Preview
SL vs IND Fantasy 11 Prediction, Cricket Tips, Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Updates for 1st T20I of India tour of Sri Lanka 2024. The Men in Blue are all set to begin a new era in white-ball cricket as the side will be locking horns against Sri Lanka for the first game of the three matches of the T20 series slated to take place on July 27 at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy. Notably, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have retired from the format, while Suryakumar Yadav will be the new captain for India in a T20I series.
The forthcoming series also marks the beginning of the coaching era of Gautam Gambhir, who has taken over from legendary Rahul Dravid. The Men in Blue are the number one T20I team in the world, while Sri Lanka places itself in the eighth spot. Charith Asalanka will be leading a strong Sri Lankan unit that might threaten India in their backyard.
The series opening game should be a cracking game, as there is a plethora of excitement regarding Gautam Gambhir’s debut as Indian head coach while Suryakumar Yadav will lead the Indian side. Meanwhile, India has recently defeated Zimbabwe 4-1 under Shubman Gill’s captaincy, whereas the Lankan Lions have not been in action since their exit from the T20 World Cup 2024 group stage.
Interestingly, all eyes will be on Hardik Pandya, who returns to action after being snubbed for the T20I captaincy.
Match Information
Probable Playing XI
Sri Lanka
Pathum Nissanka, C Asalanka(C), A Fernando, D Shanaka, PHKD Mendis, W Hasaranga, K Mendis, AM Fernando, D Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana, M Theekshana
Bench: S Samarawickrama, J Liyanage, B Rajapaksa, A Mathews, Dunith Wellalage, D de Silva, D Chameera, N Thushara, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, C Karunaratne, SSD Arachchige, L Kumara, PM Liyanagamage, A Dananjaya
India
Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, SA Yadav(C), HH Pandya, RK Singh, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Rishabh Pant, Arshdeep Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Siraj
Bench: SV Samson, R Parag, S Dubey, KK Ahmed, KL Rahul, S Iyer, Rohit Sharma, KL Yadav, H Rana, Virat Kohli
Injury News- The hosts have three worries as Nuwan Thushara and Dushmantha Chameera are injured and replaced by Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka. Binura Fernando was hospitalised on the eve of the game due to a chest infection and won’t be available for the first match.
Weather Report- Clear Sky
Win Prediction- India
Pitch Condition- Batting paradise
Avg 1st Inning Score- 180
Pitch Report
Must Pick For Fantasy
Yashasvi Jaiswal- Given his aggressive batting style and knack for pressure management, Jaiswal is showing great promise. His recent performances have shown his ability to score heavy runs, which makes him an invaluable player at the top of India’s order. The left-handed batter’s temperament and skill will be put to the test against Sri Lankan bowlers.
Arshdeep Singh- With his left-arm pace and dual-directional swing, Singh has been an incredible talent. The 25-year-old cricketer’s notable performances in the death overs have shown his ability to perform under pressure. The result of the match will be determined by his fight with the top order of Sri Lanka.
Charith Asalanka- Charith Asalanka, who succeeded Wanindu Hasaranga’s place as skipper, was picked by Sri Lanka as an intelligent attempt to rekindle the team following a dismal T20 World Cup performance. It is anticipated that Asalanka’s past leadership experience and abilities for handling pressure will enhance the dynamics within the team.
Matheesha Pathirana- The 21-year-old young bowler can deliver slower balls and yorkers with accuracy. The CSK star will be striving to prove himself as an emerging player on the international stage by grabbing crucial wickets against a strong Indian batting line.
Captains
Shubman Gill IND | bat- 8.5
Gill has been in excellent form and will be a crucial player at the top of the order for India. His ability to score quickly and anchor the innings makes him a key wicket for Sri Lanka.
Wanindu Hasaranga SL | all- 9
Hasaranga, with his leg-spin, will be vital in breaking partnerships and controlling the middle overs. His battle against Gill will be crucial as he aims to disrupt India’s batting flow and pick up key wickets.
Maheesh Theekshana SL | bowl- 8.5
Theekshana’s mystery spin will be a challenge for Pant. This battle will be pivotal in the middle overs, as Theekshana aims to contain runs and pick crucial wickets.
Top
Hardik Pandya IND | BAT- 9
As a dynamic all-rounder, Pandya can change the course of the game with his powerful hitting and crucial middle-overs bowling. He will be instrumental for India in both innings.
Rishabh Pant IND | WK- 9
Pant’s aggressive batting style can turn the game around quickly. He will be essential in the middle order to maintain a high run rate.
Budget
Pathum Nissanka SL | bat- 8.5
Nissanka’s role at the top of the order is to provide a solid start for Sri Lanka. His consistency will be crucial for building a strong platform.
Mohammed Siraj IND | bowl- 8.5
Siraj’s pace and ability to swing the ball early will be critical. His duel with Nissanka could set the tone for the match, as early wickets will put Sri Lanka on the back foot.
Avoid Player Message
Janith Liyanage- 8
SL | ALL
Dasun Shanaka- 8
SL | ALL
DISCLAIMER