Sri Lanka vs India - 2nd ODI Preview - Chance for visitors to seal the series with another clinical display

India started the ODI series against Sri Lanka with a comprehensive victory at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, July 18. The two teams are now set to face each other in the second ODI of the series at the same venue on Tuesday, July 20. As this is a three-match series, hence there will be a lot dependent on the second game as it could decide the series once and for all.

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As far as Sri Lanka is concerned, there were a few positives for them in the batting department. Their main issue in the first game was with the fact that no batter was able to get beyond fifty and score a substantial number of runs. Despite that, Sri Lanka managed to get to a total of 262 for 9. The highest contribution actually came from down the order, C Karunaratne’s 43 runs from 35 balls. There were a bunch of 30s and 20s, which coach Mickey Arthur would want to be converted into scores of 50 or beyond.

On the other hand, Sri Lanka’s batting performance can be reasoned with India’s top bowling effort. The unit collectively bowled well and managed to restrict the Sri Lankan team to a chaseable total, however, they would still want a bit more improved display with the ball. When it comes to batting, there was absolutely nothing wrong with it and India will hope that their batters continue the sublime form which helped them chase down Sri Lanka’s total in 36.4 overs and take a lead in this series.

Match details

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2nd ODI - Sri Lanka vs India

Date: 20th July 2021

Time: 3:00 PM IST

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Venue: R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

Pitch report

The wicket was quite ideal for batting in the first ODI. The ball seemed to be coming onto the bat nicely and allowed the batters to get aggressive options to score runs freely. One of the things which was noticeable though, especially during Sri Lanka’s innings was that the ball could sometimes grip and offer some turn. This is why the Indian spinners were able to put the brakes on the hosts’ batting effort. Having said so, chasing would once again be a better option as it becomes difficult to defend a score at night with the dew around.

Probable XIs

Sri Lanka

Though it will be harsh on the Sri Lankan players if anyone is dropped from the side just after one poor performance but with the series on the line, Mickey Arthur and captain Dasun Shanaka might have to take some harsh calls. Pathum Nissanka and Akila Dananjaya are two candidates who can be slotted into the side. If at all that happens, Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Lakshan Sandakan could be left out. Other than that, the hosts are unlikely to change the combination.

Predicted XI: Avishka Fernando, Minod Bhanuka (wk), Bhanuka Rajapaksa/Pathum Nissanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Isuru Udana, Dushmantha Chameera, Lakshan Sandakan/Akila Dananjaya

India

Just after one game it seems India has problem of plenty. Sanju Samson was expected to take the gloves for the Indian team in the first ODI, but the Kerala wicketkeeper batter picked up a minor injury which held him back and allowed Ishan Kishan to make his ODI debut. With him scoring 59 runs from 42 balls, it will be a matter for captain Shikhar Dhawan and coach Rahul Dravid to decide whether to continue with him or bring in Samson. Rest of the side will remain the same.

Predicted XI: Shikhar Dhawan (c), Prithvi Shaw, Ishan Kishan (wk), Manish Pandey/Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Deepak Chahar, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav