Match Details
Date: 07 January 2023
Time : 7 PM IST
Venue : Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot
Live Scores : SportsTiger App
Preview
After losing the first T20I by a whisker (by 2 runs), Dasun Shanaka-led Sri Lanka made a befitting comeback as they defeated the Men in Blue by 16 runs in the second T20I. The captain once again led from the front, scoring an unbeaten 56 off just 22 balls. Meanwhile, for India, Axar Patel led the fightback and scored 65 (31) with Suryakumar Yadav (56 off 22) aiding him. Nevertheless, Sri Lanka did a great job to restrict India to 190/8 and level the series 1-1. Now, all eyes will be on the third T20I, to be played in Rajkot.
Pitch Report
The pitch at SCA stadium is known to aid the batters. The ball comes onto the bat really nicely and batters feel no problem in hitting through the line. The same is expected during the third T20I. Batters will enjoy their time in the middle, while bowlers will have to be smart with their line and lengths.
Team Analysis
India
India marginally won the first T20I (by 2 runs) and in the second match, too many mistakes in bowling and early wickets cost them the match. Arshdeep Singh had a forgettable outing as he bowled as many as five no-balls in the two overs he bowled. The first match’s hero, Shivam Mavi was too on the receiving end of the belting from Sri Lanka as he conceded 53 runs in his four overs. Umran Malik did impress with a 3-fer but he was expensive too. Meanwhile, with the bat, the top-order failed miserably. India lost their five batters within 60 runs. Had Suryakumar Yadav and Axar Patel not stayed in the middle, things could have been worse for the Men in Blue. Nevertheless, with the series on the line, India are expected to turn the tide around and win it.
SportsTiger Playing XI of India
Ishan Kishan (wk), Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Rahul Tripathi, Hardik Pandya (c), Deepak Hooda, Axar Patel, Shivam Mavi, Umran Malik, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka were excellent, to say the least. While their batters ensured they pile up on India’s misery, Sri Lanka’s bowlers made good use of the new ball. Kasun Rajitha (2/22) and Dilshan Madhushanka (2/45) paired up to shake up the top order, Dasun Shanka, meanwhile, ensured things end well as he bagged two wickets in the last over, he bowled. Sri Lanka did lose the plot in the middle overs with Suryakumar Yadav and Axar Patel going bonkers, but they had enough runs to play with. Coming again to batting, Kusal Mendis ensured his team gets off to a flyer as he notched up a fifty in just 27 balls. Charith Asalanka also landed a couple of blows in the middle overs. And, as has been the case of late, Shanaka finished things off pretty well.
SportsTiger Playing XI of Sri Lanka
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Dilshan Madushanka
Match Prediction
Conclusion
Sri Lanka looked in more control than India throughout the game in the second T20I. Every player stepped up and did what was expected. Meanwhile, India are still a young side. Hence, Sri Lanka will be the favourites to win the 3rd T20I and eventually the series.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the author’s point of view. They neither reflect the opinion of SportsTiger nor advise anyone to make any prediction based on this. SportsTiger does not assume any responsibility and liability for the same.