Twitter reactions as Wanindu Hasaranga leads SL series win over India |Wanindu Hasaranga produces great performance to lead SL to T20I series win over India
Wanindu Hasaranga, the world’s second-ranked T20I bowler, produced yet another terrific display to lead Sri Lanka to a drought-breaking bilateral series win over rivals India.
The classy leg-spinner continues to grab attention of T20 league scouts around the world as he spun webs around the Indian batsmen, who were limited to just 81 despite not even being bowled out. Birthday-boy Hasaranga’s 4/9 are the sixth-best T20I figures for any Sri Lankan, and the best ever figures by any bowler against India in men’s T20Is. One feels that will soon join Ajantha Mendis, Rangana Herath and Lasith Malinga as Sri Lankans with a five-wicket haul in T20I cricket.
India felt the full force of fielding a depleted batting lineup. 81/8 is their third-lowest total in T20Is, and their lowest against Sri Lanka. Also, it is the second-lowest total by a full member nation while batting their entire 20 overs, behind only the West Indies’ 79/7 against Zimbabwe in 2010.
Here are some of the Twitter reactions to Harasanga’s great performance, as well as the fact that Sri Lanka have achieved their first T20I series win over India.
Congratulations @OfficialSLC on a special series win. Hope they turn a corner now. World cricket is stronger with a strong SL side. And Hasaranga is a star???? #SLvINDpic.twitter.com/eapPHu9sQp
Deservingly, the player of the series is #WaninduHasaranga. Sri Lanka have a fine player here and I hope he grows into the kind of player he can become. Hasaranga, Asalanka, Karunaratne, Avishka, Bhanuka, Dhananjaya, Chameera…so many pluses for Sri Lanka.
What an Amazing spell bowled by Wahindu Hasaranga. His bowling figure in Today's Match (4-0-9-4) against India in 3rd and Final T20I match. Absolute Brilliant bowling by Hasaranga. This is just Outstanding. Well bowled, Wahindu Hasaranga. #INDvsSLpic.twitter.com/m1BJuCJ2ft
Congratulations @OfficialSLC on a special series win. Hope they turn a corner now. World cricket is stronger with a strong SL side. And Hasaranga is a star???? #SLvINDpic.twitter.com/eapPHu9sQp
India should have Picked Deepak Hooda For this Series. Atleast he would have been far from Krunal Pandya. India would have had an All-Rounder in the team. #SLvINDpic.twitter.com/NBcaovDmtg
— Jon | Michael | Tyrion (@tyrion_jon_) July 29, 2021
— D H E E R ? ( ACTIVE HO GYA ) (@WEIRDO_DHEER) July 29, 2021
Also, a big thank you went to India for continuing the series despite having eight players unavailable due to isolation, including from Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka.
"I should thank BCCI, under these circumstances they agreed to play. Special thanks to Rahul Dravid and Shikhar Dhawan." Dasun Shanaka | Sri Lanka captain#SLvINDpic.twitter.com/IreIiqXDAE
Chamika Karunaratne said "Hardik Pandya is a nice human being, we don't get that quality bats here, I am thankful to him, he even messaged me about the game and more about what to do to become a better cricketer".
Lessons India can take from WTC Final for England series | Key lessons India can learn from the WTC Final defeat to perform better in the England series
All is not lost in a defeat, as such a result is a given in any sport. Being a team of thorough professionals, Virat Kohli’s men will be eager to take certain learning from the WTC Final too.
Actually, to the contrary belief amongst the masses, there were some key positives for the Indian side from their defeat in Southampton, which we will elaborate upon here.
Rohit Sharma has proven his mettle as an opener in limited-overs cricket across different conditions over the years. He started playing at the top in the whites only from late-2019 onward and had played in that role in familiar playing conditions so far.
Hence, his performance in the WTC finale was keenly awaited, as New Zealand’s opening bowling pair of Tim Southee and Trent Boult posed a stunning challenge in front of the Mumbai Indians skipper.
However, Rohit looked well at ease against New Zealand’s ensemble of excellent pacers. Even in testing conditions, Sharma’s technique looked solid, his intent was positive, always looking to keep the board ticking and also got a few boundaries to his name in the way.
People are well aware that the opening hour is always the toughest for any batsman in English conditions. Rohit could have possibly built upon his starts well in both the innings.
However, his brief innings on both the occasions gave a solid disclaimer that the Indian team could rely on a formidable, reliant top-order for the England series. That would take a lot of weight off the back of the middle-order spearheaded by skipper Kohli and vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane.
Rohit Sharma showed good signs for India in the WTC Final
On the other hand, off-spinner and senior pro Ravichandran Ashwin’s performance was a major positive too. Ashwin looked right on the money in both innings, even opening the gateway for a possible Indian comeback for a brief time by providing two quick breakthroughs during the final Kiwi chase as well.
Ashwin has been in top form right from the Australian series. His execution of plans have been spot on, even neutralizing Steven Smith’s impact Down Under. He looked in absolutely fine touch in the WTC final too; something that would be key for India throughout the English series.
