Following a dramatic turnaround by the Sri Lankan team in the opening game of the three-match T20I series against India at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on Tuesday, the Lankans Lions get ready to roar once again as they look to tame the Indians once again and seal the series in the 2nd T20I at the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) International Stadium complex in Ranchi on Friday. The Lankans tamed India by 5 wickets in the 1st T20I, with a couple of debutants for the visitors doing the damage to the Indians, as it came as a total surprise to the Indian team and their fans. It would be interesting to see now that how the Lankans fair in the 2nd T20I and what combination do they get in for this tie as it could well be the decider. Ayush Gupta analyses the predicts the possible laying XI for the visitor. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: India vs Sri Lanka 2016, 2nd T20I at Ranchi
Batting order: The opening pair of Niroshan Dickwella and Danushka Gunathilaka was slightly shaky, as neither opener was unable to give a solid opening start to the Lankans in the opening tie and were dismissed for mere 4 and 9, respectively. However, skipper Dinesh Chandimal, who came third down in the order, put up a solid performance and played a captain’s knock with the bat. With the skier most likely to retain his sot, he could well make changes in the to batting order, with Tillakaratne Dilshan coming in as a possible replacement. However, with both openers being reliable, the skipper could also choose to stick with the two as he would hate to judge their performance just on the basis of a game.
Middle order: Chamara Kapugedera and Milinda Siriwardana scored 25 and 21 restrictively in the opening tie, and are likely to retain their slots at Nos. 4 and 5. However, No. 6 Dasun Shanaka managed a mere 3, and may be replaced by Asela Gunaratne. No. 7 Seekkuge Prasanna may retain his spot. India vs Sri Lanka 2015-16, 2nd T20I at Ranchi, Preview
Bowling attack: Expect Thisara Perera to open bowling. Fully capable of playing the big shots, Thisara will bat at No. 8 as well. Though he failed to claim a wicket in the previous tie, he was economical. It would be followed by the likes of Sachithra Senanayake, Kasun Rajitha and Dushmantha Chameera, who all fared good in the previous tie, claiming crucial wickets at perfect time to send India into the back foot. The bowling attack is likely to remain unchanged, though Jeffrey Vandersay may come in for Senanayake. Sri Lanka may also try out Danushka Gunathilaka, Dilhara Fernando or Binura Fernando for Thisara or Prasanna.
Having said that, going by the performance in the opening tie, changes will be unlikely. However, with Asia Cup T20 and ICC World T20 coming up, it will not be a surprise if the skipper makes a few changes to try out all options and find and find the possible best combination for the upcoming big events.
(Ayush Gupta is a reporter at CricketCountry. A passionate supporter of Manchester United, he idolises Roger Federer and is also a World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) maniac. He can be followed on Twitter @Ayush24x7)
This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Strictly Necessary Cookies
Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.
If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.