Sri Lanka conclude their India tour with one last T20 International, slated for Christmas Eve at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
India’s formidable year in limited-overs cricket is set to wrap up on a high note this Sunday with the third and final T20 International. The team has been a blend of consolidation and experimentation all year, and we expect more of the same in Mumbai.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka are eager to put the disappointments behind them. Their recent ODI and T20I performances have been challenging, and bouncing back after their heavy defeat on Friday will be tough.
Match Details: India vs Sri Lanka | Sunday, 24 December | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | 15:30
Odds to Win Match
India 1/4 | Tie 35/1 | Sri Lanka 3/1
India
Rohit Sharma dazzled in Indore with one of the swiftest centuries in T20I history, leaving Sri Lankan bowlers under siege. Expect him to carry his aggressive form into the final game.
MS Dhoni, initially predicted to bat at number four, has held the crease at three and showcased his thrilling finishing prowess, silencing critics.
With the series already decided, India will likely rearrange their batting lineup to give players like Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, and Dinesh Karthik more time to accelerate the innings. It’s an excellent opportunity to experiment without risking the result.
Additionally, bowlers including Deepak Hooda, Mohammed Siraj, and Basil Thampi will be chomping at the bit to make their mark, with Thampi expected to energise the bowling attack that lacked punch in the previous match.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka face a daunting challenge to counter Sharma’s blazing display. The Wankhede’s larger boundaries may help, but the physical and mental toll of recent losses looms large.
Injury doubts hover over Angelo Mathews, who pulled up lame early in the previous match; his absence could be a significant blow.
The batting unit, led by Upul Tharanga and Kusal Perera, fought valiantly in Indore, and we hope their spirit continues on Mumbai’s turf.
Interestingly, this will be Sri Lanka’s first T20I at Wankhede, while India has yet to secure a T20I win there in five attempts. Most of India’s losses came when batting first, so if Sri Lanka wins the toss, chasing might be their best strategy.
Prediction: India 1/4
While Sri Lanka have shown flashes of resistance, the short turnaround and India’s formidable batting firepower tip the scales heavily in favour of the hosts.
