The India Vs Sri Lanka series is sealed due to some heroics from Shreyas Iyer, Sanju Samson and Ravindra Jadeja. The will be pleasing as it allowed India to sort out some issues faced in the last few years. The middle-order took responsibility after the top-order failed, and showed incredible flexibility.
With Jadeja excelling at five, India can be more flexible and add to the bowling and batting depth, giving them more options. Sanju Samson looked good as well after struggling initially and Shreyas Iyer is on fire with two fifties in a row. The death bowling didn’t go so well, but the Indians won’t mind and would rather look at it as a learning lesson as the team is looking to tick boxes.
For Sri Lanka the death overs with the bat, intent and aggression were spot on. With the ball, upfront Kumara bowled one of the best early spells in recent times. He had Kishan in trouble with his pace and could have made an impact had he got an extra over in the spell. The bowling after the powerplay though was poor and the fielding was nowhere near international standards. There were a lot of fumbles and misjudgments allowing India to get a good 10-15 runs extra.
Rain was in the forecast for the second T20 but didn’t show up. Spectators may not be as lucky for the third as rain is still in the forecast for the India Vs Sri Lanka game. In case rain stays away chilly weather is expected in the India Vs Sri Lanka encounter.
Pitch Report
The surface for the second India Vs Sri Lanka T20I saw swing early on and runs later. The ball was coming onto the bat nicely and runs seemed very easy to get.
Despite the series win India may go in to the next game unchanged. Rohit Sharma looks intent on backing the current group and the most we can see is an adjustment to the bowling attack as someone like Siraj gets an opportunity with Bumrah resting ahead of the Test series.
Sri Lanka may look to bring Dickwella in for Chandimal.
Key Players
Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer is in brilliant touch with two aggressive fifties in two games. He is making a statement as he looks to seal his place in a side full of competition. The two fifties are likely to have sealed the Man of the Series award for him but Iyer will still want to continue with a big score in the final game and go into the Test series with lots of confidence.
Lahiru Kumara
Kumara was brilliant in the early stages of the innings. He bowled sharp bouncers, maintained high pace and was just plain old aggressive. He will be a treat to watch in the India Vs Sri Lanka Test series but for now has another T20 to look at. His death bowling is still a concern though and he could try and prompt his captain to give him an extra over in the powerplay.
India Vs Sri Lanka Match Tips
Given the fielding and bowling, it is tough to see Sri Lanka come out on top in the final India Vs Sri Lanka T20. An Indian win is already written and it will take a massive upset for Sri Lanka to break India’s streak.