After twin enthusiastic One-Day Internationals, India and Sri Lanka would lock horns in the third and final ODI at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Friday. Already possessing a 2-0 unassailable lead in the series, the visitor would aim to make a clean sweep, while the host would look to salvage some pride by winning this tie.Least assured, it would be another enthralling clash after Lanka displayed some fighting spirit in the second ODI. In the same light, we present the match preview.
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Team compositionThe Indian team is batting heavy. However, the department somewhat fluttered in the last game, with the top and middle-order misfiring. Nevertheless, it is still formidable enough, while the bowling, too, did a fair job in the last game. However, now that the series is in the pocket, expect some rotations.As for Lanka, it is heavy on the bowling side, and it did give a hard time to the Indian batsmen on Tuesday. Expect the same intensity from the bowlers in this clash, while the batsmen need to step up a bit in terms of run-scoring and post a challenging total. Lanka, too, is free to experiment with their playing XI.
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Injury concernsNone of the sides has any injury concerns a day before the game.Head-to-headOf the 161 matches, India leads 93-56, while in Lanka, India has a 30-27 lead of the 63 games. In Colombo, out of the 35 clashes, India leads 17-15.
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Weather and pitch reportThe weather in Colombo on Friday is expected to be somewhat rainy with thunderstorms. Therefore, there could be some mild rain interruptions. As for the track, it is likely to remain unchanged and get bowling friendly later, with the side winning the toss electing to bat.
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Probable XIIndia: Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan (c), Ishan Kishan (wk), Manish Pandey, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Deepak Chahar, Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal.Lanka: Avishka Fernando, Minod Bhanuka (wk), Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Kasun Rajitha, Dushmantha Chameera and Lakshan Sandakan.
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Fantasy XIBatsmen: Dhawan (c), Yadav, Shanaka, Fernando, Asalanka- Dhawan and Fernando are expected to give a fiery start to the innings, while Yadav can strengthen at third. In the middle-order, Shanaka and Asalanka can consolidate while Dhawan's reliability makes him the skipper.Wicketkeeper: Kishan- He is the only guy that has fared well in the department so far, while he is also a healthy top-order batsman and is expected to do well as usual.All-rounders: De Silva, Hasaranga- The Lankan all-rounders have been a pain for the Indians. While de Silva has troubled them with the bat, Hasaranga has done the same with the ball and it would be no different this time.Bowlers: Bhuvneshwar, Chahar, Chahal (vc)- Among the bowlers are an all-out Indian attack, with Bhuvi expected to terrorise the Lankans with his prolific seam movement, along with Chahar's pace, while the latter has also proved that he can bat down the order. Meanwhile, Chahal has seemingly bounced back as an effective leg-spinner and would continue his magic, thus making him the deputy skipper.
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Match detailsDate and day: July 23, 2021 (Friday)Venue: R Premadasa Stadium, ColomboTime: 3 PM (IST)Where to watch (TV): Sony Ten, Sony Six, Sony Ten 3 and Sony Ten 4 (Also available in HD, along with regional languages)Where to watch (Online): Sony LIVNOTE: Asianet News humbly requests everyone to wear masks, sanitise, maintain social distancing and get vaccinated as soon as eligible. Together we can and will break the chain #ANCares #IndiaFightsCorona
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