The Indian team would be looking to bounce back and level the 3 match ODI series in the second ODI to be played at PCA Stadium, Mohali tomorrow. It was a dreadful batting display by Indian batsmen at Dharamshala with half of their side dismissed at the score of 16 runs. Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Dinesh Karthik, Manish Pandey and Shreyas Iyer could contribute many runs. The pitch at Dharamshala helped the fast bowlers.
Former Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Kuldeep Yadav partnership of 41 runs helped team India go past their lowest totals in ODI cricket. MS Dhoni played with good intent and was the top scorer with 65 runs. Team India was bowled out for 112 in 38.2 overs.
While in the bowling department, India got two early wickets. Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar troubled Sri Lankan batsmen. Tharanga has dismissed off a no ball which might have changed the course of the game. Hardik Pandya gave away too many runs. India lost the match by 7 wickets.
It was a perfect game for Sri Lanka as Suranga Lakmal bowled exceptionally well picking 4 wickets and gave away just 13 runs. Lakmal troubled the top order of India and created pressure on the Indian batting throughout. Also, Nuwan Pradeep looked brilliant taking 2 wickets. It was a brilliant bowling display by the Sri Lankan bowlers to dismiss India for just 112 runs.
Chasing the target of 113, Sri Lanka lost early wickets of Gunathilaka and Thirimanne. Upul Tharanga played a vital knock of 49. Mathews and Dickwella did the job for Sri Lanka to win the match by 7 wickets in 20.4 overs.
The second One day international will be played at PCA Stadium, Mohali. With 11.30 start, again the conditions would help the pace bowlers. Rahane should be drafted into the playing XI and also Siddarth Kaul could come into the team in a place of a spinner. The Indian top order has to play the new ball well and not lose many wickets.
Sri Lanka will be going into the 2nd ODI with lots of confidence. Again Lakmal would be important to take early wickets. Mathews also bowled well in the first match. Nuwan Pradeep also bowled well. It will be a great chance to beat India in India.
Playing XI for India: Rohit Sharma (C), Rahane/ Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer, Dinesh Karthik, Manish Pandey, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Siddarth Kaul
Playing XI for Sri Lanka: Gunathilaka, Upul Tharanga, Thirimanne, Angelo Mathews, Niroshan Dickwella (WK), Asela Gunarante, Thisara Perera (C), Sachith Pathirana, Suranga Lakmal, Akila Dananjaya, Nuwan Pradeep.
