Sri Lanka vs South Africa, 3rd ODI: Match Predictions – Who will win the match Sri Lanka or South Africa?

South Africa didn’t have an overwhelming Test series against Sri Lanka by any stretch of the imagination. They couldn’t gauge the guile and trajectory of the tweakers and hence were beaten black and blue. However, ODI cricket is a whole new ballgame and the Proteas have been able to turn their fortunes around in the 50-over format courtesy of a couple of thumping victories in Dambulla.

The teams are now scheduled to play two matches in Pallekele, the first of which will be played tomorrow. The visiting team now has the opportunity to seal the fate of the series in their upcoming fixture. On the contrary, the hosts are gasping for breath and are well and truly under the pump with the requisite of winning their remaining matches to emerge triumphant in the series.

Pitch

Historically, the pitch hasn’t been an overly high scoring one. The tracks in the first two matches haven’t been batting paradises by any means. 20 matches have been played in Pallekele and the team batting second has carved victory in 13 of them. Moreover, South Africa have won their previous two matches batting second and it won’t spring a surprise if the winner of the toss elects to field first.

Team Combination

Sri Lanka

The Lankans don’t have many alternatives to choose from and hence, they are likely to remain unchanged ahead of the third contest. Lahiru Kumara is yet to recover from the finger injury and therefore Kasun Rajitha, who was the team’s most expensive bowler in the last match, will get another chance. The management may also persist with left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya. The rest of the lineup will be the same.

Predicted XI

Kusal Perera, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Upul Tharanga, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews (C), Shehan Jayasuriya, Thisara Perera, Akila Dananjaya, Suranga Lakmal, Prabath Jayasuriya, Kasun Rajitha

South Africa

The Proteas won’t want to tinker with their winning combination. Hashim Amla returned to form in the last match and will be keen to step up with another impressive performance. Quinton de Kock and JP Duminy are their most in-form batsmen. In the bowling department, the pacers in Ngidi and Rabada have been able to get the batters by the scruff of their necks. Tabraiz Shamsi hasn’t disappointed either.

Predicted XI

Quinton de Kock (wk), Hashim Amla, Aiden Markram, Faf du Plessis (C), JP Duminy, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lungi Ngidi

Probable top performers

Upul Tharanga (Sri Lanka); Hashim Amla (South Africa)

Scenarios

1 – Sri Lanka win the toss bowl first

Score: 280-290

South Africa win by 30-40 runs

2 – South Africa win the toss bowl first

240-250

South Africa win by five wickets

The prediction is for South Africa to win the 3rd ODI and win the series 3-0 lead.

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