Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Preview

Pakistan will be confident of sealing an unassailable series lead when they host Sri Lanka in the third of five One-Day Internationals. The hosts were utterly dominant in the first game and preyed on their opponent’s lack of confidence in the second game to move two clear with three to play. The visitors have lost their last 11 One-day Internationals and are sorely missing their talismanic captain Angelo Mathews. Despite their recent barren run, Sri Lanka entered the series full of confidence after a brilliant 2-0 Test series win, but were unable to transfer that good form into the shorter form of the game.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Predictions

As we look at the third match of the ODI series in more detail, our betting tips suggest that Pakistan will make it three straight wins and seal the series victory. Pakistan have looked a dangerous outfit in coloured clothing in the last 12 months, winning the ICC Champion’s trophy and dominating in series at home and away. Having been upset in the Test series, Pakistan must have been keen to set the record straight, and they have done just that in the first two matches. Sri Lanka have never won a One-Day International series in the UAE, and face an uphill battle to do just that this time around.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Betting Tips

Pakistan have had the better of both matches so far with Babar Azam’s back-to-back hundreds putting the hosts in complete control in the five-match ODI series. Upul Tharanga’s men bounced back in the second game only for a batting collapse to scupper their chances of levelling their five-match series. Pakistan have their foot on the throttle and don’t look like relenting in any way as they strive for another series win. They will be motivated by the prospect of improving their ICC ranking and getting in the best possible position ahead of the 2019 World Cup in England, where they won the Champion’s Trophy earlier this year. With each passing match, their odds get shorter but at 4/11, Pakistan are great value given their dominance and opponent’s severe lack of confidence.

Pakistan have unearthed a gem in the form of 23-year-old Babar Azam and the batsman’s brilliant start to his international career looks set to continue for some time. Seven centuries in 33 One-Day Internationals, the quickest man in ODI history to bring up three figures on seven occasions, and beating Hashim Amla’s record by eight innings. Azam has been prolific and looks to the manor born in the international arena. His ability to set a platform for his side as he has with centuries in both matches in this series so far, allows Pakistan to attack later in the innings and build commanding totals. Look for Azam to see off the threat of the new ball before accelerating through his innings and propel his side to a third straight win and to victory in the series with two matches to play. Given his form in the series, Azam to top score for his side is brilliant value at 5/2 with bookies Coral.