India look to seal T20 series against Sri Lanka in second Pallekele encounter

by · Northlines

India will be looking to wrap up the series when they take on Sri Lanka in the second T20I encounter scheduled to be played at the Pallekele International Stadium on Sunday.

In the series opener, Suryakumar Yadav's match-winning 58 guided India to a comfortable 43-run victory over the hosts. Yadav found great support from the top order as opener Shubman Gill and debutant Yashasvi Jaiswal contributed handy knocks of 34 and 40 respectively. Sri Lanka were never really in the chase as they could only manage 170 in reply to India's formidable 213/7.

As the teams gear up for the second battle, here is a preview of what to expect:

Predicted Playing 11
Both teams are likely to stick to the same lineup that featured in the first T20I. For India, focus will once again be on skipper Suryakumar and middle order mainstays Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant. Sri Lanka will look for an improved performance from opener Pathum Nissanka, who top scored with 79 in the previous match.

Head to Head
India have a clear edge in the short format against Sri Lanka going by past records. In 30 T20I meetings so far, India have won 20 as compared to Sri Lanka's 9 victories. At this very venue, India also hold a 6-3 lead.

Key Battles
The much anticipated duel between Suryakumar and Wanindu Hasaranga could well determine the fate of the game. Meanwhile, Sri Lankan pace duo of Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka will test the Indian top order.

Pitch and Weather
Much like the opening match, batting paradise is expected at the Pallekele track where runs are for the picking. Rain is not predicted during the day's play.

With India 1-0 up, they will fancy wrapping up the series in the second outing. However, the in-form Lanka will present a tough challenge on their favorite track.