Pakistan will be going head to head against Sri Lanka in the 3rd ODI of the 5 match series at Colombo. The series is currently tied at 1-1 and both teams would like to win the 3rd ODI and go 1 up in the series because whoever loses this game will have two win the remaining two games, which is surely going to be a tough job. Both the ODI's were one sided and there was no competition. The Colombo track will assist the spinners in the second half and whichever team wins the toss will look to bat first here. The match will start at 2.30 pm Local Time.
Sri Lanka will be starting as hot favourites for the game because they are the home side and will look to sieze the advantage. Thet made a terrific comeback in the 2nd ODI to beat Pakistan by 76 runs and level the series. Once again, their hopes will be on T. Dilshan to take them to a big score and counter attack the Pakistan bowling line up. Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene will be the other two big guns that the Lankans will be hoping to fire. Jayawardene found some form in the last game, but Sangakkara is still struggling to get his touch back. Chandimal, Thirimanne and Mathews have promised a lot with the bat in the recent past and Thisira Perera could not be counted off either. Perera hit a purple patch with the ball in the 2nd ODI and bagged the Man Of The Match title too. The bowling will be spearheaded by Lasith Malinga with Nuwan Kulasekara being his new ball partner. Rangana Herath is expected to be the lone spinner in the Playing XI for Sri Lanka.
Pakistan began the tournament in grand fashion by comfortably winning the first ODI, but failed to keep up the good work in the next game. They are an unpredictable side and no one could count them out. Misbah ul Haq has been leading the side very well and has been smart in his decisions. Pakistan's strength lies in their bowling department and Saeed Ajmal has been at his best in the series so far. The return of pacers Md. Sami and Sohail Tanvir has boosted the side too. The batting will rest on the shoulders of Misbah, Hafeez and Umar Akmal. Azhar Ali played a gritty knock of 96 in the last game and has caught the eye of every one. But the trump card for Pakistan is going to "Boom Boom" Shahid Afridi because he is a match winner with both the bat and the ball. So, be ready to witness the battle on Wednesday afternoon because it is surely going to be one to watch out.
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