One of the main talking points ahead of the selector is Anvay Dravid, son of legendary Indian captain Rahul Dravid, who impressed with a brilliant 87 in the second ODI despite India’s defeat.
Anvay’s smart knock is not in vain
Anvay played an attacking innings of 87 from just 67 balls, hitting four fours and a six as India recovered from a difficult post of 285 after electing to bat.
However, Sri Lanka chased down the target comfortably, reaching 291/2 in 48 overs to claim an eight-wicket victory.
Mahavithana will power Sri Lanka to victory
Sri Lanka’s chase was led by opener Dimantha Mahavithana, who scored an unbeaten 155 off 153 balls.
They shared a 103-run partnership for the second wicket with Senuja Wekunagoda (60) before adding to an unbeaten 163-run stand with captain Vimath Dinsara, who finished on 56 before getting out, to take the hosts home with ease.
Anvay and Rajput will save India
India were in trouble at 81/4 in the 19th over before Anvay and Arjun Rajput anchored the innings with a vital 145-run partnership for the fifth wicket.
Rajput scored a solid 76 off 81 balls before ending up with a direct hit from Mahavithana.
Anvay looked in complete control during his time at the crease. He hit Chamika Heenatigal for four consecutive sixes and brought up his maiden ODI fifty in just 47 balls.
A century ago he looked like he could finish, but left-arm pacer Gimhan Mendis dismissed him on 87. Mendis was Sri Lanka’s most popular bowler with impressive figures of 5/41.
India failed to finish strongly
After Anvay’s dismissal, the Indian innings lacked momentum. They slumped from 263/7 to 285 all out, losing their last three wickets for just 22 runs.
India had taken a 1-0 lead in the series by winning the opening ODI by four wickets after chasing down 321 with four balls to spare. Anvay scored just 14 in the match but spoke strongly with his 87 in the second match.
Series on line
With the series at 1-1, both teams will be looking to finish in the showpiece in Hambantota. India will hope Anvay continues his good form, while Sri Lanka will also look to Mahavithana to deliver with the bat as the two sides fight for the series title.
