IND vs SL: The first ODI game between India and Sri Lanka ended in a dramatic tie as Sri Lanka fought hard to restrict a strong Indian batting lineup to the exact that they scored. Both teams managed 231 runs in their respective innings, and the game ended in a tie.
Now the second game between the two teams will take place on Sunday afternoon at 2:30 pm at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The series is still 0-0, and whoever wins this match will have a strong lead in the series.
The pitch was helpful in the first game for the spinners, and something similar will be expected in the second game as well. There will be some key player match-ups as well, which will increase the interest more for the fans for the second IND vs SL ODI.
Three Key battles to watch out for in the second IND vs SL ODI
1. Rohit Sharma vs Dunith Wellalage
The India captain Rohit Sharma has been in great form, and he hit a blistering fifty in the first game. The Indian captain scored 58 off 47 balls, with seven fours and three sixes. Until he was at the crease, India was dominating. Rohit is expected to carry on his approach to take down the bowlers.
But it was Dunith Wellalage who outfoxed him and dismissed him in the first IND vs SL ODI. He trapped him LBW when he was set. Hence, Rohit needs to take care of him. Wellalage has dismissed Rohit twice in ODIs in 25 balls.
2. Pathum Nissanka vs Axar Patel
Pathum Nissanka has been in brilliant form, and he carried his form from T20Is to the ODI series. He scored a vital 56 runs in the first game, which helped the team reach a competition score of 231, which proved to be sufficient for India in the end. Nissanka will be the key for Sri Lanka, and he will look to capitalise.
However, he has played the Indian seamers pretty well, but spinners will be hard to tackle. Especially, Axar Patel, who bowled well in the first IND vs SL ODI and on turning wickets, he can be lethal. Axar has dismissed Nissanka twice in international cricket already.
3. Virat Kohli vs Wanindu Hasaranga
Virat Kohli got a start in the first IND vs SL ODI, but he got out at the wrong time. He scored 24 off 32 with two boundaries. This is a failure as per his standard. Virat has a brilliant game against spin, and he is a very important batter on such spinning tracks.
But he has a slight weakness against the leg spinner which was seen in the first game. Wanindu Hasaranga trapped him in the first game. So, the leg-spinner will be a challenge for Virat once again in the second IND vs SL game.
Also Read: India vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI: List of Records and Milestones Achieved in Dramatic Tie in Colombo