His gutsy batting late down the order will also help India match up with the batting proficiency of the opposition’s tail-enders, something that has historically troubled the Indian team in overseas conditions in the past.
Injuries had arguably prevented the spinner from operating at full throttle during the 2018 tour, but India will need him firing on all cylinders this time around. All-round performances from the seasoned player will be instrumental for the Indian team’s success this time around.
Moreover, Ashwin’s definite inclusion and a much refined batting display in recent times opens the opportunity for the team to either play an extra batsman in Hanuma Vihari or go with the all-round capabilities of Ravindra Jadeja at number 7.
R Ashwin continues to go from strength-to-strength
Jadeja has delivered solid all-round performances multiple times in important games and he along with Rishabh Pant could give the attacking spark and impetus that further augments the capabilities of an already dependable middle-order.
In terms of lessons, perhaps the single biggest learning for the Indian batsmen would be to make the most of the starts that they accumulate.
At least in the first innings, most of the batsmen had set their eye in but got undone by the skill of the Kiwi pacers and some shrewd captaincy by Kane Williamson. It is likely that India could go with a 6-5 formula in the XI with Jadeja and Ashwin as the main all-rounders. In such a situation, the role of the top five increases furthermore and it would be critical that at least of the key batsmen manage to stay on the crease for a long period of time to steer the inning along.
Another key point of concern would be to ensure that India’s pace attack operates at full throttle. In the WTC finale, the bowlers perhaps didn’t have enough on the board to defend against. However, the famed Indian pace trio too arguably might have to up their game across the lengthy England series.
It might perhaps help that someone like Jasprit Bumrah will have adequate match-practice to get into his rhythm by the time India sets foot at Trent Bridge on 4th August. Moreover, across a comprehensive series like this one, India might also prefer slotting in Mohammed Siraj in some of the games to see how he manages to deal with the challenge that the English conditions throw at him.
Siraj has impressed one and all with his fantastic skillset in a short-lived international career so far. He has excelled in both Indian and Australian conditions, and certainly seems to have the abilities to stand up the challenges that he might face in England. His relentless attitude and the unique ability to bring something unfamiliar to the Englishmen on the fore will certainly enable India to gain an edge at some critical point in the series.
The Indian team might also have to deal with some dynamic challenges due to some recent developments. It remains to be seen whether Rishabh Pant will participate in the initial part of the series after having tested positive for Covid-19. Even Wriddhiman Saha was undergoing quarantine as a precautionary measure, though he could likely be fit if Pant is unavailable at least for the opening Test.
This would be a major issue, considering Pant was arguably India’s best batsman in the second innings of the WTC finale. Furthermore, his match-winning abilities and growing confidence in recent times have been a major positive for the Indian team in recent times.
Nevertheless, the current circumstances are largely dynamic and uncertain, as India have found in their limited-overs tour of Sri Lanka. Only the most flexible and strengthened of teams, with ample bench-strength, and the ability to adapt seamlessly will succeed in different playing situations.
This series will mark the beginning of the 2021-23 WTC cycle. India has no time to fret over the inaugural WTC result now, as it already has a mounting challenge to scale in one of the toughest countries to visit for teams from across the cricketing world.
SL vs IND 3rd T20 Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | SL vs IND 3rd T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | Sri Lanka vs India 3rd T20I Key Players | Colombo Pitch Report
It was a T20I buildup like no other. In fact, it was one of the most chaotic buildups to any cricket match ever. Unsure of whether the match would actually go ahead, Sri Lanka prevailed in a tough contest yesterday against an India side decimated by isolation.
Krunal Pandya tested positive for COVID-19, and seven others deemed as close contacts were ruled out of the remainder of the series. This includes this deciding third T20I, where the Indians will once again play with a depleted batting lineup that may once again force the top order to play with more caution than freedom.
On a sluggish pitch, it was Sri Lanka’s middle and death overs’ effort that got them out of trouble, with India’s fielders making crucial mistakes. Dhananjaya de Silva and C Karunaratne struck crucial blows to see the home side over the line in a tough chase, but the Sri Lankans will be hoping for a more clinical display this time around.
Given India’s fighting spirit and Sri Lanka’s desire to win the series, this third T20I shapes up to be another interesting contest.
Key Players to Watch/Key Stats
Sri Lanka:
Dhananjaya de Silva overcame his struggles against slower bowling to produce a crucial player of the match performance in the second T20I (40* off 34 balls). No current SL player has more runs than de Silva in T20Is on this ground (7 inns, 204 runs, avg. 34.00, SR 109.67), plus he has a decent record against India in T20Is (4 inns, 123 runs, avg. 41, SR 132.25).
Avishka Fernando has a key role to play at the top. Sri Lanka will be hoping he can finally perform in a format he’s struggled in throughout his career (18 inns, 238 runs, avg. 13.22, SR 97.54, 0 50s).
Wanindu Hasaranga will no doubt be a threat in these spin-friendly conditions. He has taken 11 wickets in five matches across the West Indies and India campaigns played on surfaces conducive to spin.
