Sri Lanka v India, 1st ODI - Match Result Predictions

The Gentlemen’s game will move from the whites to colors as Sri Lanka will host India for the 1st match of the 5 ODIs at Dambulla. The Test series witnessed a clinical show by the No.1 ranked side India who absolutely decimated the hosts and won the series 3-0. Going by the rankings in ODIs, India, ranked N0.3 should have very little trouble against the No.8 ranked Sri Lanka.

The cricket for the hosts hit the absolute low when the low ranked Zimbabwe defeated them 3-2 in their own backyard last month. Then they received a beating at the hands of India in the Test series. The morale of the side must be pretty low and it won’t be too surprising if they surrender once more to the might of the visitors.

On the other hand, most things have gone right for India in the past one month. They recovered from the ICC Champions Trophy final defeat and won the ODI series in the Caribbean. They were on a role in the Test series and once again, they will be the favorites to emerge victorious against Sri Lanka as well.

Here is what Crictracker predicts for the game:

Scenario 1: Sri Lanka wins the toss

Toss prediction: Sri Lanka will choose to bowl first

First innings score prediction: 310-320

Result prediction: India will win the match by more than 70 runs

Scenario 2: India wins the toss

Toss prediction: India will choose to bowl first

First innings score prediction: 220-230

Result prediction: India will win the match by 7 wickets

Head to Head Record

Overall: Total Matches – 156, India Won – 83, Sri Lanka Won – 55, No Result/Tied – 18

Matches in Sri Lanka: Total Matches – 62, India Won – 23, Sri Lanka Won – 27, No Result/Tied – 12

The hosts lead the numbers when it comes to the head to head record and more so when the matches are played in Dambulla. Sri Lanka have won 7 out of the 11 matches played at the venue where 4 went into the favor of India. But the last time these 2 teams faced off in Dambulla was in 2010 where Sri Lanka emerged victorious but a lot has changed since.

Playing Combinations:

Sri Lanka

If we look at the Sri Lankan batting line-up, there is an immense talent that can do the job for the country. The 2 left-handers Upul Tharanga and Niroshan Dickwella form a decent opening pair. Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis and Angelo Mathews would be handy in the middle-order. Chamara Kapugedera and Thisara Perera would provide the explosive strokes at the death.

The problem lies in the bowling department. Lasith Malinga is in the side but there is no denying the fact that he is no more the bowler he used to be a few years back and additionally, Indian batsmen have got his number in the past. Lakshan Sandakan could hold the key with his chinamen as he impressed in the third Test with a five wicket haul.

Predicted XI: Upul Tharanga(c), Niroshan Dickwella(wk), Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Matthews, Chamara Kapugedera, Thisara Perera, Lakshan Sandakan, Akila Dananjaya, Lasith Malinga, Dushmanta Chameera

India

India’s regular openers Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma will be back together at the top after the latter was rested for the Caribbean tour. Virat Kohli will bat at his usual No.3 slot and would look to strengthen his position as the top ranked batsman in ODIs. KL Rahul could be tried at No.4, followed by MS Dhoni, Kedar Jadhav and Hardik Pandya. The batting line-up is formidable and capable of chasing down literally any total.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah will make their comebacks after missing out the Windies ODIs. The absence of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja presents a great opportunity for Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal to prove their mettle at the highest level. Few good performances would put them into contention for the 2019 ODI World Cup.

Predicted XI: Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli(c), KL Rahul, MS Dhoni(wk), Kedar Jadhav, Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal

The Indian side looks heavily studded with a mix of experienced and talented youngsters. The conditions won’t be too alien for them and hence, they have a greater chance for a victory.

India start favorites and should be able to pull off an easy victory.

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