Sri Lanka look to complete their first series sweep against New Zealand since 2012 in the third One Day International at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on November 19, with the hosts already clinching a historic series win with an unbeatable 2-0 lead. 0.
Lanka’s impressive run included a 45-run win in the rain-affected series opener, which was boosted by Kusal Mendis’ career-best 143 and Avishka Fernando’s 100, and they followed this with a three-wicket win in the second game where Mendis again starred with an unbeaten 74.
The home team’s bowling attack, particularly spinner Maheesh Theekshana with figures of 3-31 in the second ODI, has effectively contained New Zealand’s batting line-up throughout the series. The Blackcaps have struggled with the bat in the ongoing series.
New Zealand, who earlier managed to draw the T20I series 1-1, now face the prospect of their first ODI series whitewash against Sri Lanka in over a decade.
Sri Lanka Team:
Charith Asalanka (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Nishan Madushka, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamidu Wickramasinghe, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushka , Mohamed Shiraz.
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Openers: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando
Avishka Fernando and Pathum Nissanka are key players to watch in the third ODI, especially after their contrasting performances in the second match. Fernando scored just 5 runs off 9 balls that fell early, but his aggressive style can get him off to a good start if he gets going.
Nissanka, on the other hand, showed promise with 28 off 33 balls, including three boundaries, before being dismissed.
Middle order batsmen and all-rounders: Charith Asalanka (captain), Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Sadeera Samarawickrama
Sri Lanka’s middle-team team, led by captain Charith Asalanka, has a mix of experience and potential. Asalanka contributed 13 off 12 balls in the second ODI, but needs to emerge as a leader with a more impactful knock.
Kusal Mendis, who remained unbeaten with an impressive 74 off 102, is in good form and will look to continue making runs.
Kamindu Mendis had a disappointing outing after scoring a duck and will look to make amends. Janith Liyanage added 22 off 39 while Sadeera Samarawickrama managed just 8 off 17 and will look to convert openings into meaningful contributions.
Bowlers: Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Asitha Fernando
Maheesh Theekshana will continue to lead the Lankan attack, the guilty spinner has shown form in the ongoing series and is coming from 3-31 in the second ODI on the same ground.
Vandersay and Fernando will also look to make use of the new ball and look to dislodge Will Young early.