Rain played a spoil sport in Guwahati as the series opener between India and Sri Lanka got called off due to wet patches on the pitch making it unplayable. The match was scheduled to start at 7:00 PM IST but heavy rain lashed the stadium soon after the toss. Both the teams are now set for the second encounter in Indore on January 7th. Both the teams would look to start the new year on high and refine their preparations for the T-20 World Cup in Australia as well. ‘Men in Blue’ will be pretty confident against the young Sri Lankan side.
The series in India is very crucial for Sri Lanka as they haven’t won any bilateral series against India, across all formats, for over 10 years. Since 2008, they have lost 16 games in a row. However, Malinga and Co. defeated India in 2014 World T20 final. India too will be eager to find some consistency in the shortest format. India, which has been dominating in both Tests and ODI’s for a while now, have struggled a bit in the T20Is. In 2019, India won nine and lost seven matches in T20 format.
Team Combination
India
Team India has rested Rohit Sharma for this series so Shikhar Dhawan, who is making a comeback after injury, will join KL Rahul in the opening slot. Washington Sundar has a good record against Sri Lanka and he will be the second spin option along with Kuldeep Yadav. All eyes will be on India’s best bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, who is making a comeback after four months. Bumrah was out of action due to a back-stress fracture. Shivam Dube, who was hit for plenty during the West Indies series, is likely to hold his place in the playing XI.
Probable Playing XI
Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli (C), Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (WK), Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Navdeep Saini.
Sri Lanka
In the previous match, Malinga informed the exclusion of Niroshan Dickwella and Kusal Mendis from the playing XI. The Sri Lanka skipper is likely to exclude them in this match as well. Angelo Mathews, who last played a T20I against South Africa in August 2018 is also unlikely to find is place in the playing XI. Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Oshada Fernando and Danushka Gunathilaka who were the stars in their 3-0 win in Pakistan in October will be crucial.
Probable Playing XI
Danushka Gunathilaka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Perera (Wk), Oshada Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka, Isuru Udana, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lahiru Kumara, Dhananjaya de Silva, Lasith Malinga (C).
Pitch Report
The pitch in Indore is expected to be a high-scorer. Dew again will be a key factor and both captains will look to chase.
Weather Conditions
The 2nd T20I is expected to be interrupted by rain. However, it will be a passing shower and we might get some action in the middle.
Head to Head
|
Matches Played |
India |
Sri Lanka |
No Result |
|
17 |
11 |
05 |
01 |
Key Players
India
Jasprit Bumrah
KL Rahul
Sri Lanka
Isuru Udana
Lasith Malinga
