3 changes Sri Lanka should make for 3rd T20I vs India ft. Avishka Fernando
Sri Lanka are all set to face India in the third and final game of the bilateral T20I series on Tuesday, July 30, in Pallekele. India have already taken an unassailable lead of 2-0 and would look to secure a series whitewash in this fixture.
The first game saw the Islanders conceding 213 courtesy a lackluster bowling performance. Although they started their chase well, they lost the plot in the middle to get bundled out for 170.
In the most recent outing, the home team posted 161 on the board, and then failed to defend 78 off eight overs (DLS).
There have been failures in both departments for the home team, with the players lacking composure in the crunch moments. Sri Lanka would now be in search of a morale-boosting victory, especially with the ODI leg of the series coming up.
On that note, let's take a look at the three changes Sri Lanka might make in their XI for the final T20I against India.
#1 Bringing in Dilshan Madushanka in place of Asitha Fernando
Right-arm pacer Asitha Fernando was not used in the second T20I, which was reduced to eight overs. In the first game, he finished with figures of 1/47 off four overs, taking the wicket of Rinku Singh.
Meanwhile, Dilshan Madushanka returned with figures of 1/47 off three overs in the first game, dismissing Shubman Gill. He was subsequently dropped in the next game.
However, Madushanka can be given an opportunity due to his impressive track record against India. He has grabbed nine wickets in five appearances at an average of 22.66.
During the Asia Cup 2022, he dismissed the likes of Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant as well.
#2 Dropping Kamindu Mendis in favor of Avishka Fernando
Kamindu Mendis has registered knocks of 12 & 26 in the first two games of the series. Despite the home team getting off to strong starts, the middle order led by Mendis hasn't been able to provide the required acceleration. Hence, the Charith Asalanka-led side could provide a chance to the in-form Avishka Fernando.
Jaffna Kings' Fernando was the third-highest run-getter in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2024 with 374 runs at a strike rate of 162.60, with five fifties to his name. He smoked 80 off 34 balls against Dambulla Sixers earlier this month.
Fernando's efforts helped the Kings qualify for the playoffs and ultimately win the title. The right-hander could, therefore, replace Mendis in the Sri Lanka XI.
#3 Swapping Dinesh Chandimal with Dasun Shanaka
Dinesh Chandimal made a comeback to the T20I squad after a gap of more than two years. His last T20I appearance came in February 2022 against India. Chandimal's performance in the LPL 2024 helped him get named in the squad for this series.
The Kandy Falcons batter accumulated 287 runs in 10 innings at a strike rate of 168.82, with the 89 off 37 against the Jaffna Kings being his best knock.
Meanwhile, Shanaka had a disappointing LPL 2024, with an average of 15.42. He has followed that up by two ducks in this T20I series.
In the last T20I, the former Sri Lanka skipper bowled a solitary over and gave away 12 runs. Given the need to improve the team's middle order, Sri Lanka are expected to drop Shanaka for this game.