Sri Lanka cricket teamled by Dasun Shanaka will play a must win game when they meet New Zealand in their third and final ODI of the three match series scheduled at Hamilton today( commencing from 6.30a.m (SrI Lanka time). After losing the first match by a huge margin of 198 runs the second match at Christchurch was washed out without a single ball being bowled. Sri Lanka will play third and final ODI and aim to level the series and they have to win to improve their ICC ranking

Sri Lanka still have a slight chance to get direct qualification for the world Cup. If Sri Lanka win today’s game they have to await results between South Africa and Netherlands two ODI and both matches have to be washed out or even one game Netherlands has to win.

Sri Lanka tried to build up a good mentality to play today’s game while their poor batting performance was the big issue before the second game.

Sri Lanka dismissed for 76 runs in just 19.5 overs at Auckland and this was never expected from Dasun Shanaka’s team while bowlers and fielders were doing some decent job which was the only plus factor from the first ODI. Sri Lanka is now ready to correct their mistakes and come back strongly.

Sri Lanka team came to Hamilton two days ago and did a training session and will play unchanged team which was named for the second ODI. In the only change from the first ODI, Dhananjaya de Silva will replace Dilshan Madushka.

The openers Pathum Nissanka and Nuwanindu Fernando couldn’t make good start at the first ODI while Nuwanindu was back in the pavilion due to a unnecessary run out and has been run out in his three innings. Nissanka who came to the team after recovering from injury but couldn’t regain his form during the National Super league one dayers and Nissanka has to give of his best said a cricket expert who is not willing to reveal his name.

Sri Lanka is going to play only two pacemen as they consider Chamika Karunaratne as the third seamer who got his best figures of 4 for 34 in the first ODI at Auckland. Meanwhile New Zealand led by Tom Latham ready to win the 2-0 series win despiteE fielding several new players with star players Kane Williamson Tim Southee, Dvon Conway, Tom Bundell and Glenn Phillips having left for India to play IPL.