Colombo: India take on Sri Lanka in the third One-day cricket match here at the RPS on Sunday with their pattern of victory and defeat playing out somewhat like the Test series.

The good news for India is that Gautam Gambhir has recovered from his stiff neck and will be back at the top of the order. The crying need of the hour; though, is for Yuvraj Singh to get some big ones. A win against Lanka in trying circumstances will undoubtedly bear dividends and boost the team's confidence for the future. But there's Mendis, Murali and the rest of the dynamic Sri Lankan team to cope with first.

In the bowling department, India's experienced pacer Zaheer Khan has the ability to rip through the Lankan top order, as he showed in the second game in Dambulla.

Good news for Srilanka because Sanath Jayasuriya scored 2212 runs at R Premadasa Stadium, and Muralitharan claimed 64 wickets here.

Fact About Match

Wheather: The weather could have a major role at here: rains disrupted India's practice yesterday, and more thundershowers are forecast today. The RPS is tied with the SSC as the grounds to have hosted the maximum number of washed out games - six each.

Ground: The pitch is expected to be firm, and a better one for batting than in Dambulla.

Chance to win: India 5/4 and Sri Lanka 4/7.

Team:
India may be dropped Irfan Pathan or Rohit Sharma, because Gautam Gambhir fully fit.
India (likely) Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, S Badrinath, Irfan Pathan, Praveen Kumar, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Munaf Patel and 12th man Rohit Sharma.

If Sri Lanka fast bowler Vaas passes the fitness test, Dilhara Fernando will probably sit out.
Sri Lanka (likely) Sanath Jayasuriya, Kumar Sangakkara (wk), Mahela Jayawardene, Chamara Silva, Chamara Kapugedera, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Chaminda Vaas, Nuwan Kulasekara, Thilan Thushara, Ajantha Mendis, Muttiah Muralitharan and 12th man Dilhara Fernando.

Head to head: Total 103, India won - 53 and SL won - 40, NR - 10. In Sri Lanka: Total 36, SL won 20 and India won 10, NR - 6.

Scoreboard