Big Picture: Sri Lanka’s Middle-Order Woes
Sri Lanka’s performance in the T20I series has been marred by a recurring theme: middle-order collapses. In the first match, they lost nine wickets for just 30 runs, and in the second, seven wickets fell for 32. This troubling trend has overshadowed Charith Asalanka’s debut series as the full-time T20I captain. Asalanka himself has struggled, scoring only 0 and 14 in the two games.
While the top three batsmen have shown promise, taking Sri Lanka to scores of 140 and 80 for the loss of two wickets, the middle and lower orders have failed to capitalize. Pathum Nissanka stands out as the series’ leading run-scorer, with Kusal Perera notching a half-century and Kusal Mendis scoring 45 in the first match. However, beyond these performances, the middle order has floundered, with Kamindu Mendis’ 26 in the second T20I being the highest score from those positions.
To compete effectively, Sri Lanka must find solutions to their middle-order woes and build on the solid platforms provided by their top order.
India’s Focus
India, having secured the series with dominant performances, will look to give some of their batters, like Sanju Samson, Rinku Singh, and Riyan Parag, more time at the crease. With little else to address, they can afford to experiment and refine their strategies.
Form Guide
- Sri Lanka: LLWLL (Last five completed T20Is, most recent first)
- India: WWWWW
Spotlight Players: Pathum Nissanka and Rishabh Pant
Pathum Nissanka is the only batter to surpass 100 runs in the series, striking at 154.16. His stellar form in 2024 includes 753 runs at a strike rate of 154.93, significantly above his career average. His consistency is crucial for Sri Lanka, especially given their fragile middle order.
Rishabh Pant, after a life-threatening accident, made a triumphant return in IPL 2024 and played a pivotal role in India’s T20 World Cup victory. Despite a shaky start in the series, where he scored 49 off 33 in the first game, Pant faces pressure to solidify his place with Sanju Samson in contention.
Team News
Sri Lanka is expected to field a similar XI to the second game, with possible changes including Avishka Fernando or Dinesh Chandimal replacing the out-of-form Dasun Shanaka. Romesh Mendis may continue to play despite not bowling in the rain-affected second game, adding depth to the batting lineup.
Probable XI:
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kusal Mendis (wk)
- Kusal Perera
- Kamindu Mendis
- Charith Asalanka (capt)
- Dinesh Chandimal/Avishka Fernando
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Romesh Mendis
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Matheesha Pathirana
- Asitha Fernando
India might rest a fast bowler, giving Khaleel Ahmed a chance. Washington Sundar could also feature if India continues its trend of rotating the squad. Shivam Dube is another option, although with Hardik Pandya not in the ODI squad, India may stick with him. There’s uncertainty over Shubman Gill, who missed the second game due to a neck spasm, potentially keeping Samson in the lineup.
Probable XI:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Sanju Samson
- Suryakumar Yadav (capt)
- Rishabh Pant (wk)
- Riyan Parag/Washington Sundar
- Hardik Pandya
- Rinku Singh
- Axar Patel
- Ravi Bishnoi
- Mohammed Siraj
- Arshdeep Singh/Khaleel Ahmed
Pitch and Conditions
The match will be played on a fresh surface in Pallekele after two games on the same pitch. Early batting conditions have been favorable, with spin and changes of pace becoming more effective as the matches progress. The new pitch is expected to maintain similar characteristics.
Stats and Trivia
- Matheesha Pathirana has dismissed Suryakumar Yadav in all three T20 innings he has bowled to him, which might encourage Sri Lanka to use him earlier in the attack.
- Mohammed Siraj has struggled against Sri Lanka in T20Is, averaging 39 compared to 7.68 in ODIs. He will aim to improve his T20I stats.
- Wanindu Hasaranga has taken 15 wickets against India, the most against any team, and has twice dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal in this series.
Quotes
Sri Lanka’s batting coach, Thilina Kandamby, remarked on the team’s challenges: “The obvious thing to say is that we don’t have enough power, but that’s not true. If you look at our stats this year, we’re neck-and-neck with other teams for six-hitting. If you hit it out of the stadium or just clear the boundary, it’s still a six. More than skills, I think handling situations and sticking around in tough situations have been the problems.
Published by: Cricket Khabhar
Published on: July 30, 2024