Akila Dananjaya produced one of his best performances in T20Is vs India. He took 2/29 in the second T20I, which is as many wickets as he took in his previous seven T20Is against the Indians. His experience of this ground (19 T20s, 22 wickets) can count for plenty.
Dushmantha Chameera has picked up seven wickets in his last three T20Is, and 13 in 11 matches overall vs India. He will be key at both crunch stages (powerplay and death) of the innings.
India:
The 40s is a common theme for Shikhar Dhawan. He averages 41.66 vs Sri Lanka, 40.57 on this ground and 43.00 in this series.
No player has more runs than Dhawan’s 375 in IND-SL T20Is. India will be hoping Shikhar produces a big score with India’s batting lineup decimated by isolation.
Ruturaj Gaikwad (21 off 18 balls) and Devdutt Padikkal (29 off 23 balls) looked promising before getting out. Both have shown terrific form in the IPL (Gaikwad scored 65, 33, 75 and 4 in his last four matches and Padikkal has 668 IPL runs with six 50+ scores in 21 matches).
Will Sanju Samson deliver or disappoint? With so many players missing, Samson can make a claim for India to continue to persist with him going forward. He has the big innings in him, but will today be the day?
Bhuvneshwar Kumar (4/22 and 1/21 this series) will be crucial in both the powerplay and death overs. His slower ball will be handy on such pitches. Plus, given he is batting at six, he also has a crucial role to play with the bat.
Kuldeep Yadav, on average, takes two wickets per innings vs Sri Lanka (6 inns, 12 wickets, avg. 15.33, econ. 7.66, SR 12).
Stats and Facts
Sri Lanka will be looking to break a run of five straight T20I series losses. Their last bilaterial T20I series win was against Pakistan in 2019.
Dasun Shanaka has a bowling strike rate of just 13.7 against India (seven wickets).
India have won 11 of the last 13 completed T20Is vs Sri Lanka. However, they have never faced circumstances like this.
Possible Playing 11
With Charith Asalanka in isolation, Sri Lanka could look at playing the same XI that won the second T20I yesterday.
India do have the likes of Sandeep Warrier in the squad. According to reports, Navdeep Saini has been ruled out with injury. Sandeep Warrier is likely to replace him.
R Premadasa Stadium Colombo Pitch Report and Weather
The surface was slow and quite sluggish in the second T20I. The match will be played on a fresh pitch, but given the evidence so far in this series, spin and slower balls into the surface is hard to get away.
The chasing team has won nine of the last 12 T20Is on this ground, with the average first innings score 160. Any total in that region here will be a challenging chase in what should be a full game thanks to clear weather.
Dream11 Prediction
Option 1:
SL vs IND 3rd T20 Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
SL vs IND 3rd T20 Dream11 Prediction
Match Prediction
Another competitive match is on the cards, but India need a lot from their top four to stand a strong chance. Sri Lanka start as favourites and should win given India’s decimated batting.
WI vs PAK 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | WI vs PAK 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | West Indies vs Pakistan 1st T20I Key Players | Barbados Pitch Report
The cricket continues to come thick and fast as preparation for the T20 World Cup ramps up. In fact, the cricket comes so thick and fast for West Indies that this series is set to begin less than two days after their ODI series defeat to Australia, of which they will be looking to rectify here against the predictably unpredictable Pakistan.
However, a number of stars will return to the Windies T20I side, providing another reminder of their prowess in this format. After a disappointing and somewhat surprising 3-2 defeat to South Africa, West Indies then demolished Australia 4-1 as confidence continues to rise ahead of their quest to defend their T20 World Cup crown later this year. Kieron Pollard, who missed the Australia T20I series, as well as Gayle, Russell and Bravo, will all be available for selection here.
However, a number of the Windies batsmen have poor head-to-head records against Pakistan. For Pakistan, this is a great opportunity to find form in conditions that offer assistance to spin. In fact, a number of their players have strong CPL experience.
But, it is hard to predict which Pakistan will show up here, as well as in the T20 World Cup later this year. Their T20 issues are well known, and to stand a chance in this series, as well as in the World Cup, Babar Azam’s men will be keen to iron out those concerns in this four-match series against one of the T20 powerhouses.
Key Players to Watch/Key Stats
West Indies:
Evin Lewis has been in damaging form in the Windies’ home season to date. In 11 T20Is this year, Lewis is striking at a superb 175.89, with 343 runs at an average of 31.18. In five T20s at Kensington Oval, Lewis has struck 146 runs at an average of 36.50 and strike rate of 160.44.
However, Lewis has largely struggled against Pakistan in the past. Apart from one score of 91, Lewis’ other five knocks yielded just 24 runs.
Lendl Simmons was West Indies’ highest run-scorer in the recent series vs Australia (165, avg. 33.00, SR 122.22). However, West Indies will be hoping Simmons improves on a substandard record vs Pakistan that reads: 8 inns, 112 runs, avg. 16.00, SR 107.69.
Simmons has good knowledge of Kensington Oval, with 18 T20s of experience. In these matches, he has struck 414 runs at an average of 25.88 and strike rate of 112.81, so West Indies will be hoping for an improvement.
Chris Gayle found some form late in the Australia series in what’s been a tough year in T20Is for the Universe Boss(12 inns, 191 runs, avg. 17.36, SR 120.88). Also, he’s played just the three T20Is vs Pakistan (back in 2013-2014), with no success (11 runs, avg. 3.66). In 10 T20s at Barbados, Gayle has struck 282 runs at an average of 35.25 and strike rate of 133.02.
Dwayne Bravo has spent some time batting at five in recent times. He has the most runs for any current WI player vs Pakistan (6 inns, 190 runs, avg. 31.66, SR 103.26). However, he’s historically struggled with ball vs Pakistan, with just one wicket in six matches at an average of 120.
Hayden Walsh was recently player of the series vs Australia. He was outstanding, with 11 wickets in five T20Is at a strike rate of just 10.
Obed McCoy is set to return. He has been superb in the Windies’ home season, with 14 wickets in seven matches (econ. 7.04, SR 10.70). His slower balls can be lethal on what is expected to be a slow Barbados surface.
Pakistan:
Babar Azam has a fine record vs West Indies. In fact, no player has more runs in WI-PAK T20Is than Babar (10 inns, 403 runs, avg. 57.57, SR 125.15). Also, he scored the most runs in Pakistan’s T20I series in West Indies in 2017 (137 runs, avg. 34.25, SR 103.78).
Mohammad Rizwan is enjoying a fine year in T20s. He has amassed 1,206 runs in 25 matches at an average of 67.00 and strike rate of 135.20. This will be his first ever T20 vs West Indies.
Sohaib Maqsood struck over 400 runs in PSL 2021 at a strike rate in excess of 150. He will be key in solving Pakistan’s middle order/finishing. As will Mohammad Hafeez, who has a poor past record vs WI: 5 inns, 50 runs, avg. 10.00, SR 80.64.
Shadab Khan has historically enjoyed playing against West Indies. No bowler has more wickets in WI-PAK T20Is than Shadab’s 15 in seven matches (avg. 9.20, SR 10.7, econ. 5.14). He took 10 wickets in four T20Is in West Indies in 2017.
Imad Wasim also has a fine record vs WI (7 inns, 11 wickets, avg. 12.54, econ. 5.30, SR 14.1). Hasan Ali is not far behind with 10 wickets in eight T20Is vs West Indies (avg. 20.60, econ. 7.92, SR 15.6).
Shaheen Shah Afridi has taken 25 wickets in 20 T20s this year. He will be key in both the powerplay and death overs for Pakistan, which increases his wicket-taking potential.
Stats and Facts
Head-to-head: Matches 14, West Indies 3, Pakistan 11.
Andre Russell is yet to score a run in two T20Is vs Pakistan. He has two wickets, though.
The last T20I at Barbados was between these two teams, back in 2017. Pakistan chased 113 with six wickets to spare.
Possible Playing 11
Kieron Pollard missed the Australia T20I series due to injury. If he returns, it will be interesting to see who misses out.
West Indies: 1. Lendl Simmons, 2. Evin Lewis, 3. Chris Gayle, 4. Nicholas Pooran (wk), 5. Kieron Pollard (c)/Shimron Hetmyer, 6. Andre Russell, 7. Fabian Allen, 8. Jason Holder/Fidel Edwards, 9. Dwayne Bravo, 10. Hayden Walsh Jr, 11. Obed McCoy
Pakistan could look to rotate throughout the series. However, given the likes of Shadab have performed well vs West Indies in the past, Pakistan could look to go with him first over Usman Qadir.
Pakistan: 1. Mohammad Rizwan (wk), 2. Babar Azam (c), 3. Fakhar Zaman, 4. Sohaib Maqsood, 5. Mohammad Hafeez/Sharjeel Khan, 6. Azam Khan, 7. Shadab Khan, 8. Imad Wasim, 9. Hasan Ali, 10. Mohammad Hasnain, 11. Shaheen Shah Afridi
Kensington Oval Barbados Pitch Report and Weather
Kieron Pollard heavily criticised the Barbados surfaces for the ODI series against Australia (details here). In CPL 2019, the average first innings score here was 149.2, and one feels that any score in that region here will be a tough chase given that conditions will likely suit spin. The team batting first won three of those five matches.
Some rain is forecast in Barbados. Hopefully it should clear up enough to allow for a result.
Dream11 Prediction
Note: Teams below are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these teams in time after the final playing XIs have been announced.
Option 1:
WI vs PAK 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
WI vs PAK 1st T20 Dream11 Prediction
Match Prediction
This shapes up as an intruiging clash simply due to how unpredictable Pakistan is. A number of the Pakistani players possess strong head-to-head records vs Windies, but the home side looks more focused now for a World Cup around the corner. Windies to win.
Krunal Pandya tests positive for Covid-19, 2nd T20I postponed | SL vs IND 2nd T20I postponed after Krunal Pandya tests positive to COVID-19
The 2nd T20I between India and Sri Lanka, originally scheduled to take place on the 27th July, is now postponed to 28th on account of Indian player Krunal Pandya testing positive for Covid-19. The all-rounder tested positive for the virus in a rapid antigen test conducted by the medical team on Tuesday morning.
India was leading the T20I series after winning the 1st game at Colombo on Sunday. 30-year old Krunal played a key role in India’s defense of 164 by picking the 1st wicket to put the breaks on the Lankan team. The rest of the spinners and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (4/22) ensured the hosts were bowled out for 126.
It is uncertain on where he could have caught the infection but it was understood that Krunal complained of a sore throat on Tuesday morning. This prompted the Indian medical team to ask the all-rounder to take Rapid Antigen Test, followed by universally recognized RT-PCR Tests. Both turned out positive.
Eight other members of the Indian team have been identified as close contacts to Krunal Pandya. They all are in isolation since then and the entire contingent of touring Indian team will undergo RT-PCR tests on Tuesday.
BCCI in their media release confirmed this news. It stated “The second T20I between Sri Lanka and India originally scheduled to be played on July 27 has been pushed forward by a day and will now take place on Wednesday, July 28,”
“Following the Rapid Antigen Tests conducted ahead of the match on Tuesday morning, Team India all-rounder Krunal Pandya was found to be positive. The Medical Teams have identified eight members as close contacts,” the release added.
“The entire contingent is undergoing RT-PCR tests today to ascertain any further outbreak in the squad.”
However, the good news is that no Sri Lankan team member has tested positive and they are scheduled to undergo RT-PCR tests on Wednesday.
With this news of postponement, the 2nd and 3rd T20I of India vs Sri Lankaseries will happen on back-to-back days, i.e., on 28th and 29th July. This also means the Indian will have to stay in Sri Lanka a little longer than their stipulated schedule. They were supposed to leave on Thursday.
We also have wait and watch if this has any impact on Prithvi Shaw and Suryakumar Yadav’s departure to England. The duo was supposed to leave for UK after the limited-overs series against Sri Lanka to join the Indian Test team as injury replacements.
Kieron Pollard slams pitches as “unacceptable” | Kieron Pollard has labelled the pitches in the Australia ODIs at unacceptable & ridiculous
West Indies captain Kieron Pollard took aim at the pitches, labelling them as “absolutely ridiculous” and “unacceptable for international cricket” in the wake of his side’s 2-1 ODI series defeat to Australia.
The Windies failed to reach 200 in the series, capitulating in both the first and third ODIs to hand Australia their third-straight ODI series win. While Pollard recognised that his team weren’t up to the mark, he pointed to the fact that both sides found it difficult to bat on such pitches.
At the presentation, Pollard minced no words when giving his views on the Barbados surfaces. “Coming here to Barbados, I think both teams struggled on the pitch and I think that’s unacceptable for international cricket,” Pollard said.
“We’re not going to make excuses. We accept that we batted badly but I don’t think the scores that we have gotten in this three-match series, for two top international teams, I think that’s very embarrassing for us as a people. Coming from St Lucia to this, I think it’s absolutely ridiculous.”
Pollard then went on to advocate for his teammates, as well as better pitches in domestic cricket. He emphasised that if people want to see West Indies perform well, then the conditions should suit.
“It was plain for the world to see. If I continue going on about it, it’s going to be headlines, ‘Pollard this, Pollard that.’ That’s fine with me. But the reality is, we as players sometimes we get the brunt of the accusations and all the bad stuff. But give guys the opportunity to come and play on some good cricketing wickets.
“It goes back even to our regional cricket as well,” Pollard said. “I think as a whole we need to do better, and we as individuals need to do better as well. So we’re not going to cast blame. We’re going to accept responsibility as well. But I think as a holistic approach and holistic view to move forward.”‘
With 252/9 in the first ODI, Australia produced the only instance of a 200+ score in the series. Ashton Agar, player of the match in the third ODI, enjoyed bowling in such conditions. Contrary to Pollard, Agar hopes to see more such surfaces in the future.
At the presentation, Agar said, “It’s pretty favorable conditions for a spinner. You just had to get your length right. As long as you were hitting the stumps for the right-hander and pitching the ball to a left-hander, where it’s spinning in and hitting the stumps to bring all modes of dismissal into play, that’s all you can do and you let the pitch go to work.
“Really difficult conditions, really interesting style of cricket that was played. You don’t get many pitches like that and I hope we end up seeing a lot more like that in the future,” Agar continued.
Australia will now travel to Bangladesh for a five-match T20I series, after the tour was originally in doubt. West Indies will soon engage in a four-match T20I series against Pakistan, where Pollard will certainly be hoping for better surfaces.
