India will begin their 2020 season with Sri Lanka in the first T20I on January 5,2020 at Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. After finishing the year 2019 on a good note, the hosts would look to start the new year on a high. With this series, India would look to refine their preparations for the T-20 World Cup in Australia slated to begin next October. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will feel much more confident with the return of experienced all-rounder Angelo Mathews.
Although India has been dominating in both Tests and ODIs for quite some time now, but they haven’t been at their best at the shortest form of cricket. In, 2019, India won nine and lost seven matches in T20 format. The team will be looking for some consistency in their preparation for the T20 World Cup.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, are coming into the series on the back of a 3-0 whitewash against Australia. The young inexperienced side will bank heavily on the experience of their skipper Lasith Malinga and Angelo Mathews. But it will be uphill task for them to face the mighty team India.
Head to Head
|
Matches Played |
India |
Sri Lanka |
No Result |
|
16 |
11 |
05 |
0 |
Pitch Report
The Barsapara Cricket Stadium is known for hosting high-scoring games with flat pitch and short boundaries. Dew again will be crucial in this match and both the captains will look to chase.
Weather Conditions
There are chances of scattered rains in Guwahati on the match day. The temperature will be around 12 degree Celsius.
Probable Playing XI
India
Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli (C), Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (WK), Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Navdeep Saini.
Sri Lanka
Danushka Gunathilaka, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Kusal Perera, Angelo Mathews, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka, Isuru Udana, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lahiru Kumara, Lakshan Sandakan, Lasith Malinga (C).
Key Players
India
KL Rahul
Jasprit Bumrah
Sri Lanka
Angelo Mathews
Lasith Malinga
