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Asalanka and Rohit (Source-X)
Sri Lanka are hoping to upset the Indian team by winning the third and final ODI under the captaincy of Charith Asalanka on Wednesday. The Sri Lankan star won the toss and for the third successive time, chose to bat first.
While speaking during the toss time, Charith Asalanka threw a unique challenge. Asalanka said, “Guys are doing very well, we are in a good position. I would like to see someone score a hundred on this pitch.”
For the record, no batter has scored a hundred on this wicket. Rohit Sharma has been the only batter from India to breach the 50-run mark twice this series. The Indian skipper scored 58 in the first game and scored 64 during the second ODI on Sunday.
Pitch to aid spinners for the third time?
After getting done in by spin in the first two matches, Rohit Sharma and his men would have hoped for a better surface. On the contrary, the pitch was designed to make it more helpful for the spinners.
Russell Arnold while assessing the pitch said, “Dry pitch on once again. We will have a similar game. Fresh pitch though. The groundsman has used the scissors to take out any grass. More cracks visible. Along with the turn, it can spit at you. It can be a little more challenging for the batsmen. You got to be boring to get the runs here.”
Batting second on this wicket has been tough and the ball gets low and aids the spinners under lights. In the last match it was veteran spinner Jeffrey Vandersay who was the lead bowler for the home team picking 6/33 from his ten overs.
Barring Rohit Sharma none of the top Indian batters have managed to put up a sizeable score on the board. India also made two changes to their team as they included Rishabh Pant in place of KL Rahul.
Riyan Parag made his ODI debut as he came in for left-arm seam bowler Arshdeep Singh who had played the first two ODI games. The 22-year-old Riyan Parag had been impressive with the bat and ball during the three-match T20I series and finally got his first-ever cap in the ODI format.