The first match of the 3 Match T20 Series will be played between India and Sri Lanka, at Wankhede Stadium, in Mumbai India. The match will start at 7:00 PM IST.
This will be the first series of the new year for Team India. The target would be to start the new year with a bang and an innovatively refreshing approach, putting the disappointed performance of 2022 behind them and moving forward with a rejuvenated focus.
The pitch on which the 1st match is to be played is recognized for specific lateral movement for the fast bowlers, making it highly advisable for the batsmen from both sides to have a fine game plan to take advantage of the turf. If any of the two sides get the chance to bat 1st they should be judicious for the first few overs of the game and if bowling comes their way 1st bowling around the channel of outside the off-stump, keeping it simple and letting the pitch do its thing.
Only when the moisture of the pitch disappears the batsman should look to play their shots. The Wankhede is also a decent batting track as there is true bounce of track and the ball will come on to the batt agreeably, as there is no issue of inconstant bounce on the Wankhede pitch. It will be interesting to see how the young brigade, which has been recently selected, will go about their job. Now let’s talk about the touring team Sri Lanka, who have given some upgraded performances in the recent past, in the white ball format.
The most recent being the 2022 Asia Cup, with a progression that has been heartening to see. With stormy batters like Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dhananjaya De Silva and Charith Asalanka, the Sri Lankan batting is a cause for concern for the opponents. What team india could cash on would be the Injury record of the vital team members, not so good strike rates of the top order and yes the lack of a backup wicket keeper. So, get ready to watch a fascinating fiasco.
TFG Fantasy Stars for IND vs Sri Lanka:
India:
Ishan Kishan is a young swashbuckling opening wicketkeeper batsman, can certainly blast the ball away, playing extremely hard cut shots through the offside. A brilliant young prospect for the Indian team, he can drill the ball through the covers, plays shots, back punches and is a proficient wicketkeeper behind the stumps. to his credit Ishan has played 21 T20I International matches, scored 589 runs with the bat, with an average of 29.45 and, a strike rate of 129.16 in his T20I International career so far.
Ruturaj Gaikwad is a batsman with a silky touch about him and can play both spin and pace with equal proficiency. He has no pronounced technical glitches, plays fantabulous straight drive, is a glorious cutter and puller of a cricket ball, not to forget his lofted extra cover drive with the spin creates a sprinkle. Ruturaj Gaikwad comes with a staggering Vijay Hazare Trophy season 2021-22, where he scored a mind boggling 660 runs in the recently concluded Vijay Hazare Trophy. Rich in form at this point of time he has been selected at the right time for the national side. Gaikwad has to his credit, 9 T20I International matches, scoring 135 runs with the bat, with an average of 16.87 and a strike rate of 123.85 in his T20I International career so far.
Suryakumar Yadav plays the ball in different angles of ground and dishes out some astoundingly luscious shots, especially the flick over final leg. if you’re a bowler against him you can’t be predictable, just keep him guessing as to what is coming next. But if it’s his day you will be scattered all over the ground. His ramp shot over the keeper and third man is intriguingly thorough and watching him bat is a high-quality recital. Yadav has played 42 T20I International matches, scored 1408 runs with the bat, with an average of 44.00 and a strike rate of 180.97 in his T20I International career so far.
Sri Lanka:
Dasun Shanaka plays the back-foot punch terrifically well and also hits a hard sweep shot in front of the square leg. He also plays a delicate dab against the spinners through the wicketkeeper and the first slip. He is a gritty cricketer and puts a price on his wicket. Dasun has played 82 T20I International matches, scored 1204 runs with the bat, with an average of 20.06 and a strike rate of 177.57 in his T20I International career so far.
Pathum Nissanka can play a gorgeous lofted straight drive over mid-off. He also plays a lovely square drive through the offside and a very fine scoop through fine leg. Pathum has played 36 T20I International matches, scored 577 runs with the bat, with an average of 29.85 and a strike rate of 114.17 in his T20I International career so far.
Avishka Fernando plays a stylish cover drive through the covers and can also craft a beautiful pedal sweep through the leg side. He also plays a delicate late cut against the of spinners. Fernando has played 32 T20I International matches, scored 336 runs with the bat, with an average of 12.00 and a strike rate of 94.64 in his T20I International career so far.
Possible 11: IND
Ishan Kishan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson, Deepak Hooda, Axar Patel, Shivam Mavi, Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik.
Possible 11: SL
Ashen Bandara, Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Chamika Karunaratne, Dasun Shanaka , Dhanajaya de Silva, Wanindu Hasaranga, Kusal Mendis, Lahiru Kumara.
TFG Picks for India vs Sri Lanka