The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the three-match ODI series between India and Sri Lanka as both sides gear up to face each other in the third and final ODI on Wednesday at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. Sri Lanka, buoyed by their dominant performance in the second ODI, lead the series 1-0 and will be keen to seal the series victory. Meanwhile, India will be eager to bounce back and level the series to salvage some pride.

In the second ODI, Sri Lanka came up with a remarkable performance to pull off a series-leading victory. Their victory was orchestrated by a stellar bowling performance from Jeffrey Vandersay, who tore through India’s batting lineup with a six-wicket haul. India, chasing a total of 240, crumbled to 208 all out, falling short by 32 runs. Vandersay’s devastating spell was the highlight, leaving Indian batsmen struggling to find runs.

India’s batting woes in the middle-order were evident, and they will need to address that if they hope to turn the tide in the final ODI. Key players like Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul will need to step up and provide the stability and firepower. Meanwhile, skipper Rohit Sharma has been in top-notch form, having delivered sensational performances in the last two games. 

For Sri Lanka, the confidence from their victory in second ODI will be a significant boost. They will aim to replicate their disciplined bowling performance and back it up with a solid batting display. Sri Lanka will be determined to clinch the series and head home with a morale-boosting win. 

SL probable XI: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Akila Dananjaya, Asitha Fernando, Jeffrey Vandersay

IND probable XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh