Sri Lanka-W vs India-W, 1st ODI: Match Preview, Head to Head, Playing XI, and Broadcast Details

Sri Lanka are all set to host India in the first game of the three-match ODI series at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele on July 1 (Friday). The 2-1 victory in the T20I series would have given a boost to India’s confidence as they walk into the ODI series. But they will have to be wary of the Sri Lankan side, who bagged a magnificent victory in the third T20I on June 27 (Monday).

The T20I series saw a close contest between the two teams. While India won the first two games, Sri Lanka put up a terrific fight in the third one and crossed the line. Chamari Athapaththu, the Sri Lankan skipper, led her team from the front and scored an unbeaten 80 while opening the innings during the chase.

Indian bowlers will have to be wary of her this time around. Even the middle-order batter Kavisha Dilhari displayed a good performance in the first game when she tried to anchor the innings but fell short of time. Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur played some crucial knocks in the series and emerged as the highest run-scorer for her team.

India would focus on improving their top-order as the team has become dependent upon the middle-order batters. Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana will have to play a major role in the three fixtures and score big runs in order to give the team a flying start. Kaur will be leading the ODI side from now onwards as India’s legendary batter Mithali Raj has retired.

The Indian team is expected to see a couple of changes in the playing combination. India had a decent run at the World Cup this year, and they played their last ODI game against South Africa before losing it by the barest of margins and being knocked out of the race at the last moment. Some fine performers emerged in the team and thus Kaur might go with the players who featured in the World Cup.

The ODI series will be of great importance for both teams as the three matches will constitute the ICC Championship points. India might have an upper hand in the contest, keeping in mind their win record against Sri Lanka in ODIs.

Pitch and conditions

The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium has a level playing surface. The hitters are free to play their strokes since the new  ball slides on to the bat smoothly. Later in the game, when the ball may start to grip the surface, the spinners can come into action. A score near 250 can be defendable.

Playing Combinations for SL vs IND

Sri Lanka

It is going to be a challenge for the hosts as they face India who are backed with a good series win. Athapaththu will have a big responsibility on her shoulders as the Sri Lankan side would look to improve their record against India, who are clear favorites in the upcoming game.

Predicted Playing XI: Vishmi Gunaratne, Chamari Athapaththu (c), Harshitha Madavi, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshi de Silva, Ama Kanchana, Anushka Sanjeewani (wk), Oshadi Ranasinghe, Sugandika Kumari, Malsha Shehani, Inoka Ranaweera

India

The Indian side would be all geared up for the upcoming fixture as they look to win an ODI series for the first time since November 2019. The past couple of years have been difficult for India as they kept losing the series back to back, but the recent T20I series win will be a major boost to their confidence.

Predicted Playing XI: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Sabbhineni Meghana, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Yastika Bhatia, Deepti Sharma, Taniya Bhatia (wk), Pooja Vastrakar, Rajeshwari Gayakawad, Meghna Singh, Poonam Yadav

SL vs IND Head to Head

Played – 29 | Sri Lanka – 2 | India – 26 | No Result – 1

SL vs IND Broadcast Details

Match Timings- 10:00 AM IST

Live Streaming – Free on FanCode app