Sri Lanka face Zimbabwe in the deciding third One Day International this afternoon at the Pallekelle International Cricket Stadium.
Zimbabwe won the second ODI in brilliant fashion to level the series 1-1.
The visitors were aggressive in their approach against a defensive-minded Sri Lankan team.
The Lankans, led by Dasun Shanaka, started their campaign on a resounding note winning the 1st ODI by five wickets chasing down 297 with nine balls to spare.
However, Zimbabwe made an incredible comeback in the second ODI, winning by 22 runs on Tuesday.
Jeffrey Vandersay was the pick of the bowlers for the hosts in the 2nd ODI with 3/51.
Nuwan Pradeep picked up two crucial wickets, but went for 74 runs in his quota of 10 overs.
Maheesh Theekshana and Chamika Karunaratne also bowled reasonably well.
The Lankans found themselves in all sorts of strife after being reduced to 63 for four in 14.3 overs.
Nissanka and Asalanka got starts, but failed to convert. From there on, Kamindu Mendis and skipper Shanaka steadied the ship for the home team.
Shanaka scored a 94-ball 102 with seven fours and two sixes, but failed to take his team to victory.
Sri Lanka were firm favourites to win before the series started.
But Zimbabwe have shown that they aren’t mere pushovers. In both games, the hosts managed to put up decent scores on the board.
The Lankans will have a slight edge going into the decider.
Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka have faced each other in 56 ODI matches thus far with Sri Lanka winning 44 game and Zimbabwe 12.
Today’s game will get underway at 2:30pm.
