India vs Sri Lanka 2023: In the year 2022, India played 40 T20Is. Never before had they played more than 21 in a calendar year. Much like them, Sri Lanka too played more T20Is in 2022 than they ever had in a year. 



At this point, it is stating the obvious: T20 is the fastest-growing format of the game. However, what people sometimes fail to understand is that it is also the fastest-evolving format of the game. T20 cricket in 2017 was very different to what it is in 2023. On the outside, it might look the same; the rules have hardly changed. But strategically, it has metamorphosed. Anchor batters have become redundant, teams do not want grafters in the middle overs anymore and batting &amp; bowling orders today depend on "player-match-ups".



"Player-match-ups" or "batter-vs-bowler-match-ups" have always existed in cricket. But they have a much-amplified significance in the modern T20s. For instance, promoting a left-hander in the order to counter the opposition's spinners <a href="https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ind-vs-pak-asia-cup-2022-ravindra-jadeja-at-four-forced-pakistan-plans-to-change-and-ultimately-probably-cost-them-1331353">can be a match-defining move</a>. So often, we've seen the fielding captain start with a spinner just because the opener seems to have a better record against pace. Many times overs of certain bowlers are held back for a specific batter.



It goes without saying that 'player match-ups' would once again be at the fulcrum of strategies as India and Sri Lanka kick off 2023 with a T20I series. Here's a look at some major match-ups you should keep an eye on:-



<div class="wp-block-rank-math-toc-block"><nav><ul><li class=""><a href="#1-sanju-samson-vs-wanindu-hasaranga">1. Sanju Samson vs Wanindu Hasaranga</a></li><li class=""><a href="#2-dasun-shanaka-vs-yuzvendra-chahal">2. Dasun Shanaka vs Yuzvendra Chahal</a></li><li class=""><a href="#3-charith-asalanka-vs-axar-patel">3. Charith Asalanka vs Axar Patel</a></li><li class=""><a href="#4-avishka-fernando-vs-arshdeep-singh">4. Avishka Fernando vs Arshdeep Singh&lt;br></a></li></ul></nav></div>



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2023/01/324810-1-1024x682.webp" alt="India vs Sri Lanka 2023: Sanju Samson will have his opportunity cut out" class="wp-image-100662"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image Source: <a href="https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/india-tour-of-sri-lanka-2021-1262739/photo">ESPNCricinfo</a></figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2023/01/324927-1024x682.webp" alt="India vs Sri Lanka t20: Wanindu Hasaranga will be a key for Sri Lanka" class="wp-image-100661"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image Source: <a href="https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/india-tour-of-sri-lanka-2021-1262739/photo">ESPNCricinfo</a></figcaption></figure>
</figure>



<h2 id="1-sanju-samson-vs-wanindu-hasaranga">1. Sanju Samson vs Wanindu Hasaranga</h2>



With <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/rishabh-pant-set-to-miss-australia-test-series-ipl-2023-reports/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rishabh Pant likely to be unavailable for an extended period</a>, Sanju Samson will have his opportunity cut out to stake a claim for an extended run in the team; at least for the T20Is. He, however, would have to turn heads with noteworthy performances as India already have Ishan Kishan too in the squad.



In Samson's path stands his arch-nemesis Wanindu Hasaranga. 



Having ended up being the highest wicket-taker in the last two consecutive T20 World Cups, Hasaranga's prowess in the format doesn't need an introduction. For his record against Samson in particular, the word "domination" even might sound like an understatement. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://assets.bcci.tv/bcci/photos/494/27f66f7c-f2ee-4733-8a12-a372ce0151b4.jpg" alt="Hasaranga dismissing Samson in the IPL Playoffs"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">India vs Sri Lanka 2023 T20I Series: Wanindu Hasaranga vs Sanju Samson is going to be one of the key battles. (Image Source: <a href="https://www.iplt20.com/match/2022/494">IPLT20.com</a></figcaption></figure>



The two have faced each other 5 times in T20 matches. Hasaranga has got Samson out all 5 times. In fact, the explosive batter has a miserable strike rate of 73.5 against the leg-spinner. Samson averages 5 against him and three out of every four balls Hasaranga bowls to him are dot balls.



<h2 id="2-dasun-shanaka-vs-yuzvendra-chahal">2. Dasun Shanaka vs Yuzvendra Chahal</h2>



He wears 7 on his back, captains with a calm head and has the ability to finish off games. Fans have often compared Dasun Shanaka to MS Dhoni. 



