Nidahas Trophy, SL vs IND, 1st T20I, Preview: New-look India up against in-form hosts

The Indians will be looking to begin the series on a winning note.

Published - 05 Mar 2018, 12:57 IST | Updated - 05 Mar 2018, 12:57 IST

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The Nidahas Trophy for the triangular T20I series gets underway tomorrow with India and Sri Lanka locking horns against each other at the R.Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Both teams showed impressive form lately and will be itching to kick-start their campaign on an impressive note. While India has humbled the Proteas in their own den, the Lankans managed to beat Bangladesh in the bilateral series.

The Lankans registered a couple of comprehensive victories against Bangladesh. They were clinical in all departments and emerged victoriously. The batsmen dictated terms while their bowlers strangled the hosts. India, on the other hand, has been outstanding against South Africa and registered their maiden T20I series triumph in the rainbow nation.

The upcoming tournament will be played in order to celebrate Sri Lanka’s 70th independence anniversary. The venue has been a witness to several historic encounters over the years and the tri-nation series promises to be a crackerjack. India will start as favorites, but Sri Lanka, undoubtedly, has the firepower to roll over the Men in Blue.

Toss: Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bowl

Debut: Vijay Shankar receives his debut cap

India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma(c), Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina, Manish Pandey, Dinesh Karthik(w), Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar, Vijay Shankar, Shardul Thakur, Jaydev Unadkat, Yuzvendra Chahal

Sri Lanka (Playing XI): Upul Tharanga, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal(w/c), Kusal Perera, Dasun Shanaka, Thisara Perera, Jeevan Mendis, Akila Dananjaya, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Pradeep

Team Combination

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has a strong squad in their armory and won’t be making many changes from their winning squad against Bangladesh. Gunathilaka and Mendis played exceptionally in the previous series are the likely openers. Upul Tharanga and Dinesh Chandimal’s experience also need to come handy for the hosts. Dasun Shanaka and Thisara Perera’s big-hitting abilities lend depth to their batting.

The bowling lineup looks solid as well with a blend of experience. Isuru Udana and vice-captain Suranga Lakmal are likely to shoulder the mantle in the fast-bowling department. Thisara Perera also needs to chip in with his medium pace. Akila Dananjaya and left-arm orthodox bowler Amila Aponso are the potential spinners in the lineup.

India

India has rested quite a few of their big names and will be making some changes to their playing XI from the series against the Proteas. Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma will again be entrusted as the openers followed by Suresh Raina and Manish Pandey. Dinesh Karthik, the new appointed Kolkata Knight Riders skipper, also would want to get runs under his belt.

Rishabh Pant also might get an opportunity in MS Dhoni’s absence. Vijay Shankar would also wish to commence his international cricket on a grand note. Axar Patel and Yuzvendra Chahal will lead the spin-attack while the duo of Jaydev Unadkat and Shardul Thakur will take responsibility as the fast bowlers in Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah’s absence.

Head to Head

Played- 14, India- 10, Sri Lanka- 4, NR/Tied- 0

In Sri Lanka

Played- 3, India- 3, Sri Lanka- 0, NR/Tied- 0

Players to watch out

Sri Lanka (Akila Dananjaya)

Akila Dananjaya has been exceptional for Sri Lanka with his wily off-breaks ever since he made his debut. The spinner has also ruffled the Indian batsmen in the past with his guile and trajectory. The tweaker has also shown decent form against Bangladesh. If Sri Lanka is to roll over India, Dananjaya’s four-over spell will be important.

India (Rishabh Pant)

Rishabh Pant has emerged as a fearless cricketer ever since he forayed into international cricket. However, MS Dhoni’s designation as the specialist wicket-keeper has sidelined the Delhi cricketer thus far. The swashbuckling cricketer will be hoping to grab the opportunity with both hands and stake a claim in India’s assignments after the Nidahas Trophy.