IND vs SL: 1st T20I Preview – The year of T20 cricket begins

If 2019 belonged to ODI cricket, then T20Is are set to take the centre stage in 2020. With the 20-over World Cup scheduled near the end of the year, teams will be looking trial the fringe players and start building a steady base for the tournament. India and Sri Lanka shall engage in the 1st T20I series of 2020. The hosts defeated South Africa and Bangladesh in bilaterals whereas Sri Lanka are coming off from a heavy defeat at the hands of Australia.

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Talking points:

Bumrah returns

India never missed a cricketer more than Jasprit Bumrah. The sensational pace bowler suffered a back injury and has not played in any match since September 2019. His come back to the Indian team will change the complete outlook of the pace battery. It will be exciting to see one of the world’s best fast bowlers in the action.

2019 has been a year of accomplishments, learning, hard work and making memories, on the field and off it too. And on the last day of the year, I’m looking forward to everything that 2020 has to offer! ?? pic.twitter.com/YishbcuYWO

— Jasprit Bumrah (@Jaspritbumrah93) December 31, 2019

Sri Lanka’s SOS to Mathews

Angelo Mathews returns to the Sri Lankan T20I outfit after an interval of 16 months. Thus far, he has played 72 T20Is, fourth-highest by a Sri Lankan. The Asian team got skittled for 117 all out and 99/9 against Australia in Australia. Mathews’ experience will prove crucial in adding stability to the batting unit.

Numbers to look out for:

Team News:

India

The selectors have decided to rest Rohit Sharma from this series. Shikhar Dhawan returns from his knee injury and shall take the opening spot alongside KL Rahul. Both the openers will compete against each other to retain their position in the team once Rohit comes back. Bumrah will lead the pace bowling attack with one of Shardul Thakur and Navdeep Saini supporting him. Rest of the crew remains the same.

Sri Lanka

After a battering in Australia, Sri Lanka decided to recall their veteran all-rounder Angelo Mathews. He will add stability to the Sri Lankan batting lineup. Avishka Fernando and Danushka Gunathilaka are likely to be the openers with Perera and Dickwella following them. Sri Lanka’s bowling attack will rely on their captain Lasith Malinga.