Sri Lanka's hopes of winning their T20I series against India hinge on a much-needed turnaround in their middle order. The hosts have been utterly reliant on their top three, with the middle and lower order collapsing dramatically in both games.
In the first T20I, Sri Lanka lost nine wickets for just 30 runs. The second match saw a similar story unfold, with the middle order losing seven wickets for 32 runs. This worrying trend has continued throughout Charith Asalanka's captaincy, with Asalanka himself struggling with scores of 0 and 14.
Despite the top order's strong performances, with Pathum Nissanka leading the series run-scorers, Kusal Perera scoring a half-century and Kusal Mendis making 45 in the first match, the lack of support from the middle order has proved costly. Kamindu Mendis' 26 in the second T20I was the highest score from the middle and lower order, highlighting the urgent need for improvement.
India, on the other hand, have already secured the series with two convincing wins and have little to worry about. However, the series provides an opportunity for some of their lesser-known batters, like Sanju Samson, Rinku Singh and Riyan Parag, to gain valuable experience in the middle order.
In the spotlight
Pathum Nissanka has been in sensational form, smashing 753 runs at a strike rate of 154.93 in 2024, well above his career average. His impressive performances in the Lanka Premier League, where he was the highest-scoring opener, have continued into the international arena. With the middle order struggling, the onus is on Nissanka to deliver big scores and provide a strong foundation for the innings.
Rishabh Pant, making his return to competitive cricket after a serious accident, has been a key figure in India's success. While he impressed in the IPL, he hasn't quite found his rhythm in the T20 World Cup and this series. With Sanju Samson breathing down his neck, Pant needs to prove his credentials in the shortest format and solidify his place in the team.
Team News
Sri Lanka are expected to field a similar XI to the one that played in the second T20I, with the possible inclusion of Avishka Fernando or Dinesh Chandimal for the out-of-form Dasun Shanaka, who has three ducks in his last three T20Is. Ramesh Mendis is likely to retain his place despite not getting a chance to bowl in the rain-affected second match, as he offers crucial batting depth.
India may rest one of their fast bowlers, with Khaleel Ahmed waiting in the wings. Washington Sundar could also feature, with India keen to give every squad member a chance on tour. Shivam Dube could come in as well, but with Hardik Pandya absent from the ODI squad, India might prefer to keep him in the T20I squad. There is no update on Shubman Gill, who missed the second T20I due to a neck spasm, but he is expected to feature in the ODIs.
Pitch and Conditions
The third T20I will be played on a fresh pitch in Pallekele, unlike the previous two matches that took place on the same surface. While the first two matches offered good batting conditions early on, the pitch became more difficult as the game progressed, favouring spinners and changes of pace. The new pitch is not expected to be significantly different.
Stats and Trivia
Matheesha Pathirana has dismissed Suryakumar Yadav in all three T20 innings he has bowled to him, making him a potential threat to the Indian captain.
While Mohammed Siraj has been a formidable force against Sri Lanka in ODIs, he has struggled against them in T20Is, with a poor average of 39 and only three wickets in four matches.
Wanindu Hasaranga has taken the most wickets against India in T20Is, with 15 dismissals. He has dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal twice in this series and will be a key bowler for Sri Lanka.
Quotes
âThe obvious thing to say is that we don't have enough power, but that's not true. If you look at our stats this year, we're neck-and-neck with other teams for six-hitting. If you hit it out of the stadium or just clear the boundary, it's still a six. More than skills, I think handling situations and sticking around in tough situations have been the problems." - Sri Lanka batting coach Thilina Kandamby on the team's middle-order woes.
This match is crucial for Sri Lanka, who need to find a solution to their middle-order woes to have any chance of winning the series. With a new pitch and the pressure mounting, can they turn the tide and salvage their T20I campaign?