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West Indies Tour Of Sri Lanka 3rd T20I, SL vs WI Match Prediction: Who Will Win Today's Match?

SL vs WI 3rd T20I Match Prediction [Source: @windiescricket/x.com]SL vs WI 3rd T20I Match Prediction [Source: @windiescricket/x.com]

After a thrilling back-and-forth, Sri Lanka and West Indies are primed for a high-stakes showdown in the third and final T20I at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium on Thursday, October 17. With the series levelled at 1-1, this contest has all the makings of a nail-biter, with both sides desperate to clinch the series in a winner-takes-all battle.

Sri Lanka’s Spin Attack Sparks Second T20I Comeback

After stumbling in the first match, Sri Lanka bounced back with gusto in the second T20I, thrashing the West Indies by a commanding 73-run margin.

Choosing to bat first, Sri Lanka posted a competitive 162/5 in their 20 overs, led by Pathum Nissanka’s composed 54 off 49 balls. Contributions from Kusal Mendis (26), Kusal Perera (24), and Kamindu Mendis (19) helped build a solid foundation.

In a spin show for the ages, Sri Lankan bowlers turned the game on its head, with young Dunith Wellalage leading the charge by scalping 3/9 in four overs. Captain Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Maheesh Theekshana supported well, each picking up two wickets as they dismantled the West Indies batting line-up for a mere 89 runs.

With this commanding win under their belt, Sri Lanka enters the decider brimming with confidence as they look to win the match and the series.

West Indies Under Pressure as Batting Crumbles

West Indies will have to lick their wounds and regroup as their batting line-up crumbled under Sri Lanka's spin web in the last match.

The top four – Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Andre Fletcher, and Roston Chase – faltered, each departing for single digits. Though Sherfane Rutherford (14), Rovman Powell (20), and Alzarri Joseph (16) managed double-digit scores, their efforts were far from enough to steer the team out of trouble.

West Indies' bowlers faced an uphill battle as well, particularly the pacers. Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, and Shamar Springer each took a wicket but leaked runs along the way. Gudakesh Motie showed some promise, bowling economically at 13 runs in his four overs, while Romario Shepherd’s 2/23 in three overs provided a glimmer of hope.

But with spin looking likely to dominate again, the Caribbean side’s batters will need to bat with caution, lest they be bowled out by Sri Lanka’s spinners yet again.

How Will the Rangiri Dambulla Cricket Stadium's Pitch Behave?

The Dambulla pitch has been a story in itself, with batters enjoying the upper hand in the first match only to see spinners rule the roost in the second. Now, with signs of a slowing surface, spin is expected to be a crucial factor in the decider. Pacers will have to mix up their speeds to keep the opposition guessing, while batters need to apply themselves before launching into big shots. A score around 150 could be a winning total, with the surface likely to offer more turn as the game progresses.

SL vs WI 3rd T20I: Predicted Toss Result

Interestingly, both games so far have been won by the team winning the toss. Captains may look to bat first, hoping to put up a sizeable total that could prove challenging on a deteriorating pitch. With the trophy within arm’s reach, the toss might just hold the keys to victory.

SL vs WI 3rd T20I: Players To Watch Out For

Sri Lanka

Batters: Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka
All-rounders: Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage
Bowlers: Maheesh Theekshana

West Indies

Batters: Brandon King, Evin Lewis
All-rounders: Romario Shepherd
Bowlers: Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph

SL vs WI 3rd T20I: Match Prediction

SL vs WI 3rd T20I: Predicted Score

Predicted first innings score: 150-175
Predicted second innings score: 140-165

Predicted Result: The team batting first will have an edge in this match.