It is the final game of the five-match T20I series between India and Sri Lanka. India have been the superior side in almost all departments, almost, because India’s fielding has been below par, with Sri Lanka perhaps marginally better in that aspect. Otherwise, the series has been one-sided. Leading 4-0, India will now look to test their bench strength and give a few players a game to get a feel of the conditions, so that heading into the Australia series, they have a clearer idea of their depth.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, would ideally want to win the toss and chase. They have looked most comfortable while chasing targets, and the last game was further evidence of that. Sri Lanka’s inexperienced bowling line-up has been under sustained pressure from India’s batters, and they will be keen to salvage some pride in the final outing. Having already made changes to their playing XI in the last two games, Sri Lanka too have tested their bench strength. Consistency will be their biggest goal today as they look to take confidence from their last batting performance and attempt to replicate it.
Key Players to Watch Out For
India
Shafali Verma – Shafali Verma has been in a league of her own in this series. She has scored 236 runs in four innings at an average of 118.00 and a strike rate of 185.83. Unsurprisingly, she tops the runs, average and strike-rate charts. In fact, no other batter in the series has crossed the 150-run mark. Shafali alone accounts for nearly 40 per cent of India’s total runs in the series. The Sri Lankan bowlers have struggled to find answers to her onslaught, and unless they come up with a new plan, it could well be another Shafali show.
Vaishnavi Sharma – The youngster has been a standout performer for India. In just her first series, Vaishnavi has shown remarkable maturity in her bowling. In the previous match, the way she deceived Chamari Athapaththu highlighted her calm temperament and character. She has picked up four wickets in four matches; the tally could have been higher had chances been taken in the field, something beyond her control. Once again, Vaishnavi will be a key bowler today, and Athapaththu along with the Sri Lankan batting unit will need answers.
Sri Lanka
Hasini Perera – Hasini Perera has opened the batting in the last two games and provided Sri Lanka with solid starts on both occasions. Scores of 25 (18) and 33 (25) underline her impact at the top. Her strike rate as an opener in this series stands at 134.88. The next step for Hasini will be converting starts into substantial innings, while India will look to dismiss her early.
Chamari Athapaththu – Chamari Athapaththu has endured a relatively quiet series. Apart from the previous game, she has struggled for runs. However, her return to form in the last match, a 52 off 37 balls with three fours and three sixes, offered hope. For Sri Lanka to have any chance of finishing the series 4-1, they will be heavily reliant on their captain to produce a defining knock.
Pitch
The pitch at the Greenfield International Stadium has been a good batting surface, and today is unlikely to be any different. The bounce on offer has aided stroke play, while dew, especially in the second half, has made life difficult for bowlers. Overall, another high-scoring contest could be on the cards. At this venue so far, pacers have taken seven wickets, while spinners have accounted for nine.
Probable Playing XI
India:
India are expected to test their bench strength in this final game.
Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), G Kamalini, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Vaishnavi Sharma, Kranti Goud, Arundhati Reddy, Sneh Rana.
Sri Lanka:
Sri Lanka are likely to stick with the same XI from the previous game, with Vishmi Gunarathne a possible inclusion in place of Harshitha Samarawickrama.
Chamari Athapaththu (c), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunarathne/Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kaveesha Dilhari, Imesha Dulani, Nilakshi de Silva, Kaushini Nuthyangana (wk), Malsha Shehani, Kawya Kavindi, Rashmika Sewwandi, Nimasha Madhushani.
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