Australia vs Sri Lanka 4th ODI : Sri Lanka looks to seal the series win
Except for the first T20I, which was a one-sided affair, Sri Lanka has put a lot of pressure on Australia during this visit. They nearly stole a low-scoring match in the second T20I, won the third game thrillingly off the bat of captain Dasun Shanaka, and were only beaten by a Glenn Maxwell spectacular at the start of the series
Glenn Maxwell spectacular at the start of the seriesand are now on the verge of winning the ODI series for the first time in 20 years.
On Sunday night in Colombo, they put up a fantastic run-chase, bringing what appeared to be a significant total under par. It shed a sharp light on Australia's spin bowling, without Adam Zampa and Ashton Agar, the first-choice duo.
Even though these games do not count towards World Cup points, Australia is focused on the upcoming Test series, particularly with their all-rounder fast bowlers. On this tour, there hasn't been a day that an injury hasn't been added to the list, so Glenn Maxwell's left leg being grasped after a piece of fielding was likely to cause concern.
Remarkable performance by hosts.
Sri Lanka has won its last two matches despite the absence of their top weapon Wanindu Hasaranga, who had appeared to be Australia's greatest threat. Instead, Dunith Wellalage, 19, has displayed remarkable poise in his international debut series, and leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay's fast turn caused plenty of issues in the third game.
Pathum Nissanka, however, was the star of the record chase in Colombo, bowling a superbly-paced 137 in the face of suffocating heat that prompted Kusal Mendis to retire hurt. It was a statement inning from a young man who has a bright career ahead of him in Sri Lanka.
The return of Dickwella
In his first ODI in over a year, Niroshan Dickwella's return enlivened the proceedings. Though his innings did not grow from a promising position, the early flurry of boundaries contributed to Sri Lanka's belief that they may win in a massive chase. He'll want to make the most of every opportunity he gets, having only played two ODIs in the last three years.
The key players for Australia
David Warner has made a couple of spectacular catches in the outfield this series, but he has struggled with the bat. In the first game, he was trapped lbw by Maheesh Theekshana, then sliced off for 37 in the second, and top-edged a pull off the outstanding Dushmantha Chameera in the third. With the series on the line, Australia could use a strong performance from him.
Glenn Maxwell is undoubtedly one of the best white ball players. He has always been Australia's key player, and on his day, he can alone snatch victory from the hands of Sri Lanka.
Team updates
Kusal Mendis has recovered from the cramping that prompted him to retire and is available for the fourth match, so unless Danushka Gunathilaka passes a late fitness test, Sri Lanka will not need to replace their winning team. Wanindu Hasaranga is expected to miss time due to a groin ailment.
For Australia, the balance of the attack is a significant concern. Do they have enough faith in Mitchell Swepson to find a place for him? Mitchell Starc has yet to play in the series due to an injury in his finger, while Pat Cummins may be rested ahead of the Tests; Josh Hazlewood, who has played every game on tour, may also be due a rest.
Sri Lanka's last bilateral ODI series win against Australia came in 2010; 12 years down the line, can Sri Lankan batters make the most of the inexperienced bowling attack of Australia to win the series? Or will Australia find the rhythm to take this series to a decider in the form of the 5th ODI match? It will be an exciting match to follow.