SL vs IND 2nd T20 Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 PitchReport | SL vs IND 2nd T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | Sri Lanka vs India 2nd T20I Key Players | Colombo Pitch Report
In significant news on Tuesday, the second T20I was pushed back a day as Krunal Pandya tested positive to COVID-19. According to Express Sports, Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, Prithvi Shaw, Deepak Chahar, K Gowtham, Ishan Kishan and Yuzvendra Chahal were in close contact with Krunal. So, India will have an even newer looking team, with their batting lineup decimated.
Heading into India’s tour of Sri Lanka, the general consensus was that India, even with their first-team players in England, were expected to be way too good for their struggling rivals.
While India have won the majority of matches in this tour, Sri Lanka have shown positive signs since the first ODI thumping. After winning the third ODI, they were right in the first T20I, limiting India to 164/5 thanks to impressive death bowling. However, they lost too many wickets too regularly after a promising start.
Plus, only Minod Bhanuka (10 off 7) and Charith Asalanka (44 off 26) finished with a strike rate above 120, so the onus will be on the likes of Dasun Shanaka and Wanindu Hasaranga to produce more with the bat in the middle order.
Key Players to Watch/Key Stats
Sri Lanka:
Charith Asalanka continues to be a bright spot for Sri Lanka. Before the first T20I, Asalanka had a T20 strike rate of 127.39 (avg. 23), but he came out firing with 44 off just 26 balls. This was after a promising ODI series where he provided good resistance (38, 65, 24).
Avishka Fernando will be key to Sri Lanka’s hopes. He was looking good to score more than his eventual 26 off 23 balls in the first T20I, and will be required to produce more in this T20I.
Dhananjaya de Silva, as one of Sri Lanka’s experienced players, has a key role to play. He hasn’t been able to impact matches yet in India’s tour yet, as he has been dismissed time and time again by slower bowling (slower balls/spin). He has a T20I fifty vs India (three innings) and the most runs of any current SL player on this ground (6 inns, 164 runs, avg. 27.33, SR 107.89).
Wanindu Hasaranga is very difficult to handle in such conditions. He took eight wickets in three T20Is in West Indies earlier this year, and with Colombo assisting spin, he was impressive in his spell of 2/28 in the first T20I. Sri Lanka will be hoping he can produce with the bat, too.
Dushmantha Chameera is enjoying a solid year in T20s, with 12 scalps in seven matches at an economy rate of 6.60. This includes figures of 4/17 and 2/24 in his last two T20Is (vs England and India).
India:
Another 40+ score awaiting skipper Shikhar Dhawan? He has a key role to play now that a number of players are out in isolation. He was looking pretty comfortable in the first T20I (46 off 36 balls), and averages above 40 vs Sri Lanka (335 runs, avg. 41.87, SR 135.62) and at this ground (6 inns, 244 runs, avg. 40.66, SR 141.86).
Devdutt Padikkal is set to play and he has been a shining light for RCB since his IPL debut in 2020. He has scored 668 IPL runs with six 50+ scores in 21 matches. Key player.
Ruturaj Gaikwad is all set to make his debut too as Shaw is in isolation. Gaikwad finished the first half of IPL 2021 in terrific form (65, 33, 75 and 4 in his last four matches). He will be keen to make a strong impact.
There is no better time for Sanju Samson to lead the way than now. The talented right-hander continues to make starts, but India will be hoping he can make a big score today in the likely absence of a number of stars.
Rahul Chahar is about to get an opportunity to further impress. He has taken 24 wickets in 15 T20 matches this year, including 11 wickets in seven matches in IPL 2021.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar will be key in the absence of Deepak Chahar. He will look to bowl their slower balls on a slow pitch after he took 4/22 in the first T20I.
Stats and Facts
India have won 11 of their last 12 completed T20Is vs Sri Lanka.
Dasun Shanaka has a bowling strike rate of just 15.33 against India (six wickets).
Akila Dananjaya knows this ground well (18 T20s of experience). However, he struggles in T20Is vs India: 7 inns, 2 wickets, avg. 115.00, econ. 8.62.
Sri Lanka last won a bilaterial T20I series vs Pakistan in 2019. They have lost five in a row since, and will be looking to avoid six here.
Possible Playing 11
Bhanuka Rajapaksa could come in for Ashen Bandara, who struggled badly in the first T20I (9 off 19 balls).
Update:Krunal Pandya tested positive to COVID-19. He will miss the remainder of the series. According to Express Sports, Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, Prithvi Shaw, Deepak Chahar, K Gowtham, Ishan Kishan and Yuzvendra Chahal were in close contact with Krunal. So, India will field an even newer looking team, with their batting lineup decimated.
Spin and pace off the ball looked very effective in the first T20I. The spinners were in the wickets and Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s slower balls reaped rewards. The chasing team has won 8 of the last 11 T20Is on this ground, with the average first innings score just below 164, which was the winning score in the first T20I.
There is a chance of rain interrupting the second T20I, but there should hopefully be enough play to constitute a result.
Dream11 Prediction
Note: Teams below are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these teams in time after the final playing XIs have been announced.
TEAMS WILL BE UPDATED SOON IN LINE WITH PLAYER UPDATES.
