(Cricket news) After a disappointing 16 run defeat in the 2nd T20I at Pune, India will be looking to bounce back. India and Sri Lanka now prepare for the deciding 3rd T20I at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot. The Asia Cup winners have shown incredible quality in these two games and the men in blue have fallen a little short. Sri Lanka will definitely be backing themselves to finish the job and take the trophy home. Hardik Pandya and Rahul Dravid will be hoping for an improved performance from their side. The pitch in Rajkot is usually a batters paradise so it is likely to be another high scoring game.
India’s possible playing XI:
Ishan Kishan, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Rahul Tripathi, Hardik Pandya, Deepak Hooda, Axar Patel, Shivam Mavi, Harshal Patel, Umran Malik, Yuzvendra Chahal
Bench: Arshdeep Singh, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Jitesh Sharma, Washington Sundar, Mukesh Kumar,
Arshdeep Singh had a day to forget in the last game as he looked way out of touch and bowled a few too many no balls. He is likely to be replaced by Harshal Patel who will be looking to make his place in the team. India’s top order really needs to step up this time around as they have collapsed in the last two games. Death bowling is also an issue which needs to be addressed immediately.
Sri Lanka’s possible playing XI:
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Dilshan Madushanka
Bench: Avishka Fernando, Ashen Bandara, Lahiru Kumara, Pramod Madushan, Dunith Wellalage, Nuwan Thushara, Sadeera Samarawickrama
Sri Lanka are likely to play with the same XI that played so well in Pune. Skipper Dasun Shanaka has been playing really well and it will be interesting to see if he promotes himself up the order and bowls more often. With Rajkot being a batting wicket it will be a test for Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga who have a lot of responsibility on their shoulders.
Also read: Virat Kohli will help others excel in the World Cup: Kris Srikkanth
