New Delhi: It is almost a must-win game for India while Sri Lanka has pretty much nothing to lose. While everyone was backing up Afghanistan in the first Super 4 clash, Sri Lanka stood out and showed what in form Kusal Mendis can deliver. Meanwhile, India lost a close-fought encounter against Pakistan.
On paper, India is surely a dominating team over Sri Lanka, but in the modern-day T20, one cannot rule out any team. After having a poor start to the tournament, the Sir Lankan batters have chased 184 against Bangladesh and 176 against a world-class bowling lineup offered by Afghanistan. Both of the teams here look to have a similar approach with the batting, where quick-fire 30s are preferred over slow 50s.
India’s squad analysis
Ravindra Jadeja’s injury has shaken the balance of the side. Meanwhile, a good start by Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul was the biggest positive in the last game. With Kohli coming back to ‘form’ and the middle order striking the ball well, the Indian batting lineup looks more or less settled. Though, they missed an opportunity to go for over 200 in the game against Pakistan. With Ravi Bishnoi’s inclusion, the bowling attack has a new dimension to explore before the T20 World Cup.
Though Deepak Hooda has played a fairly less number of international innings, it still seems like he is comfortable batting up the order and the role of a finisher does not suit him well. He provides a sixth bowling option, but in front of power-hitters like Mohammad Nawaz and Asif Ali, one would rarely hand him over the ball. If India needs a batter at number 7, Dinesh Karthik has trained just to do that job for the team. On the other hand, Chahal’s form is a matter of concern as he went for 43/1 in the last game while in the first game against Pakistan he took no wicket for 32 runs. Against Hong Kong, he had a fine with just 18 runs in his four overs, but India is playing the leg spinner for his wicket-taking ability and the way he flights the ball.
Sri Lanka’s squad analysis
The batting lineup looks good with Kusal Mendis and Bhanuka Rajapaksa performing well and with the power-hitting prowess of Hasaranga and Chamika Karunarathne, this team can chase targets. Maheesh Theekshana is bowling great and will be a bowler to look out for in the upcoming game. Wanindu Hasaranga is still Sri Lanka’s biggest bowling weapon and Theekshana can stand up when the team targets his teammate.
Though Mendis has delivered, the top order still does not looks like it will be able to stand against a world-class bowling attack. Pathum Nisanka and Gunathilaka looked back in form in the last game while Charith Asalanka is not having a good tournament. Batting first and losing wickets at regular intervals are two things which still raise questions.
Conclusion
The clean sweep against Sri Lanka in the T20Is will be a confidence booster for India, while Sri Lanka will look forward to causing an upset. With Avesh Khan fit to play, India may come back with the three-pacer setup. Though there is not much dew expected, the tournament has still favoured the team chasing the total, so will the toss have a role to play? While Sri Lanka is likely to stick with the same playing XI, India has to choose, between Chahal and Bishnoi, Pant and Karthik and has to see if there is a place for Axar Patel.
