The upcoming 3rd T20I match of the series between Sri Lanka (SL) and India (IND) marks a crucial clash between both teams. The result of the series was declared before the completion of the series as the men-in-blue clinched the 3-match T20I series by 2-0 after winning their first two games. Suryakumar Yadav’s led side will be aiming for a complete sweep. Whereas, Sri Lanka would be aiming to conclude the series with a convincing victory.

Interestingly, India has an opportunity to test the strength of its bench players and include a maximum of them in the playing XI. But, Sri Lanka desperate to achieve its first win in the series might not prefer making too many changes in the starting XI.

It is expected that the match could be played on a different pitch at the same venue which might influence the decision of the toss-winning skipper. Also, the worries about weather conditions continue to increase, as the previous match was reduced to 8 overs during India’s batting in 2nd innings due to heavy rains.

In this preview, let’s find out the head-to-head stats in the shortest format and compare the performances of both teams in the recently concluded T20I match of the series to predict the winner of the upcoming match. Also, we will be discussing the best online streaming and broadcasting channels to enjoy the live match from your easily accessible location. 

SL vs IND 3rd T20I 2024: Schedule and Venue

Here is the schedule and venue for SL vs IND 3rd T20I match you need to know:

Sri Lanka vs India Performance Comparison in Recent T20I Match: Highlights of SL vs IND 2nd T20I match 2024

Both Sri Lanka and India have exhibited a strong batting performance in the first two matches of the ongoing T20I series and here are the important highlights of the recently concluded 2nd T20I match on 28th July 2024:

1. Sri Lanka:

Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav invited the hosts to bat first and in contrast to the first T20I match, the Sri Lankan opening batters weren’t able to get off to a flying start. Kusal Perera was the only top-scoring batter with his score of 53 runs from 34 balls (including 6 fours and 2 sixes) at a strike rate of 155.88. While the rest of the batters managed to reach a double-digit score by playing more number of balls to help their team to reach a total of 161-9 in 20 overs:

• Pathum Nissanka: 32 runs from 24 balls (including 5 fours).
• Kusal Mendis: 10 runs from 11 balls (including 2 fours).
• Kamindu Mendis: 26 runs from 23 balls (including 4 fours).
• Charith Asalanka: 14 runs from 12 balls (including 1 six).
• Ramesh Mendis: 12 runs from 10 balls (including 1 six).

Moreover, the Sri Lankan opening batter Pathum Nissanka is the only player in the squad to score more than 100 runs in the series at a strike rate of 154.16.

2. India:

Mainly, the Indian bowlers such as Ravi Bishnoi (3-26 in 4 overs), Arshdeep Singh (2-24 in 3 overs), Axar Patel (2-30 in 4 overs) and Hardik Pandya (2-23 in 2 overs) restricted Sri Lankan batters from reaching a 200-plus-total.

The men-in-blue were required to chase down the target of 78 runs within 8 overs under the DLS method, as the game was shortened due to heavy rains. Yashasvi Jaiswal once again played a fierce knock as an opening batter by scoring 15-ball-30 runs (including 3 fours and 2 sixes).

Unfortunately, Sanju Samson was dismissed for a golden duck, and he wasn’t able to make use of the rare opportunity provided to secure his spot in the playing XI. Even the captain, Suryakumar Yadav scored just 26 runs from 12 balls (including 4 fours and 1 six). Finally, Hardik Pandya once again proved his worth in the team as the best finishing batter by scoring a quickfire 9-ball-22 runs (including 3 fours and 1 six) at a strike rate of 244.44. This resulted in Team India scoring 81-3 in 6.3 overs.

Weather Predictions for Sri Lanka vs India 3rd T20I match 2024

Although the temperature during the match is expected to be around 22 °C, there are 23% chances of rain with 98% possibility of cloud cover. The strong winds with a speed of 33 km/hr can be a crucial factor in the match as most of the batsmen would aim to play the shots according to the wind’s direction. Possibly, there might be chances of conducting a reduced-over match per side.

Toss Result Prediction and Pitch Conditions for Sri Lanka vs India 3rd T20I match 2024

Perhaps, the 3rd T20I match will be played on a fresh pitch in Pallekele. Comparing the first two games, batting conditions were suitable only for the teams that batted first and went on to become tougher as the innings progressed. Furthermore, the new pitch wouldn’t behave too differently as the batting-friendly track at this venue favors the team with a powerful batting line-up. Therefore, the toss-winning captain would certainly decide to bat first.

You can expect a total of 170–200 or more runs scored by both teams in the upcoming clash. Whereas, the powerplay score could reach upto 50–60 runs.

SL vs IND Head-to-Head T20I Stats

Out of 31 T20Is, India maintains its domination by achieving 21 wins, 9 losses, and a no-result game against Sri Lanka.

Possible Playing XI for SL vs IND 3rd T20I match

It would be interesting to watch if India tries out a new playing XI combination against Sri Lanka by giving chances to the majority of bench players:

India’s Probable Playing XI:

Sri Lanka’s Probable Playing XI:

Online Streaming and Broadcasting Channels to watch SL vs IND 3rd T20I match

If you’re a cricket fan residing either in India or Sri Lanka then you should enroll in the best subscription plans on Sony Liv. This ensures you enjoy the uninterrupted live action of the match on the online streaming app and its official website.

The live match will be broadcast on all the SD and HD channels of Sony Sports Ten 3, Sony Sports Ten 4, and Sony Sports Ten 5.

Conclusion:

There are 95% chances for the men-in-blue to seal the series with a clean sweep of 3-0. Sri Lanka cricketers need to step out of their comfort zones and deliver their best performance to avoid a complete whitewash in the T20I series. Overall, the team with an in-depth batting lineup and a powerful spin-bowling combination will certainly emerge as the winners of the forthcoming match.