The third and final ODI between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh promises to be a tightly contested decider as the series stands level at 1-1. After a convincing win in the first match, Sri Lanka were outplayed in the second ODI, where Bangladesh bounced back with a clinical all-round performance. With both sides showing flashes of brilliance, the third ODI is expected to be a thrilling finish to the series.
Sri Lanka, led by Charith Asalankaconvincingly secured the first ODI, largely due to Asalanka’s century and Cana’s Haranda’s excellent four-wicket haul. To claim the series on home turf, they will need their top-order batsmen to provide more consistent contributions and their bowlers to maintain the early pressure, leveraging the home advantage effectively for a decisive win.
Bangladesh showed great character in the second ODI, bouncing back strongly with a 16-run win in Colombo. Tanvir islam starred with the ball, claiming a vital five-wicket haul that underlined the team’s bowling depth. To seal the series, the Tigers will need their seasoned batting unit to step up, focus on building meaningful partnerships, and put together a competitive total whether setting a target or chasing one.
The Pallekele pitch is anticipated to offer a balanced surface, with early assistance for pacers before becoming more batter-friendly. This suggests that setting a good total might be advantageous, a lesson both teams have likely internalized from the previous two encounters. Given the back-and-forth nature of the series so far, fans can expect a fiercely contested match as both sides vie for a crucial series win on Sri Lankan soil.
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Avishka Fernando, Parvez Hossain Emon, Janith Liyanage, Tanvir Islam
Sri Lanka: Charith Asalanka (Captain), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Lianage, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Mahesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Milan Rathnayake (Subject to Fitness), Dilshan Madushanka, Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga
Bangladesh: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Captain), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Mohammad Naim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Litton Das, Jaaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Rishad Hossain, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir ISlam, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud