Securing a series at home has become almost routine for the Indian side. This is true even if you don’t get the first nomination at the park. On Thursday (January 5th), Hardik Pandya’s revamped T20I team continues to make positive progress, so jump at the chance to add it to your silverware collection.
But it may not be as easy as it sounds, especially after a close result in the series opener in Mumbai. India struggled to bat at Wankhede his stadium for most of the innings and in the final few overs Deepak he had to be saved by Hooda and Axor his Patel. Newcomer Shivam Mavi got off to a good start with the ball, but in the end the game all but slipped as Dasun Shanaka and Wanindu Hasaranga brought Sri Lanka closer. Also in the final, Hardik played bowling Axor Patel against Chamika Karunaratne and the move paid off. Hardik stressed that the possibility of losing the match did not affect his decision to pass the ball to Axor, as he wanted to test his squad under pressure. was intended to be the first to hit at Wankede, and reiterated that the team would have to put themselves in a difficult situation that could help them in major tournaments.
The series is for takeout, but you can expect the same in Pune. From Sri Lanka’s point of view, they want similar performances from their bowlers to have the best chance of squaring the series. Keeping the likes of Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav at bay isn’t easy, but leaving them alone greatly reduces your chances.
when:
India-Sri Lanka, January 5th at 7pm local time
From where:
MCA Stadium, Pune
What to Expect:
Moderate temperatures are expected. In his final T20I matchup at this venue, those two teams of his also entered the game, with India winning by a wide margin over his 200 points.
team news
India
Arshdeep Singh missed the first game as he failed to recover from his illness in time. With a short turnaround and an ODI series looming, India may be tempted not to rush it. Sanju Samson is a questionable starter in this game and could open the door for Rahul Tripathi.
Predicted XI– Ishan Kishan (wk), Shubman Gill, Rahul Tripathi, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya (c), Deepak Hooda, Axar Patel, Harshal Patel/Washington Sundar, Shivam Mavi, Yuzvendra Chahal, Umran Malik
Sri Lanka
Kasun Rajitha was forced out in Mumbai, but his T20I did well in Pune 2016, helping Sri Lanka win. Will it help him maintain his position? Abishka Fernando may have to wait.
Predicted XI – Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Dilshan Madushanka