The last time he was in India, he scored a 38-ball-74 after coming into bat with his team 29-4. A few months later, he helped Sri Lanka complete an unlikely victory against Australia. 



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://twitter.com/WisdenCricket/status/1535668604624150529?s=20&amp;t=dDpdF8rLoYrjLL7X6H-VNw
</div></figure>



Shanaka has made over 25% of his T20I runs against India. Having scored runs at a strike rate of 169.33 for the entire season of the Lanka Premier League, he comes into this series with some form behind him. Although he has always found it tough against leg-spinners.



In his international career, Shanaka has been dismissed by leg spin 27 times and averages a meagre 14.41 against it. As a matter of fact, his otherwise handsome-looking strike rate of 141.45 in T20 cricket overall plummets to 110.19 against wrist spin. In other words, it would be wise to hold an over or two of Yuzvendra Chahal for Shanaka. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://img1.hscicdn.com/image/upload/f_auto,t_ds_w_960,q_50/lsci/db/PICTURES/CMS/324600/324660.jpg" alt="Image of Shanaka getting bowled by Yuzvendra Chahal in 2021"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dasun Shanaka is bowled by Yuzvendra Chahal in 2021. (Image Source: <a href="https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/india-tour-of-sri-lanka-2021-1262739/photo">ESPNCricinfo</a>)</figcaption></figure>



<h2 id="3-charith-asalanka-vs-axar-patel">3. Charith Asalanka vs Axar Patel</h2>



With Gunathilaka not in the team anymore and Rajapaksa poised for a finishing role, Asalanka is the sole left-hander in the top 4. And he is indeed a very good one. On sluggish tracks in the U.A.E., Asalanka was Sri Lanka's top scorer in the 2021 T20WC, averaging 46 and scoring at a strike rate of 147. 



He would be crucial in defusing one of India's potent weapons: Axar Patel. Axar looked a league above everyone else last time India played a T20I series at home. He was, in fact, <a href="https://hindi.icccricketschedule.com/cricket/news/axar-patel-became-player-of-the-series-in-the-series-against-australia/">the player of the series</a>. Expect Sri Lanka to promote Asalanka in the order to counter Axar. 



The two have, interestingly, never faced off in white ball cricket. They have in the longer format though. Axar has dismissed Asalanka twice and has never conceded a run to him in Test Cricket.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://img1.hscicdn.com/image/upload/f_auto,t_ds_w_960,q_50/lsci/db/PICTURES/CMS/335800/335857.jpg" alt="Axar Patel vs Charith Asalanka"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Axar Patel has bowled 16 balls to Asalanka in Test Cricket getting him out twice. (Image Source: <a href="https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/sri-lanka-in-india-2021-22-1278665/india-vs-sri-lanka-2nd-test-1278683/match-photo">ESPNCricinfo</a>)</figcaption></figure>



<h2 id="4-avishka-fernando-vs-arshdeep-singh">4. Avishka Fernando vs Arshdeep Singh</h2>



Avishka Fernando was considered a batting prodigy. Selectors were so impressed with his U-19 exploits that they handed him an international debut against Australia before he had even played a single First Class or List A match. Fernando had his moments - scored 3 centuries and 5 fifties in ODIs - but looked a little undercooked at times. Hence, he was eventually dropped. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://img1.hscicdn.com/image/upload/f_auto,t_ds_w_1280,q_80/lsci/db/PICTURES/CMS/324800/324838.jpg" alt="Avishka Fernando"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Avishka Fernando was considered a batting prodigy. Image Source: <a href="http://espncricinfo.com/series/india-tour-of-sri-lanka-2021-1262739/photo">ESPNCricinfo</a></figcaption></figure>



He's had an excellent season in the Lanka Premier League where he ended up as the top scorer. If he plays, a match-up between him and Arshdeep Singh will be a tantalising one to watch out for. The Indian left-arm pacer has shown the ability to swing the new ball and take wickets up front. 



Interestingly, Avishka has a fabulous record in franchise cricket where he scores at an average of 62.3 and a strike rate of 147.1 against left-arm pace. However, the same numbers plummet drastically in international cricket. He's been dismissed 11 times by southpaw seamers and averages a miserable 14.45 while scoring at less than a run a ball.

