The decisive third match of the three-match ODI series between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh is scheduled to be played on Tuesday at the Pallekele International Stadium. Both teams have won one match each, leveling the series, making this match a final-like decider.
SPORTS NEWS: The three-match ODI series between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh has now reached a decisive stage. Both teams will face off in the third and final ODI match on Tuesday, July 9th. While both teams will take the field with the aim of winning the series, the weather in Pallekele could potentially spoil the match. According to the weather department, there is a b possibility of rain on Tuesday, which could change the course of the match at any moment.
Series Tied So Far
In this series so far, both teams have won one match each, putting themselves on equal footing. Sri Lanka won the first match by 77 runs, with the bowlers and top order performing brilliantly. Bangladesh, on the other hand, made a stunning comeback by winning the second match by 16 runs. The third match will decide who takes home the trophy.
Pitch Report: Will Runs Pour or Will Bowlers Shine?
The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium is generally considered a high-scoring ground, but due to the moisture in the pitch, fast bowlers could get some help, especially in the beginning. However, continuous rain has prevented the completion of some recent matches here. The last 5 ODI matches have seen overs reduced. The last ODI match had to be abandoned. In such a situation, it will be interesting to see how the weather behaves on Tuesday.
Possible Changes: Team Composition in Focus
Sri Lanka is likely to include Milan Ratnayake in the team to balance their bowling and lower-order batting. In the last match, the Sri Lankan batting faltered in the lower order, which needs to be improved. From Bangladesh's side, fast bowler Taskin Ahmed could be included in the playing eleven. He might get a chance in place of Hasan Mahmud. Taskin's pace and swing capabilities could be decisive in the Pallekele weather.
Head to Head: Sri Lanka's Advantage
A total of 59 ODI matches have been played between the two teams since 1986.
- Sri Lanka has won 44 matches.
- Bangladesh has won only 13 matches.
- While 2 matches have been inconclusive.
However, the situation has been even in the last 10 ODI matches. Both teams have won 5 matches each, which makes this series even more exciting. Before the ODI series, a two-match Test series was played, in which Sri Lanka won 1-0. Now, after this decisive ODI, a three-match T20 series will also be played between the two teams, which will begin this week.
Possible Squads of Both Teams
Sri Lanka Team: Nishan Madushka, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wicketkeeper), Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (Captain), Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Jeffrey Vandersay, Avishka Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Milan Ratnayake and Ishan Malinga.
Bangladesh Team: Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Captain), Shamim Hossain, Jaker Ali (wicketkeeper), Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Hasan Mahmud, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Litton Das, Taskin Ahmed, Mohammad Naim, Rishad Hossain and Nahid Rana.
