Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh, 3rd ODI: Preview, predictions, likely XIs

After winning the series comfortably and convincingly, Sri Lanka will focus on a whitewash in the last ODI against Bangladesh on July 31.

Sri Lanka’s batting line-up is undoubtedly stronger than the opponents and it has been proved in the previous two encounters. Introduction of Avishka Fernando to the order is a major boost with the presence of the likes of Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Perera, and Angelo Mathews in the middle order. Akila Danajaya and Dhananjay de Silva were outstanding in the second match and never let the absence of Lasith Malinga become a pressure. Isuru Udana and Nuwan Pradeep cooperated as well and picked up important wickets.

For Bangladesh, this series is turning out to be an utter disappointment after their spirited World Cup campaign. They are missing injured captain Mashrafe Mortaza, pacer Mohammad Saifuddin and match winning all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, the impact has been immense. The youngsters have not been able to establish them. The bowlers have not delivered the best so far except the economical Taiju Islam. Tamim Iqbal, one of the important batsmen does not look on track but he has the ability to turn the table on any given day.

Head of head: These two teams have faced each other 47 times and Sri Lanka have won 38 matches. Bangladesh are yet to win an ODI at R Premadasa stadium.

Key Players:

Dhananjaya de Silva (Sri Lanka)– Dhananjaya de Silva has been one of the most consistent bowlers for Sri Lanka in this series. The first match saw him picking up important wickets while maintaining the economy rate. In the second match, he emerged as the most economical bowler in the low scoring match although finished wicketless. The immediate vacuum created by Lasith Malinga could have gone wrong for Sri Lanka. But the likes of de Silva did not let that happen and took the charge.

Mushfiqur Rahim (Bangladesh)- One of the mainstays for Bangladesh batting line up, Mushfiqur Rahim is in form and a lot depends on him in the last match. Rahim showed his class in the last two games at difficult times and played the role of anchor. With Bangladesh missing some of the senior players and Tamim managing dual role, Rahim needs to take the lead even in this match if Bangladesh have to do well.

Likely XIs:

Sri Lanka: Avishka Fernando, Dimuth Karunaratne (C), Kusal Perera (WK), Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Lahiru Thirimanne, Dhananjaya de Silva, Akila Dananjaya, Isuru Udana, Lahiru Kumara and Nuwan Pradeep

Bandladesh: Tamim Iqbal (C), Soumya Sarkar, Mohammad Mithun, Mushfiqur Rahim (WK), Mohammad Mahmudullah, Sabbir Rahman, Mosaddek Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mustafizur Rahman, Taijul Islam and Shafiul Islam

Prediction: Sri Lanka to finish the series 3-0.