SL Vs WI 3rd ODI: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium Pitch Report

Debashis Sarangi∙ Updated: Oct 25 2024, 2:45 PM

Pallekele International Cricket Stadium [Source: @RoshanCricket/X]Pallekele International Cricket Stadium [Source: @RoshanCricket/X]

On Saturday, Sri Lanka will cross swords against West Indies in the final One-Day International of the ongoing three-match series. Led by Charith Asalanka, Sri Lanka have been absolutely ruthless, securing two consecutive victories in the series. After emerging victorious in the rain-marred first ODI, the hosts secured a five-wicket victory in the subsequent match to bag the trophy. 

So, as the Men in Maroon gear up to conclude the series on a high note, let's see how the surface at Pallekele International Stadium will behave throughout the contest. 

Pallekele International Cricket Stadium Ground Stats In ODIs

Criterion
Data
Matches Played41
Matches won batting first16
Matches won batting second23
Average 1st innings score248
Average 2nd innings score237
Average runs per over5.50


Pallekele Pitch Report: Batters Or Bowlers, Who Will Be More Successful?

The surface at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium will offer minimal seam movement to the fast bowlers in the first half. However, as the sun sets, the pacers might get a hint of extra zip and carry under the lights in the second innings. On the other hand, the spinners will once again hold the key, generating significant turn off the surface throughout the match. 

Generally, the ball comes onto the bat a little better in the second innings. So, after negotiating the first few overs, the batters can play their shots freely all around the park. Considering the chasing sides have been more successful at this venue, the toss-winner will likely bowl first. 

Players To Watch Out For At Pallekele International Cricket Stadium

Wanindu Hasaranga

  • Sri Lanka's premier spin bowler Wanindu Hasaranga is in sublime form. The wrist spinner has enjoyed stellar success in Pallekele, scalping 20 wickets in nine ODIs. He is also the most successful bowler in this series with six wickets in two outings. 

Charith Asalanka

  • Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka has oozed his class with the bat, amassing 139 runs with two successive fifties. The swashbuckling southpaw has amazing numbers in Pallekele, scoring 601 runs at an outstanding average of 85.86. 

Sherfane Rutherford

  • The spirited middle-order batter has emerged as West Indies' wrecker-in-chief with the bat. In two innings, Rutherford has scored 154 runs and will once again be a key player for the visitors. 

Gudakesh Motie

  • The left-arm off-spinner will be West Indies' go-to man with the ball on Pallekele's spin-friendly pitch. The tweaker has struck four times in the series at a surreal economy of less than four runs per over.