In the third and final ODI in Pallekele, the West Indies won the toss and put Sri Lanka in the batting position. Despite having an unbeatable 2-0 series lead, Sri Lanka will be batting first for the first time on what should be another spin-friendly track.
Sri Lanka has made two changes, including the return of seamer Dilshan Madushanka to the starting lineup and the return of opener Pathum Nissanka. Due to the absence of Nishan Madushka and Dunith Wellalage, Sri Lanka will be starting two front-line seamers this series.
About Madushka, captain Charith Asalanka remarked, “He impressed me a lot,” at the toss. “He performed as an experienced player rather than a rookie. He’ll do a lot for the nation, in my opinion.
In the meanwhile, the West Indies have made three changes, adding fast bowler Matthew Forde to the lineup along with hitters Jewel Andrew and Evin Lewis. Lewis is playing his first ODI since July 2021, and seventeen-year-old Andrew will be making his debut for his country. Hayden Walsh, Romario Shepherd, and Alick Athanaze are paving the way.
Today’s game will be played on a brand-new field with square borders that are reasonably evenly spaced at 69 and 71 meters on either side.
There will be some turn, but it will be slower. However, when the temperature cools in the evening, the ball may glide onto the bat more. Throughout the game, there is a potential of rain.
Sri Lanka XI: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk) Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (capt), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Asitha Fernando
West Indies XI: Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Shai Hope (capt, wk), Keacy Carty, Jewel Andrew, Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Gudakesh Motie, Jayden Seales, Alzarri Joseph, Matthew Forde
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