Sri Lanka v England 3rd ODI Prediction

Sri Lanka defeated England in the second One Day International by a vast margin of eight wickets. The match was restricted to 45 overs a side and the visitors were bowled out for 185 runs with two overs to spare. The hosts attained the target by plundering 186 for the loss of two mere wickets in 34.2 overs. Earlier, the Lankan Lions clinched the opening ODI by 25 runs and leads the seven game series at 2-0. The series is still wide open as the visitors can come back by hard work whereas the home side will try to maintain their ongoing rhythm.

Players to watch

The experienced duo of Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene shared an unbeaten partnership of 149 runs for the third wicket. They occupied their crease for 67 and 77 runs respectively, Tillakaratne Dilshan scored 26 while Kusal Perera and Angelo Mathews are capable of playing aggressive knocks. Ajantha Mendis, Dilshan and Dhammika Prasad grabbed 3, 2 and 2 wickets whereas Angelo Mathews, Rangana Herath and Thisara Perera can bring the game in their favour.

Ravi Bopara registered his consecutive fifty of the series, Joe Root opened his arms with 42, Moeen Ali, Ian Bell, Alastair Cook and Eoin Morgan are required to bat consistently. The English bowling battery consisting Steven Finn, Chris Woakes, Moeen Ali, Harry Gurney and James Tredwell have not accumulated more than two wickets in the games played so far.

Time & Venue

Wednesday, December 3, 2014 @ 09:00 GMT, 14:30 local at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium, Sooriyawewa, Hambantota.

Weather

Partly cloudy with the temperatures around 27-30ᵒC.

Toss

England has opted bat once, chase in the other game after winning the toss and Sri Lanka will prefer to bat.

The Pitch

The wicket will be good for batting and the bowlers will have equal chance to show their credentials.

Teams

Sri Lanka – Angelo Mathews (C), Tillakaratne Dilshan, Kusal Perera, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Thisara Perera, Lahiru Thirimanne, Jeevan Mendis, Dhammika Prasad, Rangana Herath, Ajantha Mendis.

England – Alastair Cook (C), Moeen Ali, Ian Bell, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan, Jos Buttler, Ravi Bopara, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes, James Tredwell, Harry Gurney.

Prediction

Sri Lanka is favourite to win the third match.