance. Washington Sundar could also feature if the team continues its policy of giving match experience to every squad member. The potential inclusion of Shivam Dube is also on the cards.
Sri Lanka (probable XI): Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (capt), Dinesh Chandimal/Avishka Fernando, Wanindu Hasaranga, Romesh Mendis, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Asitha Fernando.
India (probable XI): Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Rishabh Pant (wk), Riyan Parag/Washington Sundar, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh/Khaleel Ahmed.
Pitch and Circumstances
The game will take place at Pallekele on a new field that should provide conditions comparable to those of the previous matches. As the match goes on, spinners and pace changes become more useful, making batting easier in the beginning.
Stats and Trivia
Suryakumar Yadav has been often plagued by Matheesha Pathirana, who has dismissed him in each of the three T20 innings.
Mohammed Siraj, who averaged 39 in T20Is versus Sri Lanka, has struggled against them despite dominating in ODIs.
Watch out for Wanindu Hasaranga, a vital player; his 15 wickets versus India are his highest against any team.
The last game gives struggling Sri Lanka an opportunity to get past their middle-order problems and put up a great display as they look for relief against in-form India.
