India vs Sri Lanka Fantasy Cricket Tips: After a washout in the first T20I in Guwahati, India did the expected in Indore to take down the visitors in a rather comprehensive seven-wicket win in the 2nd T20I at the Holkar Stadium. It was a satisfactory result for the ‘Men in Blue’ to kickstart proceedings this new year.
On the other hand, the inexperience in the Sri Lankan team came to the fore after they were outplayed in each of the departments on the field. It was the lack of maturity from some of their batters that didn’t allow them to post a huge total in their first innings. On a wicket that was best suited for batting, the Islanders capitulated under recurring pressure from the Indians before they could only manage 142 in their 20 overs.
With series on the line, it is a do-or-die encounter for the visitors while India would hope to put up another dominant show and claim their third T20I home series win on the bounce.
Weather Conditions:
The weather in Pune is expected to take a massive drop during the match hours. It will be cold with temperatures forecasted to stay around 17 degrees. It will be partly cloudy with a minimal threat of rain lingering throughout the match proceedings.
Pitch Report:
The pitch at the MCA Stadium in Pune is meant to be a good wicket for batting. However, the stats at this ground suggest that the spinners always have their say during the match. It is not a high scoring ground and the pacers are a usual threat at the start of the match due to the winds that keep blowing across the open ground.
Total Matches: 2
Matches won batting first: 2
Average first innings score: 129
Average second innings score: 131
Injury and availability news:
There are no injury concerns and all the players will be available for selection from either side.
India vs Sri Lanka Fantasy Cricket Tips: Probable Playing XIs
India:
KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli (C), Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (Wk), Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Navdeep Saini
Bench: Yuzvendra Chahal, Manish Pandey, Sanju Samson, Ravindra Jadeja
Sri Lanka:
Bench: Kusal Mendis, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Lakshan Sandakan, Niroshan Dickwella, Kasun Rajitha
Top Picks:
Indian opener KL Rahul showed his class yet again at Indore as he continues his golden run of form. Navdeep Saini, along with bowling partner Shardul Thakur, were brilliant with the ball. Even Shreyas Iyer’s promotion at No.3 worked in India’s favor as the youngster made the opportunity count with a chanceless 34. For the visitors, Leg-spinner Hasaranga showed some composure while Kusal Perera made a healthy contribution with the bat. Avishka Fernando, in his short stay at the crease, looked impressive while his innings lasted.
Captain and Vice-Captain
Captain: KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Kusal Perera
Vice-captain: Shreyas Iyer, Kuldeep Yadav, Avishka Fernando
Suggested Playing XI No.2
Keeper – Kusal Perera
Batters – KL Rahul (C), Virat Kohli, Avishka Fernando, Shreyas Iyer ()
All-Rounders – Dhananjaya de Silva, Washington Sundar
Bowlers – Jasprit Bumrah, Shardul Thakur, Lasith Malinga, Navdeep Saini
India vs Sri Lanka Fantasy Cricket Tips: Suggested Playing XI No.2 for
Keeper – Kusal Perera (wk) (VC)
Batters – KL Rahul, Virat Kohli (C), Avishka Fernando, Oshada Fernando
All-Rounders – Dasun Shanaka, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar
Bowlers – Wanindu Hasaranga, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah
India vs Sri Lanka Fantasy Cricket Tips: Expert advice
A track that won’t be as conducive for batting like the pitch at Holkar Stadium, it will be wise to pick openers or batsman at no.3 from either team. A spinner from each team might come in handy along with a potent death bowler. An all-rounder might also have a role to play especially with the ball to get a few overs in.
Probable Winners:
There are no reasons why India don’t start as favorites for the third T20I. Sri Lanka was below par in Indore and not much can be expected of them even in the series decider. It will be a huge ask for them to level the series against the mighty Indians.
Match Details:
The third T20I between India and Sri Lanka will be played at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on January 10. The match will begin at 7:00 PM IST. The live coverage for the fixture will be broadcasted on the Star Network.
