SL vs IND, 3rd T20I: Sri Lanka Win Toss, Opt To Bowl First; Check Playing XIs

Pallekele: India will be targeting a series whitewash against Charith Asalanka’s Sri Lanka in the third and final T20I on Tuesday at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.

Suryakumar Yadav has made a strong impact, leading India to clinch the series with a seven-wicket victory in a rain-shortened match on Sunday.

In the second T20I, Sri Lanka posted 165 runs, but rain revised India’s target to 78 in eight overs, which they achieved in just 6.3 overs. Suryakumar acknowledged the weather’s favour in easing their chase. Ravi Bishnoi was instrumental with outstanding figures of 4-0-26-3.

Sri Lanka, however, struggled with their batting. Despite a solid start from Kusal Perera, they managed only 22 runs in the final four overs, hampering their momentum. Their bowlers also faced challenges due to the rain.

The pattern of collapses has been evident in the series, with Sri Lanka losing nine wickets for 30 runs in the first T20I and seven for 32 in the second. This series marks Charith Asalanka’s debut as Sri Lanka’s full-time T20I captain, where he has scored only 0 and 14 in the two games.

Sri Lanka’s top order has performed well, with Pathum Nissanka leading the series in runs, and notable contributions from Kusal Perera and Kusal Mendis. However, the middle and lower orders have faltered, with Kamindu Mendis’ 26 being the highest score from these positions in the second T20I.

To avoid a sweep, Sri Lanka must resolve their middle-order issues and capitalize on the solid starts provided by their top order.

Playing XIs

India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Sanju Samson(w), Shivam Dube, Riyan Parag, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Siraj, Khaleel Ahmed

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(w), Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka(c), Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Wanindu Hasaranga, Ramesh Mendis, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Asitha Fernando