With India already pocketed the series at Palleke, Virat Kohli led side would be looking to experiment with the side at Premadasa Stadium, Colombo tomorrow. In the previous match, the Indian bowlers did a brilliant job by restricting Sri Lanka to just 217 for 9 in 50 overs. Jasprit Bumrah was the pick of the bowlers taking his best figures of 5 for 27.
While chasing the modest target of 218, India lost four wickets for 61 runs. The unbeaten fifth wicket partnership of Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Rohit Sharma helped the visitors to win the match by 6 wickets.
In the fourth One day International to be played at Premadasa, Colombo, Virat Kohli will be giving chance to bench strength. Shardul Thakur would be making his ODI debut tomorrow with either Jasprit Bumrah or Bhvuneshwar Kumar to be rested. KL Rahul and Kedar Jadhav did not grab their chances in the previous two matches. Manish Pandey might be given a chance.
With the World Cup 2019 in mind, the experimentation will be going on. Yuzvendra Chahal and Axar Patel have done well during the series. Kuldeep Yadav might be given a chance in place of Yuzvendra Chahal. Mahendra Singh Dhoni will be playing his 300th ODI. It has been a great career for MS Dhoni who has led India to World Cup T20 title in 2007, World Cup 2011 title and 2013 Champions Trophy title in England.
The Sri Lankan team have a lot of concerns in their camp with Chamara Kapugedra ruled out of the 4th ODI. Dinesh Chandimal is also ruled out of the series with a fracture. Lasith Malinga has been named as the captain for the fourth ODI.
The batting department has not scored runs while batting first. Niroshan Dickwella, Kusal Mendis has not scored runs. Thirimane played well in his comeback match scoring 80 runs. They need their top order to provide the start and hope the middle cash on.
In the bowling department, Lasith Malinga needs to deliver the goods and provide early wickets with the new ball. Vishwa Fernando bowled well in the previous match. Danajaya also bowled well taking 2 wickets. Lakshan Sandakan could be brought into the squad.
The pressure is on the Sri Lankan team as a loss in tomorrow”s match would keep the 1996 World Cup winner in danger of not qualifying for World Cup 2019 directly.
