India vs Sri Lanka, 3rd T20I – Result Predictions

The T20 International series between India and Sri Lanka, thus far, has been a witness to a couple of one-sided affairs. India dished out a clinical show at Cuttack followed by another piece of brilliance in Indore. The Men in Blue carried forward their momentum from the first game and stomped to a series victory. The series now moves to the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai for the 3rd and final T20I on the 24th of December.

Here’s what CricTracker predicts for the game:

Scenario 1: India win the toss

Toss Prediction: India will choose to bat first

First Innings Score Prediction: 210-220

Result Prediction: India will win the match by 30-40 runs

Scenario 2: Sri Lanka win the toss

Toss Prediction: Sri Lanka will choose to bat first

First Innings Score Prediction: 170-180

Result Prediction: India will win the match by 7 wickets

Head to Head Record

Total matches played – 13, India won – 9, Sri Lanka won – 4, No Result/ Tied – 0.

Sri Lanka have slumped to a couple of heavy drubbings at the hands of a bunch of vibrant Indian cricketers. They sparked flashes of brilliance but weren’t consistent enough to set the cat among the pigeons in the Indian camp. Meanwhile, India piled on the agony and ripped apart the Lankans with both bat and ball. In the dead-rubber at Mumbai, while India will be looking for a whitewash, Sri Lanka will be hoping to salvage some pride as the tour comes to a close.

India

India played exceptionally well in the series giving no leeway for the Lankans to stage a comeback and ruffle their feathers. The batting has fired on all cylinders and has been able to pile on big scores. The bowling hasn’t misfired either as the likes of Yuzvendra Chahal have been able to tie down the Lankan batsmen.

Having already won the series, India might want to experiment with their lineup. The team management might rest a few key players and hand Basil Thampi and Deepak Hooda an India cap in the upcoming fixture at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. Nonetheless, the batting department remains more or less the same with the top-order firing all guns blazing.

Predicted XI: Rohit Sharma (C), Lokesh Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Deepak Hooda, Dinesh Karthik, MS Dhoni (wk), Hardik Pandya, Yuzvendra Chahal, Basil Thampi, Jaydev Unadkat, Kuldeep Yadav

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka have struggled to get under the skins of the Indian team. Consequently, they were comprehensively defeated at Cuttack and Indore. Though their batting clicked to some extent in the second T20I, overall, they have failed to make a mark in the series. Angelo Mathews suffered a hamstring tear, which didn’t allow him to bat during Sri Lanka’s run-chase.

All-rounder Chaturanga de Silva hasn’t got a game yet in the series might be drafted into the team in place of Mathews. Kusal Perera’s inclusion has injected some confidence in the team. However, in order for them to turn the tables, a combined effort is paramount for the Lankans. All in all, the Islanders will be desperate to get their combination right.

Predicted XI:  Upul Tharanga, Niroshan Dickwella, Kusal Perera, Chaturanga de Silva, Asela Gunaratne, Thisara Perera (C), Dasun Shanaka, Sachith Pathirana, Akila Dananjaya, Dushmantha Chameera, Vishwa Fernando

The prediction is for India to win the match and complete a series-whitewash against Thisara Perera’s boys.

Do let us know of your predictions in the comments section below.