Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Women 3rd ODI Preview & Tips - Pakistan to secure 2-1 ODI series win over Sri Lanka

Pakistan saw their hopes of a 3-0 series win dashed as they struggled to find a way through Sri Lanka's defiant batting unit. 

Pakistan have won six of their last 10 ODI's against Sri Lanka, with the latter winning the other four. 

Sri Lanka Women knew they needed a big performance in the second ODI as they battled to ensure they were not playing to avoid a home series whitewash in the third and final match. 

In the second ODI, Sri Lanka were able to cruise to an eight-wicket win that ensured there is something riding on the third meeting. After restricting their opponents to 273/5, Sri Lanka eased to victory as they made the most out of some batter-friendly conditions. On a day where a total of seven wickets fell, only losing two of their own meant any attempts by Pakistan to put pressure on the home side were dashed. 

The third ODI will see Sri Lanka given a chance to make a major statement as they edge towards an impressive series win. However, their record against Pakistan in the ODI game is poor, and I predict that the pressure of having a series win within reach will tell. 

Pakistan Women looked to be building towards a good score after steadying the ship at 221/3 following a cluster of wickets earlier in the innings. However, slow scoring rates ultimately cost the touring side as they failed to breach the 300-run mark. 

By contrast, Sri Lanka would have been looking at in excess of 300 if they were able to bat out the remainder of the 19 deliveries they did not need. While Pakistan did only lose five wickets in total, they were guilty of playing too conservatively in the latter-stages of the innings. 

The focus in the third ODI has to be on building a solid base before accelerating. It is not enough to have most of their wickets intact at the end of the match if a team is well below 300 runs scored on a pitch that looks good for batting. 

While I predict that Pakistan will get a real test in the third and final ODI, I back the touring side to secure the win as they make amends following a slow batting performance in the third ODI.