Option 1:
SL vs IND 2nd T20 Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
SL vs IND 2nd T20 Dream11 Prediction
Match Prediction
Sri Lanka have some positives to build on, and will be coming up against a severely depeleted India team. Sri Lanka should perform better in this game and win. However, an India win still won’t be a surprise.
Pavel Florin hilarious celebration: fans react on Twitter | Twitter reactions to another hilarious Pavel Florin celebration after a wicket
Pavel Florin was back at it again. The Romanian entertained both his teammates and fans around the world with another huge celebration after taking a wicket, further enhancing his status as one of cricket’s finest personalities.
In a T10 match between Bucharest Gladiators and Baneasa, Florin ran to the commentary area after taking the wicket of Mohammad Forkan. Forkan tried to hit Florin over fine leg, only to succeed in top-edging a catch to the wicketkeeper.
Florin, the larger-than-life figure who simply loves cricket, took off from the bowling crease to the commentary area before yelling “Gladiators!” into the microphone in celebration. The commentator even knew what was about to happen, handing a headset over to Florin to do his best work.
Florin soon tweeted the footage with the caption “live every moment.”
Should India persist with Sanju Samson going forward? | Sanju Samson continues to promise plenty but not quite deliver the goods: should India persist?
India is a country of over one billion people, and cricket is the most celebrated sport in this country. So many youngsters aspire to represent the national side but a few of them actually get a chance to wear the blue jersey with pride.
Sanju Samson is one of those fortunate to have represented India in international cricket. However, he somehow he has not been able to cement his place due to ordinary returns in his limited opportunities to date. Fortunately for him, he was recalled into the national side to play the limited overs series in Sri Lanka in the absence of the first choice players.
With the T20 World Cup around the corner, this T20I series against Sri Lanka holds significant importance for Samson. If he performs admirably, he will pose a strong case for his inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad. However, if he does not deliver, will management persist with him?
Let’s find the answer by considering several factors in detail.
Numbers don’t match his potential
The first question is what Samson offers to any T20 side. The answer is simple. He is a hitter of supreme calibre, and has a naturally aggressive intent which is an asset for any T20 team. He can turn the tide of the match on his own when he is on song, and has proved this in several IPL and domestic games.
However, the question arises of how frequently he serves justice to his immense potential. He has been an inconsistent performer in the T20 format despite the ability to strike effortless and nonchalant sixes. Being a 178-match batsman, he averages just 27.6 with a strike rate of 130.5 in T20s. These ordinary numbers don’t reflect his potential at all. His consistency has been a glaring issue and has proved to be one of the major reasons for him not being able to stabilize himself in the Indian batting lineup, especially with positions open over the past few years.
Where does Sanju Samson bat in India’s T20 XI?
The next factor that I have considered is the role the Indian team has to offer to Samson and whether he is a necessity in the playing XI now. The Indian team has at least 3 to 4 batsmen reserved for the top order in the playing XI. The competition for places in the middle order is much tougher now with the emergence of the ever-consistent Suryakumar Yadav. So, if he gets a game, practically he has to play the role of an accelerator down the order even though he mostly bats at no 3 or 4 in IPL and other T20 games. However, the Indian team has Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja as the accelerators down the order in the first choice XI. So, Samson, even if selected in the World Cup squad, will have to play the role of a reserved player.
Samson is inconsistent, but should India back him anyway?
Now let’s go to the question of our interest, i.e. whether India should persist with an inconsistent performer like Samson heading to the World Cup. In my opinion, Samson hasn’t been given ample chances to prove himself. A mere seven T20I games are not enough to decide whether someone is capable enough or not. However, we can’t blame the selectors for this as India has a huge talent pool and as a player you have to capitalize on every single chance you get at the international level.
India should enable him to bat the way he naturally bats, i.e. aggressively. He doesn’t seem to be an “innings-builder” in the T20I format. So, he can play the role of aggressor down the order and finish things as far as the present situation is concerned. However, it is important then to not focus too much on the average, as batting lower down requires a strong strike rate. That’s the only way he can get into the XI.
Secondly, it’s a matter of time before the World Cup gets under way. So, in such a scenario it will be better for India to prepare a guy having so much potential like Samson to be their backup finisher in the mega event. Also, India can use him at the top or middle, should a need arise. So, it will be such a waste if India doesn’t back Samson anymore.
Samson has age on his side and superb hitting abilities. He is an experienced player as far as T20 format is concerned. It’s always beneficial to have a player like Samson in your squad who has the capacity to play any role. That increases the flexibility of the squad.
Also, he brings the intent into the team, which is definitely a plus on his side. India should judge his intent, not average. Yes, it is true that he has to capitalize on every single chance he gets from now onwards, but even if he fails to deliver, India should back him now at least for the spot of a reserved player in the mega event.
