New Delhi: The series stands levelled and India has its 11 T20I series streak at stake while the Men’s Asia Cup winners are here to make a mark. Sri Lanka beat India by 16 runs in the last game to take the series into a decider. Dasun Shanaka and his men seem to have a command over power hitting while India is trying to rebuild its T20 side.
Top order issue with fine finishers for India
India’s current top order clearly lacks the experience but has shown some talent in the IPL. The third game will be the best opportunity for Ishan Kishan, Shubman Gill and more for Rahul Tripathi to deliver. Meanwhile, the lower order with Axar Patel hitting the ball out of the park so easily looks much more stable and as coach Rahul Dravid said, India has found some pretty good spin-bowling all-rounders. Even Shivam Mavi, with his 26 off 15, has shown why he is classified as an all-rounder in domestic cricket.
In the last game, it was the Indian pacers who were targeted well by the visitors as all of them went for more than 12 runs an over. While Arshdeep return meant some stability, it became a no-ball show and he might need some more time on the field to get his rhythm back. On the other hand, Axar picked two wickets and bowled tight with Yuzvendra Chahal improving on his flight and lengths. All in all, it will still be a test for the bowlers as Sri Lanka’s death batting features monster hitters.
Sri Lanka can create history
Congratulations Skipper!
The fastest ever fifty by a Sri Lankan in T20Is. ??? @dasunshanaka1
#INDvSL pic.twitter.com/DoB05xMBQK— Sri Lanka Cricket ?? (@OfficialSLC) January 5, 2023
Sri Lanka has a chance to win a T20I series after a long time in India while Dasun Shanaka has made the franchises think about his inclusion in the IPL. Kusal Mendis ensured that his team got to a good start in the last game and Shanaka’s 56* off 22 helped them cross 200. Though Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Dhananjaya de Silva’s forms are concerning, overall the batting lineup looks good.
India still has not found an answer to Maheesh Theekshana and with Dasun Shanaka doing in death what Pandya is doing in the powerplay is just giving Sri Lanka a little bit of an edge.
Match prediction
In conclusion, it seems to be a tough competition between the sides and Rajkot will provide a good day for the batters to hit some boundaries. It will be a battle of finishers on both sides, in both departments.