India vs Sri Lanka 2023: Important Player-Match-ups to watch out for

india-vs-sri-lanka-2023-important-player-match-ups-to-watch-out-for

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/category/cricket-series/asia-cup-2023/" rel="noreferrer noopener">Asia Cup 2023</a>: A Huge Setback for Sri Lanka as Two Players Tested COVID-19 Positive:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/?s=Sri+Lanka" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sri Lanka</a>&nbsp;is in trouble ahead of the Asia Cup 2023, with two players tested positive for COVID-19. The Opening batsman Avishka Fernando and wicket-keeper Kusal Perera are infected with the virus.



Dushmantha Chameera is ruled out of Asia Cup 2023 due to a shoulder injury, and<a target="_blank" href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/?s=+Wanindu+Hasaranga" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;Wanindu Hasaranga</a>&nbsp;will miss the group-stage matches due to niggle. These Four Players are the key members of the Sri Lankan Team, and now, their team need to look out for other players.



Avishka Fernando and Kusal Perera are two of their key players, and their absence will be a big blow for Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup. Fernando is a top-order batsman who is known for his aggressive batting style.



He has scored over 990 runs in ODI cricket, whereas Perera is a wicket-keeper batsman, and he has scored over 3,071 runs in ODI cricket and is a valuable asset to the team.



The Pacer Dushamantha Chameera has been ruled out of the tournament after suffering from a shoulder injury in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2023. The Leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga is also doubtful for the starting few matches after suffering from a thigh niggle.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://twitter.com/ESPNcricinfo/status/1695076544107126949
</div></figure>



The Sri Lankan team management is hopeful that Wanindu Hasaranga will be able to recover in time for the tournament, but they will need to monitor him closely. Perera and Fernando are expected to miss the first few matches of the Asia Cup.



Sri Lanka will begin their Asia Cup campaign against Bangladesh on August 31 at Pallekele. They will be playing with their possible playing 11 against Bangladesh to get early momentum in the tournament.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sri Lanka Asia Cup 2023 Expected Squad:</h2>



Sri Lanka Squad:?Dasun Shanaka (C), Kusal Mendis (Wk), Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Pathum Nissanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dinesh Chandimal, Charith Asalanka, Asitha Fernando, Matheesha Pathirana, Chamika Karunaratne, Nuwanidu Fernando, Madushanka, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Nuwan Thushara.



Read This Also:?<a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/icc-odi-team-ranking-updated-after-pakistan-vs-afghanistan-2nd-odi-2023-pakistan-need-one-win-to-become-no-1-odi-team/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ICC ODI Team Ranking Updated After Pakistan vs. Afghanistan 2nd ODI 2023, Pakistan need one win to become the No.1 ODI Team</a>.



For More, Check The Official Site:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.icc-cricket.com/homepage" rel="noreferrer noopener">ICC</a>

Asia Cup 2023: A Huge Setback for Sri Lanka as Two Players Tested COVID Positive

asia-cup-2023-a-huge-setback-for-sri-lanka-as-two-players-tested-covid-positive

IND vs SL 3rd ODI: A historic moment for Sri Lanka as the island country have defeated India in the bilateral ODI series after 27 years! Sri Lanka have defeated India by 110 runs in the third ODI of the India Tour Of Sri Lanka 2024 Bilateral series.



<div class="wp-block-rank-math-toc-block" id="rank-math-toc"><h2>Jump To:</h2><nav><ul><li class=""><a href="#ind-vs-sl-3rd-odi-match-highlight">IND vs SL 3rd ODI Match Highlight</a></li><li class=""><a href="#ind-vs-sl-3rd-odi-awards">IND vs SL 3rd ODI Awards</a></li></ul></nav></div>



Sri Lanka have almost taken a revenge of the T20I series whitewash. They dominated India in all aspects throughout the series and this was kind of exactly the opposite of what India did to them in the T20I series. 



It is not everyday when you defeat number one ODI side and that too by 2-0 in a bilateral series. This series win is going to be a sweet memory of Sri Lankans for a quite long now. Let's take a look at the match highlight of IND vs SL 3rd ODI:



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="ind-vs-sl-3rd-odi-match-highlight">IND vs SL 3rd ODI Match Highlight</h2>



Winning three tosses in a row, Sri Lankan skipper <a href="https://www.cricbuzz.com/profiles/10934/asalanka">Charith Asalanka</a> again opted to bat first. The home side didn't lose an early wicket this time and this turned out sweet for them. The two openers batted for the first 19.5 overs and added 89 runs. There wasn't much spin on the surface during that period. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/08/FERNANDO.jpg" alt="IND vs SL 3rd ODI: Historic! Fernando-Mendis-Wellalage Trio Thrived as Sri Lanka defeated India by 110 Runs" class="wp-image-145342"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">IND vs SL 3rd ODI: Fernando and Kushal Mendis (Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



after the fall of Pathum Nissanka(45) Kusal Mendis joined and both again weaved an 80+ run partnership. Fernando was caught LBW 4 runs away from the maiden century of the series. Sri Lanka were 183 for 2 down at a stage then the expected collapse of the middle order occurred and the batting side lost 6 wickets for 199 runs. 



