Sri Lanka seeks to complete their first series sweep against New Zealand since 2012 in the third One Day International at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on November 19 with the hosts already clinched a historic series victory with an unbeatable 2-0 lead.
Lanka’s impressive run has included a 45-run win in the rain-affected series opener which was powered by Kusal Mendis’s career-best 143 and Avishka Fernando’s 100 and they followed this with a three-wicket victory in the second game where Mendis again starred with an unbeaten 74.
The home team’s bowling attack particularly spinner Maheesh Theekshana with match figures of 3-31 in the second ODI has effectively contained New Zealand’s batting lineup throughout the series. The Blackcaps have struggled with the bat in the ongoing series.
New Zealand who earlier managed to tie the T20I series 1-1 now faces 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 Wickramasinghe, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Mohamed Shiraz.
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Openers: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando
Avishka Fernando and Pathum Nissanka are 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 can provide a strong start if he gets going.
Nissanka on the other hand showed promise with a steady 28 off 33 balls, including three boundaries, before being dismissed.
Middle-order batsmen and allrounders: Charith Asalanka (captain), Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Sadeera Samarawickrama
Sri Lanka’s middle-order which is led by captain Charith Asalanka 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 a more impactful knock.
Kusal Mendis who remained unbeaten with an impressive 74 off 102 is in fine form and will look to continue knocking off runs.
Kamindu Mendis had a disappointing outing after scoring a duck and will look to make amends. Janith Liyanage added 22 off 39 while Sadeera Samarawickrama managed just 8 off 17 and will look to convert starts into meaningful contributions.
Bowlers: Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Asitha Fernando
Maheesh Theekshana will continue to spearhead the Lankan attack, the guilty spinner has shown form in the ongoing series and is coming off 3-31 in the second ODI on the same ground.
Vandersay and Fernando will also look to make use of the new ball and will look to dislodge Will Young early.
