The 5 Match ODI Series could not have been better poised going into the 3rd ODI between India and Sri Lanka. The series is tied at 1-1 with both teams winning a game quite comfortably. There is a lot to worry for both the teams and they would like to redress it as quickly as possible. It is a crucial match in context of the series as a win today will not only get them a lead but will also make it a do-or-die situation for the other team in the next 2 ODIs.The match will be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
INDIA: It has been a roller coaster ride for India so far in the series. They won the 1st ODI in a convincing fashion but were totally routed in the 2nd match. Rohit Sharma has been a big worrying factor for the team management. He has been failing consistently with the bat and with Rahane and Tiwary waiting in the sheds, he certainly has to be dropped from the team. Pragyan Ojha has suffered a neck injury and is a doubtful starter for the 3rd ODI. Zaheer Khan has been far from his best and so is Umesh Yadav. The bowling will rest on the shoulders of Irfan Pathan and R.Ashwin as they have been bowling consistently well in the series so far. India will surely give it their all to secure a win tonight.
SRI LANKA: Jayawardene's men came back strongly in the series in the 2nd ODI and will be hoping to carry on the good momentum. After the defeat in the 1st ODI, Sri Lanka needed some inspiration from their players and it was provided by Thisara Perera who totally annihilated the Indian top order. The Sri Lanka top order is in good form and the trio of Dilshan, Sangakkara and Tharanga is going to be the deciding factor in this game. Lasith Malinga is a cause of concern for Jayawardene as he has proved to be far too expensive in the series. Sri Lanka need to get their act together to put the Indians under pressure.
HEAD TO HEAD: Matches-136 || India Won-72 || Sri Lanka Won-52 || N/R,Tied-12
TEAMS (Probable XI):
India- Gambhir, Sehwag, Kohli, Rahane, Tiwary, Raina, Dhoni(C), Pathan, Ashwin, Zaheer, Yadav.
Sri Lanka-Tharanga, Dilshan, Sangakkara, Chandimal, Jayawardene(C), Mathews, Thirimanne, Perera, Herath, Malinga, Pradeep.
The Match Is Scheduled To Start At 9.00 GMT.
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