India vs Sri Lanka Match Prediction: Who will win today's 3rd ODI match?
It's been 27 years since Sri Lanka beat India in an ODI series. The Lankan Lions will have a golden opportunity to snap that streak when they face off against their northern neighbors in the third and final ODI on Wednesday, August 7.
The series opener ended in a thrilling tie after Charith Asalanka picked up wickets off successive deliveries with India needing just one run to win. The second ODI wasn't as tightly contested, with the Men in Blue falling short of the Sri Lankan total by a sizeable 32 runs.
The R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo has produced two exciting contests already. The spinners have been in the game throughout, but as the likes of Pathum Nissanka, Rohit Sharma, Dunith Wellalage and Axar Patel have proved, batting isn't an impossible task.
India have made a couple of changes to their side, with Riyan Parag and Rishabh Pant coming in for KL Rahul and Arshdeep Singh. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, have roped in Maheesh Theekshana for Akila Dananjaya.
Can India storm back and secure a series draw? Or will Sri Lanka hold on for a long-awaited triumph?
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Theekshana's inclusion means that Sri Lanka now have a reliable spin-bowling option in the powerplay. That could be vital against Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, with the former having plundered runs in the powerplay.
The hosts have enough spin in their ranks, but India have smartly beefed up their batting by including Parag at the expense of a seamer. With Rishabh Pant knowing a thing or two about batting in tricky spinning conditions, the middle order wears a more solid look despite the absence of one of its most reliable performers over the years.
The pitch brings both teams into the contest, and it'll be a question of who executes their plans better. India are now stronger than they were in the first two ODIs, with 40 overs of spin to call upon. They will also be itching to prove a point and prevent an infamous series defeat.
This contest is too close to call, and Sri Lanka are perfectly capable of pulling off another victory. The toss has fallen in their favor, and India are up against it. That said, though, the Men in Blue are the stronger outfit and have more experience in their ranks.
Prediction: India to win the third ODI vs Sri Lanka.