IND vs SL: 2nd T20I Preview – India aim for series win in Pune

India and Sri Lanka will square off at the MCA Stadium in Pune for the second T20I of the three-match series. The Men in Blue are currently leading the series 1-0, having won the first game in a close contest. The Hardik Pandya-led side will be looking to clinch another win so as to seal the deal early.

The Lankans are not to be taken lightly. Though the Indian bowlers took down their top-order batting unit early, the middle-order batters showed great determination. Thanks to Umran Malik’s impressive performance under pressure in the death overs and Shivam Mavi’s four-wicket haul on debut, India managed to bag a two-run victory.

The upcoming contest can turn out to be a nail-biting thriller again if the two sides continue performing in a similar manner. Both India and Sri Lanka need to sort out the top-order issue as the teams will be looking for a flying start to their innings. The bowlers of both sides did well but will be looking to improve so that they don’t leak runs in crunch situations.

Pitch and conditions

The captain winning the toss might opt to bowl first as the surface at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune is typically batter-friendly. The shorter boundaries will be an added advantage for the power hitters. The spinners might find some traction at the pitch, which tends to flatten as the game progresses.

Venue details: Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium, Pune

Last T20I match at the venue: IND: 201/6 in 20 overs | SL: 123/10 in 15.5 overs.

Here are the probable playing XI:

India:

Sanju Samson has been ruled out of the series due to a knee niggle, which means India will be forced to change the winning combination. Jitesh Sharma has been added to the squad as a replacement. Meanwhile, Arshdeep Singh, unavailable in the first game due to illness, has been declared fit for selection. However, one in Ruturaj Gaikwad or Rahul Tripathi is likely to replace Samson.

Sri Lanka:

The Islanders posed a threat to India in the previous contest, and they too have a strong combination. The visitors may look to replace the listless Kasun Rajitha with another pacer, Lahiru Kumara.