The India vs Sri Lanka series started on an off note as the first T20I between the teams was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to rain and wet outfield. However, there were various other incidents during the first T20I that managed to rope in the interest of the fans. First with the chilling video of Guwahati stadium singing Vande Matram and then the officials trying to dry the pitch with blowers, iron, hair-dryer and what not.
Well, with just 3 matches in hand the teams wanted to make the most of every opportunity given to them. Thus, they put in all their efforts to get the ball in their court during the second T20I of the series. But as the luck had it, the hosts managed to bundle out Sri Lanka at a mere score of 142 runs for the loss of nine wickets. Showcasing a brilliant performance, the Indian batsmen helped their side get to victory ways at a loss of 3 wickets and 15 balls to spare.
The absence of Rohit Sharma didn’t affect the game much, as openers KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan stepped in to lay the foundation of team’s victory, scoring 45 off 32 balls and 32 off 29 balls, respectively. In the middle-over, it was Shreyas Iyer and Virat Kohli who took the legacy forward and took the team to the finishing line. Apart from winning the game by 7 wickets, Virat Kohli also surpassed teammate Rohit Sharma to become the leading run-scorer in T20Is.
On the other hand, the visitors looked pale as their bowling line-up failed to perform. Their key player, Isuru Udana’s absence hurt the team big and the decision of resting Angelo Mathews in the second match of the series too backfired for the team. Their performance with the bat was also not much of a praiseworthy affair, as the batsmen kept surrendering in front of Indian bowlers every couple of overs later.
Thus, in the upcoming match, the Men in Blue shall eye on winning the series whereas the visitors will be eyeing on drawing the series.
Team Preview
India
KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan made the opponent bowlers go week at the knees in absence of Rohit Sharma while Shreyas Iyer and Virat Kohli backed up the middle-order. Thus, no changes are expected in the top order. The management has been overlooking Yuzvendra Chahal for quite some time now, so, it is expected that the player might get a green light in the upcoming game.
Probable Playing XI
Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli (C), Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (WK), Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal, Navdeep Saini, Jasprit Bumrah.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s one of the key players Isuru Udana got injured during the second T20I of the series, following which he was ruled out of the series. Angelo Matthews who was left out for the last game might get a place in the squad for the final game.
Probable Playing XI
Danushka Gunathilaka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Perera (WK), Angelo Mathews, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Wanindu Hasaranga, Kasun Rajitha, Lasith Malinga (C), Lahiru Kumara.
Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
The final game will be played at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. The pitch at Pune has something to offer for the fast-bowlers. The team winning the toss is expected to field first to make the most of the pitch’s bowling conditions.
As far as the weather is concerned, the day is expected to be clear with the temperature around 26-28 degrees Celsius. There are no chances of rain, so the fans can expect a full-game.
Head-to-Head Stats
|
Matches Played |
India |
Sri Lanka |
No Result |
|
18 |
12 |
05 |
01 |
Players to Watch Out For
India
Virat Kohli
KL Rahul
Sri Lanka
Bhanuka Rajapaksa
Kusal Perera
