India v Sri Lanka: 1st ODI: Sri Lanka Predicted XI

After being thrashed 3-0 by the top Test team in the recently concluded three-match series, Sri Lanka host India for a 5-match ODI series. It is expected to be a keenly contested one as the team from island nation looks settled. Though, Sri Lanka have lost a recent home series to Zimbabwe and have all the odds against them.

The situation for the hosts is perfect as they have nothing to lose and can play fearlessly to catch India off guard. Sri Lanka have some talented youngsters in the squad for the series ably supported by the experienced players in the side. The likes of Kusal Mendis, Danushka Gunathilaka, Niroshan Dickwella make up for an exciting top order, whereas Lasith Malinga bolsters the confidence of otherwise inexperienced bowling attack. The news of Mathews expecting to bowl again must have come as a huge relief for the newly appointed captain Upul Tharanga.

India, on the other hand, are coming off a dominating series win over West Indies in the Caribbean. All the players look to be in good touch ahead of this series and are expected to do well as well. But they won’t take Sri Lanka lightly as they had lost to them in the group stages of recently concluded Champions Trophy.

Openers (Niroshan Dickwella, Danushka Gunathilaka)

Sri Lanka team management might not make a mistake of disturbing a well-settled opening combination which did wonders at the top of the order against Zimbabwe. Both added more than 200 runs in consecutive games and might give India the scare of taking the game away from them.

Niroshan Dickwella has had a decent outing in Test series and was aggressive throughout which yielded some useful runs for his team. He is also fresh off the brilliant One-Day series against Zimbabwe where he plundered 266 in 5 innings with two centuries and at an average of 53.20. The wicketkeeper would just like to continue in the same vein of form and on his day he could take the game away from any opposition.

Like his partner, Gunathilaka too had a remarkable ODI series against Zimbabwe and just has to do what he had been doing then. He was the highest run getter of the series with 323 runs at a strike rate of around 84.55. He was also India’s nemesis in the Champions Trophy when he made his debut with a bang. He would like to continue in the same way and his part time off-spin could also be useful in the absence of Gunaratne.

Middle Order (Kusal Mendis, Upul Tharanga, Chamara Kapugedera)

The middle order is a nice blend of experience and youth and there is abundance of talent. Kusal Mendis, at the age of 22, has already played few game-changing innings, one of which was against India in Champions Trophy. His attacking 89 made Sri Lanka believe that they can chase 321. Mendis is a real threat for India in the ODI series.

The newly appointed captain for Sri Lanka Upul Tharanga had a lean Test series. Though, he has led the ODI side for a considerable amount of time. He perfectly knows how to lead a team and he has to lead by example this time. He might have to anchor the innings coming in at no. 4. The 32-year-old is also under pressure to perform but he too like his openers had a reasonable ODI series against Zimbabwe.

The return of the experienced Chamara Kapugedera will bolster the Sri Lankan middle order. The veteran has returned owing to the injury to Asela Gunaratne. Kapugedera would surely like to make his mark and once again become a regular member of the Lankan team. At no.6 he will be a good support for Angelo Mathews.

All-Rounder (Angelo Mathews, Thisara Perera)

Angelo Mathews, the former captain, still remains the vital cog of this young team. He resigned as the leader after the losing the series unexpectedly against the lowly ranked side. His calmness is still the same though and he has shown it time and again by finishing the games for his country. A lot will depend on his performance, how the hosts fare in this series.

Alike Kapugedera, Perera too is making a return to the national set up. He would like to have a lasting impact on the selectors in this series. He is an explosive batsman can give some quick runs down the order and can bowl the full quota of 10 overs. His all-round capabilities would make sure a fighting unit in this series.

Bowlers (Wanindu Hasaranga,  Lasith Malinga, Dushmantha Chameera, Lakshan Sandakan)

Wanindu Hasaranga had a memorable debut in his last series against Zimbabwe and he is a certain starter for the first ODI. He picked 8 wickets in 4 ODIs and was literally unplayable. The leg break bowler has all sorts of variations and mainly is unknown to the opposition which could work in hosts’ favour. Another good performance in this series should cement his place in the team for long term.

Lasith Malinga is the most experienced bowler in the side right now and also is under huge pressure after a mediocre last series. He has to perform in this series and if he gives his best then India might have to face some serious toe-crushing yorkers from him. Moreover, his performance against India is even worse and he would want to make amends now.

Dushmantha Chameera has the potential to become the fastest bowler but for that, he needs to be given consistent chances. If he gets his line and length right and with his pace he can dismantle any opposition. India have their own problems against genuine pace and Chameera would be a serious threat for the Men in Blue.

The left-arm chinaman is coming off a good performance in the last Test against India. He picked a five-wicket haul against a more fancied Indian batting line-up. He has variations in his kitty and can be dangerous in any conditions. He needs to be given more opportunities to prove himself. Sandakan is one to watch out for the future surely.