IND vs SL, 2nd T20I: Preview, stats, and Fantasy XI
A rejuvenated India will look to clinch their second T20I series win in two weeks when they play host to Sri Lanka on Saturday. The match will be played in Dharamsala. India have taken a 1-0 lead in the series, after winning the tournament opener by 62 runs on Thursday. Notably, Rohit Sharma-led India have won all T20Is since he became full-time captain.
Why does this story matter?
India were forced to reflect on their team combination following their exit from the 2021 T20 World Cup. However, India have since transformed into a formidable unit with youngsters like Rishabh Pant and Ishan Kishan leading the batting unit. At this juncture, India's core squad for the next 2022 WC is more or less confirmed. They will now look to build on it.
A look at India's team combination
Following his below-par outing during the West Indies series, Ishan Kishan found his footing in the T20I opener against Sri Lanka. He scored 89 runs in the first game and will look to continue his impressive run on Saturday. Shreyas Iyer has settled in the middle. Ruturaj Gaikwad missed the first game with a wrist injury and could be included here as an opener.
Sri Lanka have to take tough calls
Sri Lanka were outperformed in every department in the tournament opener. SL's top order failed to put up a big performance while their bowling attack looked miserable in the absence of Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga. Skipper Dasun Shanaka was also disappointing with the ball and will look to gain his form here. Charith Asalanka's performance was the only positive for the visitors.
Pitch report, timing, and TV listing
The Dharamsala pitch is known to support batters and since the stadium is located at a high altitude, the ball travels faster. Dew could be a factor. The average first and second innings score here are 140 and 124, respectively. The match will start at 7:00 pm. One can watch the match live on Star Sports Network or stream it on the Hotstar.
Probable Playing XI on both sides
India's possible starting XI: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan (wk), Rohit Sharma (c), Shreyas Iyer, Venkatesh Iyer, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshal Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ravi Bishnoi, Jasprit Bumrah, and Yuzvendra Chahal. Sri Lanka's possible starting XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Charith Asalanka, Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Janith Liyanage, Dasun Shanaka (c), Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Praveen Jayawickrama, Jeffrey Vandersay, and Lahiru Kumara.
Decoding the best Fantasy XI team
Here is the Fantasy XI team prediction for this game: Ruturaj Gaikwad (vc), Ishan Kishan (c, wk), Rohit Sharma, Pathum Nissanka, Venkatesh Iyer, Ravindra Jadeja, Dasun Shanaka, Janith Liyanage, Jasprit Bumrah, Dushmantha Chameera, and Harshal Patel.
India-SL head-to-head record
The two teams have faced each other on 23 occasions in T20Is to date. India have won 15 matches. Sri Lanka have pocketed seven matches. One match didn't have a result. Notably, Sri Lanka have won two of the last three T20Is versus India.
