Thinking of placing a bet on the third Sri Lanka-India ODI? Here's the Wisden view on the best odds to back.
Sri Lanka floored India in the second ODI after a nerve-jangling tie in the first. The hosts won the second game by 32 runs, bowling India out for 203 runs in the chase with Jeffrey Vandersay returning figures of 6-33. Vandersay's victims included Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, as well as Virat Kohli and KL Rahul. Brought into the team after Wanindu Hasaranga was ruled out, Vandersay took advantage of a turning surface and his six wickets gave Sri Lanka a first ODI win over India in three years.
While it's tempting to think it might be too much for Sri Lanka to repeat the feat, they've already prevented India from taking a series win, and the tie in the first match was built off some stunning work by their spinners. If the pitch continues to be a big turner as expected, don't count Sri Lanka out of pulling off a series-victory.
Despite still dealing with their post-T20 World Cup hangover, India have disappointed. Most of their big name players are available for their first assignment under Gautam Gambhir, but their batting has looked fragile to say the least. Despite a solid looking opening partnership, the middle-order has provided little backbone.
Nevertheless, the odds still have Sri Lanka the outsiders, priced at 3.95 for the third ODI win with Stake. Given their performances in the first two matches, it's a tempting offer.
Who will be the team with the best batter?
With India's collapses in the first two matches, it would be tempting to go for a Sri Lanka player as the top batter of the match. Dunith Wellalage is the top-scoring Sri Lankan at the minute, but he is behind Rohit Sharma, who registered half-centuries in both his innings so far in the series.
Rohit is the clear choice for the best batter, priced at 3.95 on Stake to top the runs. However, if a Sri Lanka batter proves too tempting, Pathum Nissanka at 3.70 would be a good choice.
Who will be the team with the best bowler?
After his heroics in the second ODI, going with Vandersay would seem the obvious option - he's priced at 3.15 on Stake. However, India bowlers might provide better returns for those who fancy slightly more risk. Washington Sundar has had decent returns in the series and is currently India's top wicket-taker. He's priced at 4.85, which could be the most tempting offer.
Who will have the highest opening stand?
With Stake, the best price on India having the highest opening stand is 1.55, while Sri Lanka are priced at 2.75. Given that India's opening partnership has looked the strongest part of their batting lineup in the series so far, it would be wise to back them to do so again. Rohit is gunning for a third consecutive half-century of the series while Shubman Gill scored 35 in the second ODI, albeit fulfilling the cautious role, with Rohit the attacker, in the series so far.
Any other odds?
A good bet would be on Sri Lanka to be the team with the top bowler. Having bowled India out twice in consecutive games, they're priced at 2.75, while India are priced at 1.40.
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