Sri Lanka vs India – 2nd T20 International Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Sri Lanka vs India taking place? Wednesday, July 28th, 2021 – 15:30 (UK)
Where is Sri Lanka vs India taking place? R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
What is the expected weather for Sri Lanka vs India? 27-28c with a chance of thundery showers and light winds
What channel is Sri Lanka vs India on? The match will be televised live on Foodxp (Sky Channel 712) in the UK
Where can I stream Sri Lanka vs India? SonyLIV subscribers will be able to stream the match live both online and via smart phones.
LAST MEETING
India beat Sri Lanka by 38 runs.
THE TEAM NEWS
SRI LANKA
- A limp batting performance from Sri Lanka saw them bowled out for just 126 as they fell to a 38-run defeat at the hands of India in the first T20i between the two sides in Colombo.
- Only Charith Asalanka offered any sort of substantial resistance with 44 as only three other Sri Lankan batters managed to accrue a double figure score, as wickets fell at regular intervals.
- All-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga was passed fit in time to feature in the first T20i, taking two wickets at an economy rate of seven runs an over and showed no ill effects of the injury that had kept him out of final ODI, therefore he should be fine to go again here.
INDIA
- After an ODI series triumph, India got off to the perfect start in the T20i series, as they accumulated 164/5 after losing the toss and being asked to bat first, with top order Suryakumar Yadav striking a half century, supported by his captain Shikhar Dhawan who made 46.
- A wonderful team performance with the ball saw all six Indian bowlers utilised pick up at least one wicket, with fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar shining in particular after taking four wickets at just 6.29 runs per over.
- Both opener Prithvi Shaw and Suryakumar Yadav are unavailable for this match and the remainder of this T20i series after being called up to the test squad set to take on England, whilst all-rounder Krunal Pandya will also miss out after testing positive for Covid-19.
THE PREDICTION
Sri Lanka remain without a T20i victory since the beginning of March and have now lost their last five T20i games in a row. Things don’t look like improving here against this Indian side, even having lost the services of two key top order batters and all-rounder Krunal Pandya when you consider the sheer strength-in-depth they possess in the 20 over format of the game. India will have to adjust the shape of their side following Pandya's positive Covid-19 test, but this shouldn't prove a match defining blow and will instead likely provide another fearless young cricketer with an opportunity to shine. Ultimately, when it comes to the crunch India boasts a far superior quality of T20 cricketers compared to Sri Lanka and are most importantly covered in all departments with both bat and ball, meaning that the hosts cannot prepare any sort of pitch that gives them a clear advantage. The weather does pose a slight threat to this contest, but providing the full allocation of overs can be played, it would be a surprise if India are not to record yet another win.
This match was originally scheduled for Tuesday July 27th, but was moved back 24 hours to Wednesday July 28th following a positive COVID-19 test within the Indian team.
