ENG v SL, T20I Preview: Sri Lanka hope to redeem pride in one off T20I

A crushing 122-run loss at Cardiff saw a hapless Sri Lanka slump to yet another defeat in what is turning out to be a terrible tour of England. Although a victory will certainly have little or no effect on the points table, the Lankans will be hoping to save some face with a victory over their hosts at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton.

Pitch Conditions

The wicket at the Ageas Bowl aka the Rose Bowl is somewhat of a diabolical one. Of course, it does not only support one kind of cricketer, but the very fact that the resulting pattern is in such a way should certainly tell us something about the wicket.

In the three T20 internationals played, two things are supremely evident. The team chasing has never won an encounter and spinners have accounted for just 6 wickets in T20 internationals.

Although one cannot predict what will happen in the upcoming encounter, it is quite certain that the wicket favors pace bowling and that dew will play not play a role in the latter part of the innings. That said, the toss will be extremely crucial and whoever wins is most certainly expected to bat first.

Also read – Angelo Mathews is confident that his side will come back strong

Team Analysis

England

Having won the Test series 2-0 and the subsequent ODI series 3-0, England is on a high. With the likes of Liam Plunkett and Jos Buttler performing allround, it is almost certain that they cannot put a foot wrong and surely haven’t in the series thus far.

However, in the shortest format of the game, the hosts will know all too well the consequences of taking the Lankans lightly. The Asian giants boast of fantastic firepower in their batting as well as bowling, the hosts will certainly have their work cut out.

With a number of players rested and a few expected to make their debut, the focus will be on Tymal Mills. Should the speedster get his chance, Mills will certainly be a handful for the Lankans to handle. Moreover, the fact that the southpaw can clock in excess of 90 mph will certainly be one of the things England will be hoping for.

Sri Lanka

Sir Lanka’s plight in the current situation has seen them enter somewhat of an extended spell of transition. With the likes of Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal performing with the bat, the rest have been performing in fits and starts.

However, the spotlight will be on Danushka Gunathilaka. While the Lankan team was perhaps at its worst, the 24-year old performed exceedingly well with both bat and ball. The Lankans will certainly be hoping that he reprises his heroics in the upcoming T20 international as well.

Probable XI-

England:

Eoin Morgan (C), Jos Buttler (wk), Jason Roy, James Vince, Sam Billings, Liam Dawson/Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, Chris Jordan, Tymal Mills/David Willey, Adil Rashid, Liam Plunkett

Sri Lanka:

Angelo Mathews (C), Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Upul Tharanga, Farvez Maharoof, Sekkuge Prasanna, Nuwan Pradeep, Suranga Lakmal, Dasun Shanaka

StAttack

1. Angelo Mathews needs just 24 runs to complete 1000 runs in Twenty20 cricket.

2. The head-to-head between England and Sri Lanka in T20Is is split in an exact half as both sides have beaten each other 3 times each on 6 occasions.

3. Jos Buttler requires 161 runs to complete 1000 runs in T20 internationals. Moreover, he also has the highest strike-rate for a player in the top order at 140.

4. Although this venue is predominantly the T20 venue in the country, only three T20Is have been played here. England has won one of two matches while Sri Lanka has won their only match at this venue.