India v Sri Lanka, 1st ODI - Result Predictions

The three-match ODI series between India and Sri Lanka is all set to commence on December 10 (Sunday). The picturesque HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala will serve as the venue for the high-octane clash. Team India will step into the tournament with a spring in their step, riding on the back of the 1-0 victory in the recently concluded Test series.

On the other hand, the Lankans will be jittery, given that the last ODI they won was on July 6, 2017, against Zimbabwe, after which they’ve suffered 12 losses in the format back-to-back at the hands of Zimbabwe, India and Pakistan respectively.

Here’s what CricTracker predicts for the game:

Scenario 1: India win the toss

Toss Prediction: India will choose to bowl first

First Innings Score Prediction: 235-245

Result Prediction: India will win the match by 5 wickets

Scenario 2: Sri Lanka win the toss

Toss Prediction: Sri Lanka will choose to bowl first

First Innings Score Prediction: 290-300

Result Prediction: India will win the match by 30-40 runs

Head to Head Record

Total matches played – 155, Indian won – 88, Sri Lanka won – 55, No Result/ Tied – 12.

India would be sure to feel the absence of the prolific Virat Kohli, who’s chosen to take a rest, as a batsman and skipper in the team. Both the teams will be led by new captains- Rohit Sharma will lead the Men in Blue for the series in Kohli’s absence while Thisara Perera has taken over the role from Upul Tharanga in the shorter format of the game for Sri Lanka.

India

The tried and tested opening pair of Shikhar Dhawan-Rohit Sharma is most likely to shoulder the responsibility of kicking off the innings for the Indian side. Ajinkya Rahane, Dinesh Karthik and Kedar Jadhav can follow suit in the middle-order to strengthen the batting line-up.

It’ll be MS Dhoni behind the stumps and taking on the finishing responsibilities for the team. The swashbuckling Hardik Pandya can serve as the all-rounder for India. While the pace department can be spearheaded by Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel and Yuzvendra Chahal will walk in as the front-line spinners.

Predicted XI: Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Dinesh Karthik, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

Sri Lanka

The opening combination for the Lankans can be made up by Upul Tharanga and the young, Sadeera Samarawickrama. There are plenty of options in the batting as Sri Lankans can rely on keeper Niroshan Dickwella, Danushka Gunathilaka, Lahiru Thirimanne, Asela Gunaratne, Sachith Pathirana and the skipper, himself for unleashing their power with the willow. Apart from the all-rounders, Suranga Lakal and Nuwan Pradeep can serve as the front-line pacers, while Akila Dananjaya can be entrusted with the spin responsibilities.

Predicted XI: Thisara Perera (c), Upul Tharanga, Danushka Gunathilaka, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Lahiru Thirimanne, Angelo Mathews, Asela Gunaratne, Sachith Pathirana, Akila Dananjaya, Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep.

The prediction is for India to win the match and begin the ODI series on a strong footing.

Do let us know of your predictions in the comments section below.