We have opted for a fantasy cricket team based on the recent performances, overall impact, and credit points.
Pitch Report
The last three ODIs at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo have been won by the teams defending. That said, with rough weather around, the captain winning the toss might want to field first.
Teams
Probable XI for Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, (wk), Danushka Gunathilaka, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga/Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Jeffrey Vandersay
Playing XI for Australia: David Warner, Aaron Finch (c), Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Travis Head/Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Kuhnemann
Power Players
Kusal Mendis is the leading run-scorer (122) for Sri Lanka in this series. Although he likes to take his time, he keeps the scorecard ticking with neat stroke play in the middle overs.
Despite conditions not favouring pacers, Pat Cummins showed his class and walked away with a four-wicket haul in the last game. He rarely disappoints fantasy players.
Like we saw in the first two ODIs, Glenn Maxwell should continue to please fantasy players with both bat and ball. He has taken 2 wickets and scored 110 runs in this series till now.
Smart Picks
Charith Asalanka will have fond memories of playing at the R Premadasa Stadium. He has scores of 72, 77, and 47 in his last three ODI appearances at the venue.
It was Chamika Karunaratne’s inspired figures of 3 for 47 that helped Sri Lanka snatch victory from the jaws of victory in the second ODI. He is also capable of getting quick runs in the slog overs.
Steven Smith has scores of 53 and 28 in this series. In his previous two ODI innings at Colombo in 2016, he scored 58 and 30.
Maheesh Theekshana might have gone wicketless in the last match, but when he last played an ODI at the Premadasa Stadium, he picked a four-wicket haul. He is at his most effective in the powerplay.
David Warner has gone off the boil slightly after going hammer and tongs in the T20Is. That said, he has three centuries against Sri Lanka in the ODIs and will remain a threat at the top.
In the second ODI, Dhananjaya de Silva was the dark horse in fantasy leagues. He generated handy points by adding 34 runs and bagging 2 wickets.
It was a fine debut for Matthew Kuhnemann as he took two important wickets. Spinner-friendly conditions in Colombo should keep him interested.
Josh Hazlewood’s role with the new ball will continue to pose a challenge for the hosts. Although he doesn’t get many wickets at the death, his accuracy up front makes him a huge asset.
Match Preview
A spirited bowling performance from Sri Lanka saw them level the series at Pallekele. Although Australia are a better balanced side, injuries in the camp will once again prevent them from fielding their best XI. Meanwhile, the hosts will be keen on driving home the advantage.
Time: 19 June, 2.30 PM IST