In the first T20I, Sri Lanka lost nine wickets for 30 runs, and in the second, they lost seven for 32. Despite strong performances from the top order, including Pathum Nissanka’s series-leading runs, Kusal Perera’s half-century, and Kusal Mendis’s 45 in the first match, the middle order has faltered. Kamindu Mendis’s 26 in the second T20I remains the highest score from the middle and lower orders. Sri Lanka needs to address this issue to capitalize on their top-order strength.
India, having sealed the series with comprehensive wins, may use this opportunity to give some of their players more game time. Key batters like Sanju Samson, Rinku Singh, and Riyan Parag will be looking for more opportunities. Pathum Nissanka, in remarkable form with a strike rate of 154.16 this year, remains crucial for Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant, who made a promising return to competitive cricket, will be under pressure to solidify his place in the T20I format.
Sri Lanka is expected to field a similar XI to the second game, though there could be changes with Avishka Fernando or Dinesh Chandimal potentially replacing the struggling Dasun Shanaka. Romesh Mendis might also feature again, adding depth to both batting and spin options.
Sri Lanka (probable XI): Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (capt), Dinesh Chandimal/Avishka Fernando, Wanindu Hasaranga, Romesh Mendis, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Asitha Fernando
India might rotate their squad, potentially resting one of the fast bowlers with Khaleel Ahmed as a possible replacement. Washington Sundar could be included if India continues their trend of giving opportunities to squad members. Shivam Dube might also be considered, but with Hardik Pandya not in the ODI squad, India could stick with him for consistency. Shubman Gill’s status remains uncertain after missing the second game due to a neck spasm.
India (probable XI): Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Rishabh Pant (wk), Riyan Parag/Washington Sundar, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh/Khaleel Ahmed
The match will be played on a fresh surface in Pallekele. Previous games on this pitch saw batting conditions favoring early play with increased difficulty as the match progressed, highlighting the importance of spinners and pace variations. The new pitch is expected to provide similar conditions.
India, having sealed the series with comprehensive wins, may use this opportunity to give some of their players more game time. Key batters like Sanju Samson, Rinku Singh, and Riyan Parag will be looking for more opportunities. Pathum Nissanka, in remarkable form with a strike rate of 154.16 this year, remains crucial for Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant, who made a promising return to competitive cricket, will be under pressure to solidify his place in the T20I format.
Sri Lanka is expected to field a similar XI to the second game, though there could be changes with Avishka Fernando or Dinesh Chandimal potentially replacing the struggling Dasun Shanaka. Romesh Mendis might also feature again, adding depth to both batting and spin options.
Sri Lanka (probable XI): Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (capt), Dinesh Chandimal/Avishka Fernando, Wanindu Hasaranga, Romesh Mendis, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Asitha Fernando
India might rotate their squad, potentially resting one of the fast bowlers with Khaleel Ahmed as a possible replacement. Washington Sundar could be included if India continues their trend of giving opportunities to squad members. Shivam Dube might also be considered, but with Hardik Pandya not in the ODI squad, India could stick with him for consistency. Shubman Gill’s status remains uncertain after missing the second game due to a neck spasm.
India (probable XI): Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Rishabh Pant (wk), Riyan Parag/Washington Sundar, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh/Khaleel Ahmed
The match will be played on a fresh surface in Pallekele. Previous games on this pitch saw batting conditions favoring early play with increased difficulty as the match progressed, highlighting the importance of spinners and pace variations. The new pitch is expected to provide similar conditions.
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