In the 2nd ODI, Sri Lanka turned the hopeless situation into a match winning one only to hand over the match at the last stage with fast bowler Nuwan Pradeep hammered all over the park. Thus, there are a number of challenges that Mickey Arthur and Sri Lanka is going through when it comes to the bowling department. Off lately, Sri Lanka hasn-t seen any success especially in 50-50 situations. They did put on improved performance in the 2nd ODI against West Indies but they are failing the chance to quality for the 2023 world cup automatically.
So, with virtue of World Super league, the third ODI which would be played against West Indies would hold great importance. So, if they want to grab the final 10 WSL points, then they would need to dismiss the opening pair of West Indies quite quickly. In the first two games, the openers of West Indies have made a partnership of 143 and 192 respectively while becoming the rock of the team. Moreover, Sri Lanka should capitalize on the middle order which looks weak especially if strong total is posted.
For West Indies, it is a perfect opportunity to win the series 3-0. It would be a very good achievement for them given that they have poorer ODI record as compared to their opponents. West Indies bowlers barring Jason Mohammed haven-t looked the best while their top order batters have done exceptionally well. Moreover, the West Indies batting line-up have left the top wicket taker of T20 series Wanindu Hasaranga wicketless in the first two games. It has to be seen how West Indies change their approach when they are asked to bat first because they have not done in the past six games.
West Indies have sealed the series and thus they don-t have enough reasons to change the squad. There might be a case where they might try out their bench strength. Moreover, there is a possibility that Kyle Mayers who had an exceptional test series could get a slot in the middle order. Other than this, Kevin Sinclair for Akeal Hosein could be another possible change.
For the sri Lanka team, Dasun Shanka could return to the playing XI. He was set to play in the first two ODIs itself but he had some visa related delay. Some of the other players who would be given a chance are Ramesh Mendis and Pathum Nissanka.