With the first match being whitewashed due to rain, India on Tuesday put an end on Sri Lanka’s hopes of winning the series as the latter now lead the 3 match T20 series 1-0 with one match left to be played.
INDIA LOOK TO SEAL THE SERIES
As expected, India showcased a dominant performance in the second T20 and outclassed the Islanders in all three formats. As far as the standout performers are concerned, the fast bowling duo of Shardul Thakur and Navdeep should be at the top of the list. The duo put constant pressure against the Lankan’s batting line, picking up 5 wickets between them and thereby helping India restrict them to 149 in 20 overs.
Time is running for Shikhar Dhawan who has a lot to prove to save his position in the current T-20 side. The veteran left-arm batsman has been enduring a lean run in the T-20 form off late. Dhawan played a rusty 29-ball 32 run innings in the last game as a lot of eyes will be on him on how he fares in the final T20 in Pune.
CHANGES: Virat Kohli is expected to bring out the same team barring one change. Ravindra Jadeja might be given an opportunity in place of Shivam Dube who wasn’t given any over to bowl in the previous game.
PREDICTED ELEVEN:
- KL Rahul
- Shikhar Dhawan
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- Rishabh Pant
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Washington Sundar
- Shardul Thakur
- Navdeep Saini
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Kuldeep Yadav
- SRI LANKA LOOK FOR PARITY
Sri Lanka camp wouldn’t be too happy with the performance they showcased in Indore and with two of their premier bowlers ruled out of the series; problems are plenty for them ahead of the third T20 against Sri Lanka.
The likes of Avishka Fernando, Gunathilaka, and Kusal Perera showed some resistance against the hosts, however, is a crucial game, Sri Lanka would be hoping someone from the top three to take the responsibility and play a big inning on Friday.
Sri Lanka’s defeat also raised questions on Sri Lanka’s middle-order which hasn’t fired in the format for a long time. One wouldn’t be much surprised if Angelo Mathews comes in the squad to strengthen the middle order and add runs in the latter stage of the game.
PREDICTED ELEVEN:
- Danushka Gunathilaka
- Avishka Fernando
- Kusal Perera
- Oshada Fernando
- Angelo Mathews
- Dasun Shanaka
- Dhananjaya de Silva
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Isuru Udana
- Lasith Malinga
- Lahiru Kumara
SPORTZCRAAZY PREDICTION:
Given how India has been playing lately and its record against Sri Lank in T20s, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if India wins the third T20 and win the series 2-0.