The first two matches in this Twenty20 international series have not been close at all, as India and Sri Lanka have taken one match each. Join The Roar for live scores of the third and deciding match from 1am (AEDT).
MS Dhoni and his men were in top form coming into this series after recording a dominating three-nil victory over Australia away from home. While the star of that tour, Virat Kohli isn’t playing in these home matches against Sri Lanka, the Twenty20 World Cup is just around the corner, making this an important series for form, and to nail down the final 11.
Sri Lanka meanwhile, had lost three of their last four Twenty20 matches coming into the series.
The first match of this series though saw Sri Lanka come out and cause a massive upset, defeating India in a dominating performance by five wickets.
On a green wicket, India were put into bat first and capitulated to be all out for just 101 in 18.5 overs. Even 101 was only reachable because of a Ravi Ashwin 31 down the bottom of the order.
All of Sri Lanka’s bowlers were economical, bowled in good areas and kept the pressure on India. Kasun Rajitha (3/29) and Dasun Shanaka (3/16) were the pick of the bowlers.
In reply, Sri Lanka got off to a shaky start, but Dinesh Chandimal would steady the ship with a run-a-ball 35, guiding them to victory.
The second match though, played at Ranchi on a much flatter pitch, saw India bounce back and take the win by 69 runs in a canter.
With India batting first and making 196, Rohit Sharma and Shikar Dhawan got India off to a flying start with a 75-run partnership in seven overs and the rest of the order never looked back. Sri Lanka again got off to a slow start, and never recovered, only scoring 127 from 19 overs.
The top orders are the key to this game. Wile Shikar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma have been on fire, Sri Lanka’s top order, even with Tillakaratne Dilshan back in the mix, have folded in both of the first two matches. This has heaped pressure on the likes of Chandimal, and allowed India to get on top.
Prediction
India were tipped by most to take the series comfortably, and even after losing the first match it is hard to see that changing. Their top order is simply in too much form.
India by 50 runs or 5 wickets.
Be sure to join The Roar for live scores of this third and final International Twenty20 match between India and Sri Lanka from 1am (AEDT) and don’t forget to leave your comments in the section below.
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