A late fight by Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis took the team to 248 in 50 overs. India had to chase 249 and as it has been in the series, India got a flying start. Rohit Sharma got his rhythm right from the start but lost his opening partner from the other end. 



Sharma struck a quick 35 off 20 balls but fell prey to Wellalage and soon the left-handed wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant ran down the pitch and got stumped out. Virat Kohli got stuck to the crease and got LBW out to Wellalage.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/08/wellalage.jpg" alt="IND vs SL 3rd ODI: Historic! Fernando-Mendis-Wellalage Trio Thrived as Sri Lanka defeated India by 110 Runs" class="wp-image-145343"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Wellalage got Rohit caught (Associate Press)</figcaption></figure>



Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube and Axar Patel also got out of single digit scores. India were 8 down for just 101 runs under 18 overs. The pitch was gripping well and skidding under the lights in the second innings and Sri Lankan spinners utilized all the advantages they had.



Washington Sunder and Kuldeep Yadav showed a tough fight down the order but Theekshana took the wicket of Sunder(30) who was the aggressor from one end. Wellalage got the last wicket very quick and claimed his fifer to win the match and series as well.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://admin.icccricketschedule.com/uploads/2024/08/riyan.jpg" alt="IND vs SL 3rd ODI: Historic! Fernando-Mendis-Wellalage Trio Thrived as Sri Lanka defeated India by 110 Runs" class="wp-image-145344"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Riyan Parag misses it totally (Associate Press)</figcaption></figure>



Sri Lanka defeated India in the third ODI by 110 and this was a series win for Sri Lanka since 1997.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="ind-vs-sl-3rd-odi-awards">IND vs SL 3rd ODI Awards</h2>



Player of the Match (3rd ODI)- Avishka Fernando Player of the Series:- Dunith Wellalage Maximum Sixes (3rd ODI)- Avishka Fernando



READ: <a href="https://www.icccricketschedule.com/3-reasons-india-will-be-claimed-as-favourites-in-the-champions-trophy-2025-despite-recent-losses-in-bilateral/">3 Reasons India would Favourites in the Champions Trophy 2025 Despite recent losses in Bilateral</a><div></div><div class="tdb-author-name-wrap" style="align-items: baseline"></div><div></div>

IND vs SL 3rd ODI: Historic! Fernando-Mendis-Wellalage Trio Thrived as Sri Lanka defeated India by 110 Runs

ind-vs-sl-3rd-odi-historic-fernando-mendis-wellalage-trio-thrived-as-sri-lanka-defeated-india-by-110-runs

India dominated Pakistan with Kohli’s century and disciplined bowling, securing a 6-wicket victory. Pakistan’s 241 wasn’t enough as India chased comfortably, sealing a semifinal spot and virtually eliminating Pakistan from the tournament.

IND vs PAK: REVENGED! KING KOHLI Stars as India Crushed Pakistan by 6 Wickets

ind-vs-pak-revenged-king-kohli-stars-as-india-crushed-pakistan-by-6-wickets-

After getting hit for a four, Shaheen Afridi came up with a brutal reply as he made India captain Rohit Sharma look clueless.

Watch: Shaheen Afridi takes his revenge! Bamboozles Rohit Sharma with a brutal yorker

watch-shaheen-afridi-takes-his-revenge-bamboozles-rohit-sharma-with-a-brutal-yorker-

Pakistan National Cricket Team put hard yards in their preparations for the game against India in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

IND vs PAK: Pakistan ordered to win at any cost against India in 2025 ICC Champions Trophy

ind-vs-pak-pakistan-ordered-to-win-at-any-cost-against-india-in-2025-icc-champions-trophy-

Babar Azam, as per the reports, is down with viral just like India's Rishabh Pant.

Babar Azam ruled out of India game in 2025 ICC Champions Trophy? Batter suffers...

babar-azam-ruled-out-of-india-game-in-2025-icc-champions-trophy-batter-suffers-

India and Pakistan's fierce ICC rivalry continues, with India dominating overall but Pakistan excelling in the Champions Trophy. Shubman Gill’s record-breaking form adds excitement to this high-stakes clash.

avishka fernando