Fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming One Day International (ODI) series between Sri Lanka and India. The series will kick off with the first ODI at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Friday, August 2. The teams will play the second match at the same venue on August 4.
This three-match series promises to be a fascinating contest between two cricketing giants seeking to make a mark in the 50-over format. Fresh from a dominant performance in the T20I series, India will continue to gain momentum, while Sri Lanka aims to bounce back and reclaim their standing in front of their home crowd.
Match Preview
India enters the ODI series with high confidence, having recently completed a clean sweep in the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka. The Indian team demonstrated superior skills, especially in the batting and bowling departments, outclassing their opponents in the first two T20I matches. However, Sri Lanka showed resilience in the third T20I, pushing the game to a Super Over before India clinched victory. This spirited performance by the Sri Lankans hints at the potential for a more competitive ODI series.
India's squad for the ODI series is strengthened by the return of senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer. These experienced cricketers will bolster the Indian batting lineup and add depth to the squad.
Rohit Sharma, a key figure in India's limited-overs setup, will lead the team, focusing on maintaining its winning streak and preparing for upcoming major tournaments, including the ICC Champions Trophy next year.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, faces a formidable challenge as they host India. Historically, Sri Lanka has struggled against India in recent ODI encounters, with only one victory in their last 12 meetings. However, with Charith Asalanka appointed as the new captain, there is hope for a fresh start. Asalanka's leadership and batting prowess will be crucial in navigating this challenge. The team will rely heavily on their top-order batsmen and a balanced bowling attack to pose a threat to the Indian side.
In One Day Internationals, India and Sri Lanka have faced off 168 times. India enjoy an advantage with 99 wins compared to Sri Lanka's 57 wins. There has been one tied match, and 11 encounters ended with no result. This historical dominance by India underscores the challenge Sri Lanka faces, as they have not beaten India in their last six ODI matches.
Sri Lanka's squad features a mix of experienced players and fresh talent, with a few significant changes from the T20I series. The team will rely on their top-order trio of Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, and Kusal Mendis to provide a strong start. Pathum Nissanka, in particular, was impressive in the T20I series against India, scoring 137 runs at an average of 45.66. His form will be pivotal in the ODI format as well.
In the middle order, Charith Asalanka and Kamindu Mendis are expected to play key roles. Asalanka, the new captain, will be under pressure to lead by example and contribute significantly with the bat. The bowling attack will be spearheaded by the spin duo of Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga, who have been effective in limited-overs cricket. Maheesh Theekshana's recent performances have been promising, and he will aim to continue his form in the ODIs.
Sri Lanka's pace attack will feature Asitha Fernando, Mohamed Shiraz, and Ehsan Malinga. Shiraz and Malinga will make international debuts, filling in for the injured Dilshan Madhushanka and Matheesha Pathirana. Their performances will be closely watched as they step onto the international stage.
India's ODI squad sees the return of key players rested during the T20I series. Captain Rohit Sharma and star batsman Virat Kohli, who last played ODIs during the 2023 World Cup, are eager to regain their form. Kohli has an impressive record against Sri Lanka, scoring 2,594 runs at an average of 63.26, including ten centuries. Rohit Sharma, known for his ability to play long innings, has also been prolific against Sri Lanka, with two double-centuries to his name.
Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul will strengthen the middle order. Shreyas Iyer, who performed exceptionally well during the 2023 World Cup, will play a crucial role in stabilizing the innings. KL Rahul, after recovering from a lengthy injury, will be looking to make his mark again.
Kuldeep Yadav, the left-arm wrist spinner, is expected to lead the spin attack in the bowling department. Mohammed Siraj, known for his ability to pick up wickets with the new ball, will spearhead the pace attack. He will be supported by Arshdeep Singh, who has shown his skills in T20I cricket, and Harshit Rana, who is set to make his ODI debut.
Probable Playing XI
Sri Lanka
- Avishka Fernando
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kusal Mendis (WK)
- Sadeera Samarawickrama
- Charith Asalanka (C)
- Kamindu Mendis
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Asitha Fernando
- Mohamed Shiraz
- Ehsan Malinga
India
- Rohit Sharma (C)
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- KL Rahul (WK)
- Riyan Parag
- Harshit Rana
- Axar Patel
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Arshdeep Singh
- Mohammed Siraj
Key Players
Sri Lanka
Kusal Mendis: A vital cog in Sri Lanka's batting lineup, Kusal Mendis showed his capabilities in the recent T20I series. His ability to anchor the innings and play match-defining knocks will be crucial for Sri Lanka in the ODIs.
Pathum Nissanka: With a successful T20I series behind him, Nissanka will be a key player at the top of the order. His ability to play spin and pace equally makes him an important asset for Sri Lanka.
Wanindu Hasaranga: As one of the leading spinners in limited-overs cricket, Hasaranga's role in the middle overs will be crucial. His ability to pick wickets and stem the flow of runs makes him a key player in the Sri Lankan lineup.
India
Virat Kohli: Known for his prolific run-scoring against Sri Lanka, Kohli's experience and ability to chase down targets make him a vital player for India. His leadership in the batting department will be crucial for setting or chasing totals.
KL Rahul: Rahul has been consistent as the first-choice wicketkeeper-batsman since his return from injury. His ability to stabilize the innings and accelerate when needed will be important for India's success.
Mohammed Siraj: Leading the pace attack, Siraj's ability to pick early wickets and contain runs in the death overs will be crucial for India. His recent form in ODIs makes him a key figure in the bowling department.
Match Prediction
India enters the series as the clear favourite, given their recent form and the return of key players. The depth of their batting lineup and their experience in the bowling department give them a significant advantage over Sri Lanka. However, with their home advantage and some exciting young talent, the hosts must be considered.
While Sri Lanka has the potential to surprise, India's overall strength and recent dominance suggest they will likely secure a comfortable victory in the first and second ODI matches. These two games promise to be exciting contests as both teams look to set the tone for the series.