ZIM vs BAN 3rd T20 Dream11 Prediction Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | ZIM vs BAN 3rd T20 Dream11 Prediction Today | Zimbabwe vs Bangladesh 3rd T20I Key Players | Harare Pitch Report
After promising moments across formats, Zimbabwe finally got the better of Bangladesh to force a T20I series decider. In what was shaping up to be another score in the region of 150 – which was nowhere near enough in the first T20I – Zimbabwe, courtesy of Ryan Burl, produced a competitive 166/6 that Bangladesh were all-but-out of the running after the halfway mark of their innings.
Zimbabwe’s bowling plans, field settings and execution were all positive two days ago. Sikandar Raza’s men will be looking for a repeat here to achieve their first ever bilateral T20 series win in a series comprising of two or more matches.
For Bangladesh, the regularity in which they lost wickets will be a concern. They constantly found fielders when they looked to go big, and importantly, struggled to rotate strike consistently enough. Eyes will be on their batsmen, as well as their death bowling, as they face a pressure situation ahead of this year’s T20 World Cup.
Key Players to Watch/Key Stats
Zimbabwe:
Wessley Madhevere continues to be a bright spot for Zimbabwe. He now has two half-centuries in five T20Is at Harare, with a total of 185 runs at an average of 37.00 and strike rate of 123.00. This includes 73 off 57 balls in the last game, where he won player of the match.
Regis Chakabva has enjoyed a solid campaign vs Bangladesh across formats. He smashed 43 off 22 balls in the first T20I, and Zimbabwe will be hoping for a repeat against a team who he historically struggles against (61 runs, avg. 12.20).
Dion Myers has no issues getting started. However, he has been unable to go on with his starts. Across the Test, ODIs and T20Is, Myers has made just one score below 20, but none above 35 (27, 26, 34, 18, 34, 35 and 26).
Ryan Burl has a strike rate of 160 in four T20I knocks vs Bangladesh. This includes a crucial 34* off 19 balls to get Zimbabwe to a competitive score last game. Key finisher.
How good was Wellington Masakadza? In a performance worthy of player of the match, Masakadza broke the back of the Bangladeshi batting with 3/20, and also took three catches.
Luke Jongwe has taken 15 wickets in nine T20Is at Harare, including 3/31 in the last match. Blessing Muzarabani has 21 wickets in 17 T20s in 2021, including 2/21 in the second T20I.
Bangladesh:
Shakib Al Hasan has had a quiet series to date. Is today his big day? He has scored the fifth-most runs of any player in ZIM-BAN T20Is (10 inns, 208 runs, avg. 26, SR 129.19). Plus, he has taken 15 wickets in 11 matches against Zimbabwe.
Soumya Sarkar will be key in helping Bangladesh get a good start. He has the most runs for any Bangladesh player against Zimbabwe in T20Is (230 runs, avg. 32.85, SR 132.94), including 50 (45) in the first T20I.
Afif Hossain is the player who can achieve a fast finish for Bangladesh. He has a strike rate of 140.67 in three innings vs Zimbabwe (87 runs).
If fit, Mustafizur Rahman will be a key player for the Tigers. No bowler has more wickets in ZIM-BAN T20Is, with Rahman taking an incredible 18 wickets in nine matches, including 3/31 in the first match.
Shoriful Islam has taken five wickets in two matches this series (2/17 and 3/33).
In Zimbabwe, both Zimbabwe and Bangladesh have won two T20Is each.
Zimbabwe have never won a bilateral T20I series consisting of two or more matches.
Mahmudullah has gone 64 consecutive T20I innings without a duck. However, he averages just 19.09 in 14 T20Is vs Zimbabwe, so eyes will be on whether the captain can perform here.
Possible Playing 11
Zimbabwe should look to play with the same XI.
Zimbabwe: 1. Regis Chakabva (wk), 2. Tadiwanashe Marumani, 3. Wessley Madhevere, 4. Dion Myers, 5. Sikandar Raza (c), 6. Milton Shumba, 7. Ryan Burl, 8. Donald Tiripano, 9. Luke Jongwe, 10. Blessing Muzarabani, 11. Tendai Chatara
Liton Das and Mustafizur Rahman could return to the Bangladesh XI, if fit.
Bangladesh: 1. Soumya Sarkar, 2. Mohammad Naim, 3. Shakib Al Hasan, 4. Mahmudullah (c), 5. Nurul Hasan (wk), 6. Afif Hossain, 7. Shamim Hossain, 8. Mahedi Hasan, 9. Mohammad Saifuddin, 10. Taskin Ahmed/Mustafizur Rahman, 11. Shoriful Islam
Harare Pitch Report and Weather
The track is an easy-paced surface that offers something for both bowlers and batsmen. Good lines and lengths are rewarded with some extra bounce. A good start will be key with the bat.
Dream11 Prediction
Note: Teams below are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these teams in time after the final playing XIs have been announced.
Option 1:
ZIM vs BAN 3rd T20 Dream11 Prediction
Option 2:
ZIM vs BAN 3rd T20 Dream11 Prediction
Match Prediction
This promises to be an interesting match. Any score in the region of 170 can be a winning one, given the chasing struggles that both teams possess.
