IND vs SL: 3rd T20I Preview – India seek complete domination over Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka were hapless in the second T20I against India at Holkar Stadium, Indore. They crawled to their final total of 142/9 without any spectacular batting performance. Then the visitors looked innocuous with the ball until Wanindu Hasaranga stepped up to bowl. India dominated the game and won with 15 balls remaining. The home side will want to celebrate another win and wrap up the series without giving an inch to the opposition.
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Match Info:
Pitch and weather condition:
MCA Stadium, Pune will host the final match of the T20I series. The weather is expected to be pleasant and rain is likely to stay away from the encounter.
A clinical performance by #TeamIndia in Indore.
Will the boys clinch the series in Pune? #INDvSL pic.twitter.com/6Hm0jPVYC1
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 7, 2020
Talking Points:
Jasprit Bumrah’s mixed bag return
The highly anticipated return of India’s most favourite fast bowler began with a wide. Avishka Fernando then scored a boundary on the first legal delivery. Bumrah seemed to recover after that start and the slower ball to dismiss Dasun Shanaka reminded of his death over skills. However, Hasaranga slammed three consecutive boundaries to end Bumrah’s day with disappointment.
Sweet memories for Sri Lanka
India have played only two T20Is at the MCA Stadium, Pune thus far. First of them was against Sri Lanka in 2016. Sri Lankan seamers surprised the Indian batting unit and wrapped them up for only 101 runs on the board. India batted out only 18.5 overs in their innings. Sri Lanka went on to defeat India by five wickets.
Numbers to look out for:
Team News
India
With nothing to lose, the Indian team management can think of making a few changes to the winning combination. Sanju Samson’s inclusion in the Indian side is highly awaited. However, India may have to drop Rishabh Pant in order to accommodate Samson. Virat Kohli is likely to lead the same playing XI from the second T20I.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka decided to stick with the same team in the last match, however, disappointing performance will force them to think about changes. Opener Danushka Gunathilaka’s strike rate in his last four knocks has stayed below 100. Sri Lanka can bring back Niroshan Dickwella and push Kusal Perera at the top. Isuru Udana has been ruled out due to an injury. Kasun Rajitha is likely to take his place.
