Sri Lanka are looking to complete their first series The sweep against New Zealand in the third One Day International since 2012 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on 19 November had sealed a historic series win with the hosts already leading 2–0.
Lanka’s impressive run included a 45-run win in a rain-affected series opener that equaled Kusal Mendis’ career-best 143 and Avishka Fernando‘s 100 and they followed it up with a three-wicket victory in the second game in which Mendis again hit an unbeaten 74.
In the second ODI, the home team’s bowling attack, particularly spinner Maheesh Theekshana, effectively contained New Zealand’s batting line-up throughout the series with match figures of 3-31. The Blackcaps have been struggling with the bat in the ongoing series.
Having earlier managed to tie the T20I series 1-1, New Zealand now face the prospect of their first ODI series whitewash against Sri Lanka in over a decade.
Sri Lanka Squad:
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 Wickramasing, We hate FernandoDilshan Madushanka, Mohammed Shiraz.
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Openers: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando
Avishka Fernando and Pathum Nissanka are the 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 falling early, but his aggressive style could provide a strong start if he progresses.
Nissanka, on the other hand, gave a steady promise with 28 off 33 balls, including three boundaries, before being dismissed.
Middle-order batsmen and batsmen: Charith Asalanka (captain), Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Sadeera Samarawickrama
Led by captain Charith Asalanka, Sri Lanka’s middle order has a mix of experience and potential. Asalanka contributed 13 off 12 balls in the second ODI but needs to step up as a leader with more effective batting.
Kusal Mendis, unbeaten on 102 off an impressive 74, is in good form and will continue to stop the runs.
Kamindu Mendis had a disappointing outing after scoring a duck and will look to make amends. Janith Liyanage added 22 from 39 while Sadeera Samarawickrama managed just 8 from 17 and will look to convert the starts into meaningful contributions.
Bowlers: Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Asitha Fernando
Maheesh Theekshana will continue to lead the Lankan attack, with the guilt spinner showing form in the ongoing series and taking 3-31 in the second ODI at the same venue.
Vandersay and Fernando will also look to use the new ball and try to release Will Young early.
