The Indian bowlers barring Yuzvendra Chahal produced an outstanding bowling effort to successfully – though by a slender margin of 2 runs – defend a total of 162 at the Wankhede, amid the dew, in the first T20I against Sri Lanka on Tuesday.
Just after a day’s break, the two teams go at each other again in Pune, at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium.
India will look to continue their home dominance and seal the series in the second T20I, whereas Sri Lanka will want to show their strength as the Asia Cup champions and bounce back.
In this article, we will see the probable playing XI of both teams, and predict the winner of the 2nd IND vs SL T20I:
When: January 5, 7 PM IST
Venue: MCA Stadium, Pune
IND vs SL Pitch Report
The Pune pitch is known for its flatness and the batters would enjoy the surface here. The big boundaries would help the spinners too. In general, a high-scoring game is on the cards.
IND vs SL Predicted playing XI:
Sanju Samson is ruled out of the series after suffering a knee injury while fielding in the first game. Jitesh Sharma has replaced him in the squad. Rahul Tripathi is likely to make his T20I debut by replacing Samson in the XI. Arshdeep Singh, who missed the first match due to illness, is now available for selection; he could replace either Chahal or Harshal.
India predicted XI:
Ishan Kishan (wk), Shubman Gill, Rahul Tripathi, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya (c), Deepak Hooda, Axar Patel, Harshal Patel/Arshdeep Singh, Shivam Mavi, Yuzvendra Chahal, Umran Malik
Lahiru Kumara could replace Kasun Rajitha in Sri Lanka’s XI.
Sri Lanka predicted XI:
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Rajitha/Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka
IND vs SL 2nd T20I match prediction: India to win
We are predicting that India will win the 2nd T20I and seal the series in Pune. Arshdeep Singh’s return will solidify the bowling further.