Sri Lanka Opt to Chase After India Set Target in ODI Tri-Series Final

In the final of the ODI tri-series in Colombo on Sunday, India chose to bat first, leaving Sri Lanka with the task of chasing. So far, the series has seen an even split, with three wins for the team batting first and three wins for the chasing side. The pitches have been conducive to run-scoring, with fast outfields, but the heat and humidity have posed significant challenges for fielding teams, particularly in the afternoon. As a result, Sri Lanka’s captain, Chamari Athapaththu, was content with her side fielding first.

India made a notable change to their line-up by handing a debut to seamer Kranti Goud, who replaced left-arm spinner Shuchi Upadhyay. With this change, all four uncapped players from the tour have now made their international debut. India’s batting order remained unchanged from previous matches, with Jemimah Rodrigues, the second-leading run-scorer in the competition and fresh off a century against South Africa, playing a key role in their top order.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, were without allrounder Kavisha Dilhari, who missed the previous match against South Africa, and brought in Piumi Wathsala for the middle order. This was one of two changes to the team after their loss to South Africa on Friday. The experienced left-arm spinner, Inoka Ranaweera, replaced offspinner Inoshi Priyadharshani in the side.

India holds the historical advantage in ODI encounters with Sri Lanka, having won 30 of the 33 completed matches between the two teams. However, Sri Lanka will be buoyed by their recent victory against India, where they chased down a target of 276 just a week ago, and will feel confident about their chances in the final.

Sri Lanka Squad:

1. Chamari Athapaththu (captain)

2. Hasini Perera

3. Harshitha Samarawickrama

4. Vishmi Gunaratne

5. Piumi Wathsala

6. Nikalshika Silva

7. Anushka Sanjeewani (wicketkeeper)

8. Dewmi Vihaga

9. Malki Madara

10. Sugandika Kumari

11. Inoka Ranaweera

India Squad:

1. Smriti Mandhana

2. Pratika Rawal

3. Harleen Deol

4. Harmanpreet Kaur (captain)

5. Jemimah Rodrigues

6. Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper)

7. Deepti Sharma

8. Sneh Rana

9. Shree Charani

10. Amanjot Kaur

11. Kranti Goud

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