The drizzle that shortened Sunday's game in Kandy persisted into the new week, enveloping the hills in a gentle mist. Team India, taking a break from the monsoon's calm, cancelled their Monday practice session. Initially intending to train, the team eventually opted for a restful day amidst the serene landscape. This change of plans might be understandable, given their back-to-back entertaining performances over the weekend.
For Sri Lanka, the break was more a necessity, providing a momentary escape from the disappointment of two defeats in 30 hours. As they prepare to resume their T20 campaign at the same venue on Tuesday, the challenge lies in regrouping as a team and securing a victory. While the outcome of the match may not alter the series result, it carries significant weight for a team eager to bounce back from recent setbacks and the manner in which those losses occurred.
Despite the final score lines, the contests have been competitive at times, with moments where Sri Lanka even appeared to have the upper hand. However, they have often faltered due to middle-order collapses. The Sri Lankan batting coach highlighted the need for solutions and possibly some tough decisions. This game presents an opportunity to experiment with new lineups in a low-pressure environment.
India, on the other hand, might also consider making changes to their lineup. With the recent start of the Suryakumar Yadav-Gautam Gambhir era, there is a question of balancing immediate results with long-term strategy. As the rain continues to blanket the island, both teams find themselves at a pivotal point: Sri Lanka seeks redemption and a fresh direction, while India continues its successful streak, transitioning from the Caribbean to Sri Lanka en route to Zimbabwe.
When: Tuesday, July 30, 2024, 7:00 PM (Local Time)
Where: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
Weather: Scattered showers are expected, which could affect the game.
Team News
India: The team did not practise. Shubman Gill, who missed the previous game due to a neck spasm, is expected to return. There might also be opportunities for Khaleel Ahmed and Washington Sundar.
Tactics & Matchups: Although Pathum Nissanka has fared decently against Axar Patel in this series, the left-arm spinner has generally been effective against the Sri Lankan opener, allowing only 39 runs in 30 balls and dismissing him twice.
Probable XI: Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant/Sanju Samson, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Siraj, Khaleel Ahmed
Sri Lanka: The hosts might consider bringing in Dinesh Chandimal to address middle-order issues, possibly replacing Dasun Shanaka. Another option could be to include Avishka Fernando and adjust Kamindu Mendis's batting position.
Tactics & Matchups: Wanindu Hasaranga has been particularly effective against Sanju Samson, dismissing him three times in 11 balls while conceding only two runs. This is noteworthy given Samson's overall strike rate of over 150 in T20s in 2024.
Probable XI: Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Dinesh Chandimal/Avishka Fernando, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Ramesh Mendis/Dilshan Madhushanka, Matheesha Pathirana, Asitha Fernando
Did You Know?
Since January 1, 2023, Sri Lanka has tried 11 batters in positions 5-7. Only four, including Wanindu Hasaranga and Dasun Shanaka, have maintained a strike rate above 150. Sri Lanka has lost six of their last eight T20Is at Pallekele since 2019.