The first game of the three-match ODI series between India and Sri Lanka will be played on 2nd August at R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium.
Match Preview:
Sri Lanka has been playing a below-par white-ball cricket in the recent past. They were awful in the T20 World Cup 2024 and managed only two wins in the last edition of the ODI World Cup, winning from Netherlands and England. They even failed to qualify for the Champions Trophy 2025, so all the focus will be on the 2027 ODI World Cup.
In the upcoming ODI series against India, Sri Lanka will look to bounce back. They weren’t impressive in the T20i series against India (which India won 3-nil). And even the home-side lost the last two T20i games in the most comical way and of course it will take time to just comprehend the way they lost.
In March, they faced their rivals Bangladesh and lost the ODI series by 2-1. Another worrying factor for Sri Lanka will be that their five main bowlers are unfit or ill. And hence they will have to compensate the uncapped players while the side is already in rusty form.
The uncapped Mohamed Shiraz and Eshan Malinga will provide support to Asitha Fernando.
And all the eyes will be on Pathum Nissanka as he has been the saviour of Sri Lanka’s batting order. As it is expected that the middle and lower order will struggle, all the hopes will be on Nissanka. Also, he is the highest run-getter in this format for the running year as the batter has racked up 497 runs at an impressive strike rate of 122.41. So, the side will want Nissanka at his glorious best to put some challenge against the Indian side.
Talking about the Indian team, they sit at the most comfortable position right now as they clinched the T20i series and further their confidence will be bolstered as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Kuldeep Yadav will join the squad.
The side will look to seal the series while also testing the combinations for the Champions Trophy 2025. India last played an ODI series against South Africa in 2023 which they won by 2-1.
India were also amazing in the ODI World Cup 2023 but they failed to win the final against Australia. Nevertheless, the side will look to reiterate to clinch the Champions Trophy.
Pitch and weather report:
The pitch now provides assistance to batters as well as compared to the past and it also supports the bowling especially spin bowling.
The weather is not supportive as the rain is supposed to spoil the show since its monsoon season in the Asian continent.
Head-to-head record:
The sides have played a total of 168 ODIS to date. Sri Lanka have won 57 while India stood victorious in 99 games.
Prediction:
India are strong to win the first ODI of the series given their recent form and strong dominance in the white-ball cricket.
Where to watch:
India and Sri Lanka: Sony Sports Network, Sony Liv App
Pakistan: Tapmad
Rest of the world: TNT Sports 2, CricHd
