India is set to face Sri Lanka in the third and final One Day International (ODI) of the ongoing series at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Wednesday, August 7. As the Men in Blue eye a crucial win to avoid a series loss, all eyes are also on the weather forecast, which threatens to dampen their ambitions.
The Indian cricket team, winless so far in this series, tied the first ODI and subsequently lost the second. This defeat marked their first loss to Sri Lanka in three years, a streak dating back to July 2021. In the second ODI, India faltered dramatically from 97/0 to 208 all-out while chasing a modest target of 241, reflecting a concerning middle-order collapse. Their performance in the first ODI was equally disheartening as they botched a 231-run chase, resulting in a tie. This tie was the tenth for India in the ODI format.
The weather forecast for August 7 does not inspire confidence. According to Accuweather, there is a 40% chance of precipitation throughout the day, escalating to 43% by evening. Thunderstorms are expected in some parts of the region, posing a significant risk of interruptions or even a washed-out game.
India’s prospects of maintaining their dominant record against Sri Lanka in bilateral ODI series are heavily dependent on this final game. The Men in Blue have not lost a bilateral ODI series to Sri Lanka in 27 years, with their last series defeat dating back to 1997. Since then, India has won 11 consecutive bilateral ODI series against Sri Lanka. This game is critical for India not just to avoid a series loss but also to preserve this long-standing record.
India’s probable playing XI for the match includes Rohit Sharma as captain, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul as wicketkeeper, and a choice between Shivam Dube and Riyan Parag. The bowling attack is likely to feature Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, and Arshdeep Singh.
. This lineup reflects a blend of experienced players and young talents, aiming to strike a balance between aggression and stability.
Sri Lanka’s probable playing XI, on the other hand, comprises Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis as wicketkeeper, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka as captain, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Kamindu Mendis, Jeffrey Vandersay, Akila Dananjaya, and Asitha Fernando. This lineup highlights Sri Lanka’s aim to capitalize on their home advantage and build on their momentum from the previous win.
The Indian team will be particularly wary of Charith Asalanka, who has been in scintillating form, helping to anchor their batting lineup. Similarly, Sri Lanka will be closely watching Virat Kohli, whose consistency in ODIs makes him a pivotal player for India in high-pressure situations.
The R. Premadasa Stadium, known for its spin-friendly conditions, could play a crucial role in the final outcome. India’s spinners, particularly Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel, will be key players if the weather permits a full game. Both teams understand the importance of early breakthroughs and will be strategizing accordingly.
This series serves as a crucial battleground for both teams ahead of the upcoming Cricket World Cup. While India is keen to get back to winning ways and build momentum, Sri Lanka is looking to prove their resurgence on the international stage, especially ahead of the multi-nation tournament.
The impending threat of rain, however, adds another dimension to the strategic planning. Both teams will need to have contingency plans in place, be it through the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method or by making aggressive plays early on to stay ahead of any rain-curtailed situations.
As fans eagerly await the climax of this riveting series, the weather remains an unpredictable spectator, capable of swinging the fortunes in anyone’s favor. For now, both teams must stay focused on the task at hand and be ready to adapt to any challenges presented by the elements.
The anticipation builds as cricket enthusiasts hope for a thrilling contest to bring this series to a fitting conclusion, weather permitting.
