India vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20I Match Prediction – Who will win today’s match between IND vs SL?

Sri Lanka finally managed to stop the Indian juggernaut, winning their first T20I in the country since 2016 to level the three-match series. It turned out to be a run-fest in Pune as India almost pulled off a miraculous heist chasing Sri Lanka's daunting target of 207 runs. 

Check Here: India (IND) vs Sri Lanka (SL) Live Score

With the series locked at level pegging, the Asian Giants will lock horns at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot for the series decider on Saturday, January 7. Sri Lanka have the momentum heading into the finale, but Hardik Pandya's men have showcased that they are not going to be rolled over easily despite missing several star players.

Bowling remains a concern for the hosts, especially the young pace battery, who were put under severe pressure in the previous encounter. Talented left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh will be looking to make amends in the final T20I after a horror show in Pune.

Match Details

Venue:  Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot 
Date & Time: January 7, 7:00 PM IST
Telecast & Live Streaming: Star Sports Network and Disney+Hotstar

Pitch Report

The surface at Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium is a batter's friend with an average first-innings score of 179 runs. However, the pacers are expected to get some assistance with the new ball, making life difficult for the batters. The team winning the toss will be inclined to bat first given the nature of the surface.

Probable Playing XIs

India:

Ishan Kishan (wk), Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Rahul Tripathi, Hardik Pandya (c), Deepak Hooda, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Shivam Mavi, Umran Malik, Yuzvendra Chahal

Bench: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Washington Sundar, Harshal Patel, Mukesh Kumar

Sri Lanka:

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: Lahiru Kumara, Avishka Fernando, Ashen Bandara, Pramod Madushan, Dunith Wellalage, Nuwan Thushara, Sadeera Samarawickrama

IND vs SL Head to Head

Overall

Matches- 28, India – 18, Sri Lanka– 9, N/R- 1, Tied- 0

In India

Matches- 16, India – 12, Sri Lanka– 3, N/R- 1, Tied- 0

Probable best batter of the match

Dasun Shanaka (Sri Lanka):

Sri Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka's love affair with the Indian team continued in the second T20I as he smashed the Indian bowlers to all parts of the ground, registering the fastest half-century by a Sri Lankan in T20Is. He has been in tremendous form with the bat, and the hosts will need to find a way to keep him quiet in the series decider, something that looks unlikely at the moment.

Probable best bowler of the match

Umran Malik (India):

There is a new speedster on the blocks, and he is terrorizing batters one game at a time. Umran Malik might go for runs, but he provides a wicket-taking opportunity to his skipper Hardik Pandya, making him an invaluable asset. He scalped three wickets in the second T20I, with the wicket of Wanindu Hasaranga being the highlight of his spell as he sent the Sri Lankan spinner's off stump for a walk.

Today’s Match Prediction: Team batting first to win the match

Also Check: IND vs SL Dream11 Prediction

Disclaimer: This prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.

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