The third and final T20I between India and Sri Lanka will be played on Saturday (January 7) at Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot. The series is levelled at 1-1 with both matches turning out to be thrillers. After losing the opening T20I by two runs, Sri Lanka made a stunning comeback posting 206 runs in Pune batting first and then won the game by 16 runs. With the series up for grabs, both teams will be keen on winning the decider. 

Prediction: India to win the match at 1.42 odds. 

Here are the match details:

• Match Date & Time: January 7, 2023; 7 PM IST
• Venue: Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot
• Series: Sri Lanka tour of India, 2023

India vs Sri Lanka Odds

Sri Lanka finally managed to stop their losing streak of 11 T20Is in India against the Men in Blue. They defeated Hardik Pandya and his men by 16 runs at the MCA Stadium in Pune. The record at the venue for teams batting first was great and even then, India opted to bowl first. The visitors started well with their openers adding 80 runs. Kusal Mendis slammed an impressive half-century while Charith Asalanka smashed an aggressive 37. 

However, the innings got real impetus when Dasun Shanaka took control of the things. He scored an unbeaten 56 off just 22 balls with two fours and six sixes to take his team to 206 runs for the loss of six wickets in their 20 overs. 

In response, India found themselves in trouble and were struggling at 57/5 at one stage. But Suryakumar Yadav (51) and Axar Patel (65) took the game deep and despite Shivam Mavi’s efforts in the last few overs, India fell short by 16 runs.

Suryakumar Yadav’s ridiculous run of form continues and it is very unlikely we’ll see the end of it any time soon. Back him at 2.78 to be India’s top batter.

Cricket betting odds did not favour Sri Lanka last game either, but they showed their true potential with bat and ball to level the series.

Even though Sri Lanka have shown immense potential every time they have faced India in recent times, India still remain the favourites to win the match and seal the series. Cricket betting tips and in our todays predictions back India to win, the odds of which stand at 1.42.

Kasun Rajitha was exceptional with the new ball and we expect him to continue his good showing in Rajkot. Our cricket betting tips say that you should back him at 3.75 to be Sri Lanka’s top bowler. 

India

India might not make many changes as confirmed by head coach Rahul Dravid after the second T20I. However, with Arshdeep Singh struggling with his no-balls in the previous game, the hosts might ponder over including Harshal Patel in place of him. The duo of Shivam Mavi and Umran Malik are expected to be backed despite having a poor outing last time around.

Shubman Gill’s place is under threat after two underwhelming outings at the top of the order. With Ruturaj Gaikwad waiting for his chance, there is every possibility that there will be pressure on Gill.

Probable XI: Ishan Kishan (WK), Shubman Gill/Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rahul Tripathi, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya (C), Deepak Hooda, Axar Patel, Shivam Mavi, Umran Malik, Arshdeep Singh/Harshal Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka might have finally found their best XI in the T20Is. Kasun Rajitha led with the ball brilliantly returning with the figures of 2/22 in the previous game while Dilshan Madhushanka is also a promising player. The spin bowling attack comprising Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana have kept the Indian batters on the tenterhooks all the time. Sri Lanka are unlikely to make any changes to their playing XI. Sri Lanka, while exceptional with the bat, might think of bringing in Avishka Fernando up the order in todays cricket match.

Probable XI: Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (WK), Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (C), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Dilshan Madhushanka.

Pitch Report and Weather Conditions

The surface in Rajkot is known to be a featherbed for the batters. Todays match predictions could, hence, hinge on the top-order batters. The pitch has always been flat at this venue and the bowlers are needed to come up with variations in order to restrict the opposition batters. It has hosted four T20Is so far with the highest score being 202 runs. Another high-scoring encounter is expected at this venue.

There is no chance of rain in Rajkot on Saturday and the fans should get to witness an entire 40 overs of action, thereby not affecting today’s cricket betting tips. The temperature will be around 24-28 Degrees Celsius with humidity around 31% as well. The betting cricket tips are free of any rain threats and we could have a thrilling contest.

India vs Sri Lanka: Betting Tips