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Sri Lanka will aim to end their three-match T20I series against Pakistan on a positive note when the two teams meet in the third and final match at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, October 13. The visitors have already conceded the series after losing the first two matches and will be eager to avoid a 3-0 whitewash.
Pakistan secured the series with an emphatic 82-run victory in the second T20I, having posted 215/3 before restricting Sri Lanka to 133/7. Maaz Sadaqat’s explosive 96 off 51 deliveries and Muhammad Imran Randhawa’s impressive three-wicket haul exposed Sri Lanka’s shortcomings with both bat and ball. The visitors must improve their execution and build stronger partnerships to challenge the hosts in the final encounter.
With the series decided, Sri Lanka could consider adjustments to their playing XI while balancing the need to regain confidence with the opportunity to assess their squad.
Here is Sri Lanka’s predicted playing XI for 3rd T20I against Pakistan:
Kamil Mishara could return to the opening combination after missing the second T20I. His aggressive approach at the top can help Sri Lanka make better use of the powerplay. The left-hander will need to show greater consistency and avoid giving Pakistan’s new-ball bowlers an early breakthrough.
Lahiru Udara is likely to retain his place as an opening batter and wicketkeeper. He was Sri Lanka’s standout performer in the first T20I, scoring 91, but fell for five in the second match. A return to form would be crucial to Sri Lanka’s chances of putting up a competitive total.
Captain Kusal Mendis is expected to occupy the No. 3 position. His experience and ability to accelerate against both pace and spin make him central to Sri Lanka’s batting plans. Mendis will have to take responsibility for anchoring the innings while ensuring that the scoring rate does not stagnate during the middle overs.
Kamindu Mendis could bat at No. 4 and provide stability in the middle order. He scored 23 in the second T20I but was unable to turn his start into a substantial innings. His versatility against different bowling styles could prove valuable, particularly if Sri Lanka lose early wickets.
Sahan Arachchige is a potential selection in the middle order. The all-rounder can contribute with the bat and offer another bowling option, giving the captain greater flexibility. Sri Lanka will need players in this position to rotate the strike effectively before accelerating in the closing overs.
Dasun Shanaka is expected to feature as a key middle-order batter and seam-bowling option. His power-hitting could help Sri Lanka recover from a slow start, while his experience as a former captain should prove useful in a difficult situation. He will need to deliver a more impactful performance after managing only a modest contribution in the previous match.
Chamindu Wickramasinghe could retain his place after scoring 29 in the second T20I. His innings offered some resistance during Sri Lanka’s chase, and he can provide additional pace-bowling support. A stronger contribution with the bat could help Sri Lanka avoid another collapse.
Dunith Wellalage may return to the XI after missing the previous match. His left-arm spin offers variety, while his batting ability adds depth to the lower order. Sri Lanka could benefit from his inclusion if the team wants an additional all-round option to counter Pakistan’s aggressive batting.
Maheesh Theekshana is likely to retain his place as a specialist spinner. He remained unbeaten on 32 in the second T20I, showing that he can contribute with the bat when required. However, Sri Lanka will need him to be more economical with the ball against Pakistan’s dangerous top order.
Nuwan Thushara could lead the pace attack alongside the other seamers. His unusual action and ability to bowl yorkers make him an option during the powerplay and death overs. Sri Lanka will need him to deliver early breakthroughs and prevent Pakistan from building another substantial total.
Eshan Malinga is another likely member of the bowling attack. He dismissed Maaz Sadaqat on 96 in the second T20I, preventing the batter from completing a century. Malinga will be eager to make a greater impact throughout his spell and support Sri Lanka’s efforts to restrict the hosts.
Predicted Playing XI: Kamil Mishara, Lahiru Udara (wk), Kusal Mendis (c), Kamindu Mendis, Sahan Arachchige, Dasun Shanaka, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga.
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