Sri Lanka vs India Match Prediction – Who will win today’s 1st T20I match between SL vs IND?

India (IND) to play a three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka (SL) slated to begin July 27. For the Men in Blue, this series is the beginning of a new era under the leadership of head coach Gautam Gambhir. The former opener will have a tough task of living up to the high standards set by his predecessors. BCCI appointed Suryakumar Yadav as the T20I skipper with Shubman Gill being his deputy. Under Gill, India are coming off a 4-1 T20I series win against Zimbabwe.

For hosts Sri Lanka, the players are coming fresh from the Lanka Premier League. For the island nation, there have been some changes in leadership with former opener Sanath Jayasuriya being appointed as the interim head coach. Meanwhile, After the island nation's poor show in the T20 World Cup 2024, Wanindu Hasaranga stepped down from the captaincy duties and the board handed Charith Asalanka the responsibility. 

Pallekele stadium Pitch Report

The Pallekele stadium pitch tends to favour batters, particularly in the evening when the floodlights are on, as the ball travels more easily off the bat. However, as the match progresses, bowlers who can vary their pace become increasingly effective. Teams batting first typically aim for around 170 runs, considered a competitive total at this venue. Despite this, the presence of dew in evening matches often leads teams to prefer chasing, as it can make bowling more challenging later in the game.

SL vs IND Predicted Playing 11

Sri Lanka:

Avishka Fernando, Charith Asalanka (C), Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Mendis (WK), Pathum Nissanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dasun Shanaka, Matheesha Pathirana, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Binura Fernando.

India:

Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Rishabh Pant (WK), Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Siraj.

Probable Top Performers of the Match

Probable Best Batter: Shubman Gill

India opener Shubman Gill could be the probable best batter in the first T20I of the three-match series. Leading the Men in Blue for the first time in the recently concluded five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, Gill finished as the leading run-scorer after five matches. The 24-year-old smashed 170 runs in five innings at an average of 42.50 and a strike rate of 125.92. The Lankan bowlers need to get the wicket of Gill early as he can hurt them through his innings.

Also Check: Most Runs in Sri Lanka vs India 2024

Probable Best Bowler: Ravi Bishnoi

India's Ravi Bishnoi could be the probable best bowler in the upcoming game. The leg spinner was in fine touch in the Zimbabwe series claiming six wickets in five matches at an economy 5.57 and an average of 17.66. With the Sri Lankan pitches favouring spinners, Bishnoi will be a trump card and bamboozle the opposition with his bowling. 

Also Check: Most Wickets in Sri Lanka vs India 2024

Today's Match Prediction: India to win the match

Scenario 1

Sri Lanka win the toss and opt to bowl first

PP Score: 50-60

Score: 155-165

India win the match

Scenario 2

India win the toss and opt to bowl first

PP score: 40-50

Score: 145-155

India win the match

Also Check: SL vs IND Dream11 Prediction

Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.