The first ODI match ended in a way no one expected it to. Playing nearly 100 overs of white-ball cricket, that too in ODIs where even a Super Over is non-existent, and watching it all end in absolutely nothing is not a spectacle for weak hearts. However, this surely is cricket’s way of reminding everyone that it’s not a sport that’s on the deathbed.
But, most probably, this rollercoaster will remain limited to the first game only because the visitors India do not have 20 months like the hosts before they enter a white ball cricket tournament. The ICC Champions Trophy, which India is slated to play unlike Sri Lanka, is just a few months away and in those few months, Rohit Sharma’s boys have only 3 more ODI matches to play besides this series.
Team Overview:
Charith Asalanka’s first assignment as an ODI captain had been pretty satisfactory but what remains to be seen is, whether he will be able to replicate his winning strategy in the second game. Bowlers punched above their weight but the batters would need to do a better job if they wish to keep bringing the world such classics. Pathum Nissanka has to be supported by at least one batter from the top order. That being said, the middle order needs to realize that it has a more significant job to do than cheer for the batters up top to score the runs.
India had their best men to play the game but except Rohit Sharma, none of the batters were impressive. Had it not been a low-scoring game, India would easily have been in trouble. There is no denying that the pitch was murderous with the amount of turn on the offer, however, there are more expectations from what is currently the best white-ball team in the world. Barring Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and of course, the keeper KL Rahul, the Indian skipper got everyone grinding hard by having them roll their arms. This shows that India is not in it for results, they have a grander plan in the back of their minds and for that plan to be fool-proofed, they need to experiment–no matter how unorthodox.
Head-to-head Matches:
India and Sri Lanka have played 169 ODI matches against each other, with India triumphing over Sri Lanka in 99 and Sri Lanka getting the better of the men in blue in 58 matches. 12 one-day Internationals between these two teams ended with no result.
Weather and Pitch report:
Sri Lanka’s pitches are synonymous with spin and it’s a piece of common knowledge. What is also a piece of common knowledge is that this time of the year is the worst to visit Sri Lanka if you are a cricketer. Why is that, you may think? Because the country is drenched in rain. Colombo is expected to receive rain on Sunday as well.
Prediction:
You can’t keep India at bay for long. One of these days, they get back at you. The second game of the series is very probable to be won by the visitors.
Where to watch:
India and Sri Lanka: Sony Sports Network, Sony Liv App
Pakistan: Tapmad
Rest of the world: TNT Sports 2, CricHd
