India vs Sri Lanka, 2nd ODI: Sri Lanka Predicted XI

Sri Lanka lost the first ODI of the 5-match series very convincingly and they did not give any impression of the fight that was expected from them. Cricket experts were of the opinion that the hosts would give India a run for their money. The fans too were not happy after the loss and held up the team bus. Sri Lanka cricket needs the support of their fans now more than ever.

The hosts have plenty of problems of their own when they take the field on Thursday but they might restrain themselves from making wholesale changes to the side. They gave away a strong start of 139/1 in 25th over when they looked set for a 300+ score. The young team needs to learn from their mistakes and try to build a partnership.

Simply Sri Lanka have to play much better tomorrow to make the series a little more competitive. Here we predict Sri Lanka’s playing XI for the second ODI against India in Pallekele.

Openers (Niroshan Dickwella, Danushka Gunathilaka)

Sri Lanka have a prolific opening pair in their ranks who once again provide a rapid start to the team. Niroshan Dickwella extended his good run against the visitors and scored a brilliant 64 off just 74 deliveries but was dismissed by the part-timer Kedar Jadhav. If he stays determined to play long innings, he would surely trouble Indian bowlers and make a difference for his team.

Danushka Gunathilaka, the other opener is again immensely talented and he showed glimpses of that in the previous game. But now the team management would expect a big knock from him rather than the moments of brilliance. Gunathilaka threw his wicket away when he was well set by playing the hapless reverse sweep off Chahal. If the openers start off well once again, the hosts could see themselves dominating the match.

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

The middle order, as in first ODI, is highly rated as they have a youngster at number 3 followed by the experienced skipper and the veteran in Kapugedera. Kusal Mendis looked in a hurry in the first game and went for his shots when the call of the hour was to play some chanceless cricket. But, after starting superbly, charged at Axar Patel and yorked himself. The talented batsman must have surely learnt from his mistake and the spectators might see a matured Mendis in this game.

Upul Tharanga, the skipper, has to perform and lead from the front. He comes in at the most critical No. 4 position from where he should control the innings. He needs to hold this innings without playing a lot of risky strokes. He was dismissed off a full toss in Dambulla and everyone knows he is a much better cricketer than that. If Tharanga comes back in form and makes his experience count, India’s task will be a stiff one.

Chamara Kapugedera has made his way back into the side by scoring runs in abundance and is a perfect batsman for Sri Lanka in the middle order. He can extend the advantage if they manage to get off to a good start or he can even consolidate in case of a stutter. Unfortunately, he was run out in the first ODI and deserves another chance.

All-Rounders (Angelo Mathews, Wanindu Hasaranga, Milinda Siriwardana)

The hosts might opt for the all-rounder Milinda Siriwardana ahead of Thisara Perera after a lacklustre performance from the latter. Angelo Mathews, the all-time fighter of this ‘rebuilding’ Sri Lanka was once again left reeling by the batsmen. He was trying his best to take his team to a competitive score but was helpless in the end. He would love to have more support towards the end of the innings. Moreover, he bowled a couple of harmless overs in the first ODI. If his bowling comes to the fore, the day should surely fare better for the hosts.

Wanindu Hasaranga looked nervous in the last game and it is expected to happen to him as he was bowling to the stalwarts of the game. Kohli and Dhawan were on a rampage when he came onto bowl. He should be given more opportunities to showcase his talent at the highest level.

Milinda Siriwardana came back into the side for this series as Asela Gunaratne got injured. He might be drafted into the side at the expense of Perera who looked ineffective in both the departments. Siriwardana is a decent batsman down the order who can accumulate quick runs and his slow left-arm bowling can restrict the Indians.

Bowlers (Dushmantha Chameera, Lasith Malinga, Vishwa Fernando)

The bowling attack needs to show a bit of a zip and hence the team management might think of including the speedster Dushmantha Chameera in place of Lakshan Sandakan who was taken to the cleaners by the likes of Dhawan and Kohli. Chameera can bowl with some serious pace clicking around 145 kph at times. He can trouble the Indians with his bouncers which has been a problem for the visitors.

Lasith Malinga doesn’t look fit as he was in his prime but he can win games on his day. He has taken the responsibility of leading an inexperienced attack and is trying his level best to contribute in any way he can for the team. Malinga’s bowling would enhance further if he is able to make early inroads into the Indian batting lineup.

Vishwa Fernando, the debutant from last game, again deserves a chance like Hasaranga. He bowled 6 harmless overs and went for 43 runs but he troubled the batsmen at times. His left-arm pace bowling makes an angle against the most right handed Indian batsmen. If he gets his line right, he can be a nightmare for the batsmen in the future on wickets that have some assistance to offer.