India and Sri Lanka Face off in a Sizzling T20I Series
India and Sri Lanka are going to clash for a 3 T20I Series. The 3 T20I Series is scheduled to take place on 24th February in Lucknow, 26th February in Dharamsala & 27th February in Dharamsala. Sri Lanka & India both the nations last time played against each other in July 2021 where Sri Lanka defeated India in T20I format after 13 years.
- Journey
India are coming back off a convincing victory against a depleted yet furious West Indies side. Indian management would be limpid as which players they need for the upcoming T20I Series. The likes of Shreyas Iyer would hope to get big runs under his belt in the absence of Virat Kohli who has been given a rest. India’s batting unit looks powerful. India’s death bowling has improved a lot as the pacers like Bhuvneshwar Kumar & Harshal Patel showcased their variations. The bowling unit would be bolstered with the presence of Jasprit Bumrah. All in all the squad of India is on the verge another white-wash.
Sri Lanka avoided ignominy by winning the 5th T20I Match against a Champion Side Australia. Sri Lanka somehow won a match where the batters & bowlers were under the pump. The dashing opener Kusal Mendis was the bright spot for Sri Lanka as his fighting knock in the 5th T20I match proved to be the difference in the end. Sri Lanka’s batters & bowlers showed a lot of potential as the Aussies in a couple of matches were shocked. Sri Lanka’s fans would hope that they go one step ahead & win T20I Series which may sound a bit to do, yet that can be attained. Sri Lanka have a long rally ahead yet would believe that they win at-least 1 match in the Series.
- Teams
India are looking set to extend their winning streak from 8 to 11. India’s team is in full form where we can say only India can defeat themselves. India’s main worry would be that their batting line up hasn’t been tested; tested in the sense there haven’t been any collapses. The bowlers too haven’t defended target in the range of 140-160 runs. All in all India should be prepared to witness one of these scenarios which will keep them prepared.
Sri Lanka would look to extend their momentum. Defeating Australia was by no means an easy task for Dasun Shanaka’s side. The Captain would believe that they repeat their feat of July 2021 where they defeated India in T20I Series by 2-1. Sri Lanka’s main strength is their bowling especially the spin with the likes of Wanindu Hasaranga & Mahessh Theekshana. All in all Sri Lanka should not get overboard after defeating India.
- Tactics and Matchup
India should look to test their bench strength. The likes of Suryakumar Yadav & Venkatesh Iyer would hope that they make the most of their good run. The duo are hitting the ball crisply & can be said the management have found a perfect combination for the death bowlers. Sri Lanka on the other side would hope that their batters don’t get collapse & post a below par total of 130-150 runs. This is a crucial aspect as the likes of Chamika Karunaratne need to make sure that they set the target in range of 160+ runs.
India would hope that the new era under Rohit Sharma the Captain and Rahul Dravid the Coach will continue the good work. So far Rahul Dravid has done a good job in home matches. India are the favorites to win the T20I Series, any score-line less than 3-0 would be bad. Sri Lanka need to be vigilant here as they need to pounce on quickly to give themselves a chance. If Sri Lanka win the T20I Series then it won’t be less than a MIRACLE!!!.
