Plot:
The nightmare continued for the Sri Lankan side who are at the risk of suffering another whitewash at the hands of the Indian team. The tourists have been the better side throughout the tour and it makes them favourites yet again for the fifth and final ODI. The two teams face each other in Colombo yet again, for this one with the hosts playing to restore some pride and avoid a whitewash against their name. They need to figure something out in their slide as it is high time now. They are unable to click as a unit in every single game and that too, at their home venues.

India are performing consistently and are getting the desired results. The previous clash being clubbed as a clinical performance by Virat Kohli, who himself led from the front. The Indian skipper will be looking for more of the same from his side in the final game. We can also expect him to add to the three changes he made to the team last time around and give the younger players a chance to prove their mettle. The score-line is 4-0 in favour of the visitors at the moment. The Indian side would look to achieve a clean sweep over the Lankans and keep their unbeaten run on this tour intact.

After a crushing, and the biggest defeat in terms of runs, coming at the hands of India at the same venue, it looks like a tough ask for the hosts to make a game out of this one. The Sri Lankan skipper Upul Tharanga will be back to take over the role of captaincy from Lasith Malinga. He will be burdened with the task of inspiring his side to a victory to salvage some pride. Will the hosts finally come out as a unit and beat the Indian side? Come Sunday, we will all know.

Stage:

R. Premadasa Stadium:

The ground, at the heart of Colombo, will host the fifth ODI as well and India are on a 4-match winning spree at this venue. It’s a good track to bat on and runs will be expected from the surface yet again.

Acts:

Jasprit Bumrah vs Nirsoshan Dickwella:

An explosive opener who loves to give strong starts will be up against Bumrah yet again, who has had a brilliant series so far. The final ODI could be an opportunity for the southpaw to showcase his skills with the bat.

KL Rahul vs Akila Dhananjaya:

The right-handed batsman has had a lean run so far in this series, after being sotted in the middle order. Akila Dananjaya has got the better of Rahul, more than once in this series. With the competition in the middle order getting tougher, and the openers’ slot already having another back-up in Rahane, Rahul will be feeling the heat. He has been known to come back strong with performances under pressure. Can he tame Dananjaya?

Rohit Sharma vs Angelo Mathews:

This may not be the talk of the town, but Rohit Sharma has been dismissed by Angelo Mathews more than 5 times in ODIs – the most a bowler has got rid of Sharma in the format. Rohit has clearly looked to dominate Mathews in this series, with some success as well, but Mathews got him out once again in the previous ODI. This mini-battle should be fun to watch.