Cricket Prediction | Sri Lanka vs India | 1st ODI | Aug 02– Let’s see if SL gets a win after a whitewash. 

SL vs IND Match Analysis

The three-match series between India and Sri Lanka will begin on Friday at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium, setting the stage for another thrilling ODI battle. India is a clear favorite going into the ODIs after winning the T20I series handily. Their chances of defeating the hosts are further enhanced by the return of key players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. India is predicted to maintain its recent dominance over Sri Lanka in the One-Day Internationals (ODIs) series.

As they play a formidable Indian team at home, Sri Lanka has a formidable battle. In 12 ODIs, they have only managed to defeat India once, so they will need to perform much above their weight to stand a chance in this series. 

Many well-known players who were not part of the T20I series have returned to the Indian ODI team, including skipper Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Kuldeep Yadav. In addition, Riyan Parag, Shivam Dube, and Harshit Rana make their ODI debuts in this series.

SL vs IND Team Preview & Squads

Sri Lanka

As the new captain, Asalanka will try to take the initiative and lead from the front.

The top-order batting combination of Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, and Avishka Fernando will be essential in creating a strong foundation as the squad looks to recuperate and rebuild. Nissanka scored 137 runs at an average of 45.66 in three innings during the T20I series against India, displaying remarkable form. Additionally, he will be supporting himself to do well in the ODIs. 

The adaptable combination of Kamindu Mendis and Akila Dananjaya, who should be able to contribute with both the bat and the ball, will support the middle order.

The spin twins Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga will bear the brunt of the responsibility for Sri Lanka’s bowling department. Theekshana should cause problems for India’s hitters because he has been playing good limited-overs cricket.

Dunith Wellalage, Matheesha Pathirana, and Dilshan Madushanka are offering choices for pace. Pathirana’s availability for the opening ODI is in doubt, though, because he suffered a shoulder injury during the just-finished T20I series against India.

Sri Lanka Squads

Sri Lanka Squads

Charith Asalanka (C), Kusal Mendis (wk), Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Matheesha Pathirana, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando, Akila Dananjaya, Avishka Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka

India

Both Rohit and Virat are keen to get back into the swing of things in time for the ICC Champions Trophy next year, having not played ODI cricket since the 2023 World Cup. These two reliable batsmen have a strong record against Sri Lanka. In 51 innings, Kohli has scored 2,594 runs at an average of 63.26 and a strike rate of 93.91 against them. In contrast to Sri Lanka, he has 10 hundred and 12 fifties. 

In the meanwhile, Rohit has scored 1,864 runs at a 45.46 average off of them, including two significant double hundreds. 

Along with KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, who scored 530 runs at 66.25 in the 2023 World Cup, will be an essential part of India’s middle-order.

As an all-rounder and finisher, the management is probably going to go with Riyan Parag because Hardik Pandya is not available. With his batting and ability to deliver vital spinovers in the center of the pitch, Parag recently made an impression in the T20I series. This surface will come in extremely helpful for him.

The only slow bowling option is left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav, while Mohammed Siraj leads the pace attack. Both players have an impressive track record together, having taken over 40 wickets in this format the year before.

The remaining two bowlers in the fast bowling unit should be Harshit Rana, who is yet to be capped, and T20I specialist Arshdeep Singh, who claimed five wickets in an ODI against South Africa.

India Squads

India Squads

Rohit Sharma (c), KL Rahul (wk), Virat Kohli, Riyan Parag, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Shreyas Iyer, Mohammed Siraj, Shubman Gill, Harshit Rana.

SL vs IND outfield report

R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

Both captains will probably choose to field first after winning the toss because rain is predicted to cause delays during the game. It will be useful to bat second if the target is lowered. 

There is a risk that thunderstorms will occasionally interrupt the game due to the overcast weather in Colombo. This implies that the game may start later than expected or be cut shorter.

The R Premadasa Stadium’s pitch is a little slower than average. Early in the game, there will be some zip for the quick bowlers, but as it goes on, it will calm down.

SL vs IND Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches

India won five times in the last five matches and Sri Lanka won none.

Sri Lanka vs India Prediction

Winning the toss

• India

Player of the Match

• India – Rohit Sharma

Most runs

• Sri Lanka – Avishka Fernando
• India – Rohit Sharma

Most wickets

• Sri Lanka – Maheesh Theekshana
• India – Kuldeep Yadav

Most sixes

• Sri Lanka – Avishka Fernando
• India – Rohit Sharma

Team Scores Batting First

• Sri Lanka – 320+ 
• India – 350+

According to cricket analysts, India has a 75% chance of winning.