-Bharath Ramaraj in Colombo
India would look to build on the momentum gained after a resounding win over arch-rivals Pakistan when they take on Sri Lanka in a Super Fours game in Colombo. The Indian think-tank would be pleased with the fact that almost all of their players contributed in some way or the other to the team’s success against Pakistan. Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill led the way with the bat, before a clinical show from the bowlers.
Moreover, Rahul showed good fitness levels – both while batting and wicketkeeping – on his return to competitive cricket. There is still a question mark over how the Indian players would cope with back-to-back matches, especially in the backdrop of Jasprit Bumrah and Rahul making a return from long-term injuries. The conditions in Colombo haven’t been easy either – Humidity levels touched over 80 per cent in the India-Pakistan game.
Sri Lanka, their next opponent, would also be feeling confident. Despite injury setbacks, Sri Lanka haven’t yet lost a game in the tournament. The likes of Matheesha Pathirana, Kusal Mendis, Maheesha Theekshana and Charith Asalanka have stepped up at crucial junctures in the ongoing Asia Cup. Dasun Shanaka has shown good leadership skills and also put on a fine show with the ball in the vital game versus Bangladesh. But their injury-hit bowling attack would be tested against this in-form Indian batting line-up.
Time and venue details
Premadasa Stadium, September 12, 2.30 PM local time
Expected conditions
As per the forecast, the match could be affected by a couple of spells of rain. The silver lining is that the forecast looks better compared to the past couple of days. It might turn out to be another sluggish wicket. Under lights, however, it could offer a little more help to the pace bowlers.
Possible XIs
India might give Suryakumar Yadav an opportunity. Mohammed Shami and Prasidh Krishna could also come into the equation as India look to test their bench strength.
Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma (c), Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (wk), Suryakumar Yadav/Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.
Sri Lanka would likely go in with an unchanged XI.
Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana.