Hardik Pant-led Team India are set to lock horns with Sri Lanka in their second T20I of the three-match series on Thursday (January 5). The first T20I between the Men in Blue and Asia Cup champions lived up to its billing as we saw nail-biting content until the very last ball. The second match of series is set to be played at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune and India will look to wrap up a series win in this match itself.Dasun Shanaka-led side will be hoping to bounce back in the second game after losing the first one by a narrow margin of two runs. With 13 runs needed off the last over, Pandya gave Axar Patel the duty to guide India home. The left-arm spinner kept his cool even after getting hit for a six to Chamika Karunaratne which left him to defend 5 runs off the last 3 balls. However, Karunaratne was outfoxed by the Indian all-rounder and India took the lead in the series by 1-0.
The MCA Stadium in Pune is known for its advantages for batters and the pitch is expected to have no change in that fact. The team batting second will hold the advantage in Pune.Former India batter Wasim Jaffer made a big prediction ahead of India's second T20I game against Sri Lanka today. Jaffer believes Hardik Pandya's side will wrap up the series in Pune itself after winning the first game by two runs.
“I would be surprised if Hardik Pandya opts to bat first after winning the toss in Pune. I think the side winning the toss should look to bowl first. The teams will be looking to exploit the conditions on offer early on, because the wicket settles down after that, and again the dew factor also comes in. I think India will wrap up the series in Pune itself,” Jaffer was quotes as saying by ESPNCricinfo website.Sanju Samson failed to perform again in an Indian jersey in the first T20I against Sri Lanka. Will captain Hardik Pandya give him another chance? Check probable eleven of both sides below:
Sri Lanka Probable Playing XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(w), Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka(c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Dilshan Madushanka
India Probable Playing XI: Ishan Kishan(w), Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson, Hardik Pandya(c), Deepak Hooda, Axar Patel, Harshal Patel, Shivam Mavi, Umran Malik, Yuzvendra ChahalIndia Playing XI vs SL – India vs SriLanka 2nd T20 LIVE: India have another injury crisis with Sanju Samson suffering a knee injury. He has been ruled out of the entire series. But it’s a lucky break for Rahul Tripathi. He is likely to make his India debut in the 2nd T20 on Thursday. The slow Pune pitch can also force Hardik Pandya and Rahul Dravid to make some changes in bowling. Even India can be tempeted to play ‘FIT AGAIN’ Arshdeep sing
- Change 1: Sanju Samson is OUT, Rahul Tripathi can make DEBUT
- Change 2: Wicket is slow, India can play Washington Sundar in place of Harshal Patel. But this change is only possible only if Hardik Pandya is in a positing to bowl. He suffered cramps and niggles in 1st T20.
- Change 3: Arshdeep Singh is now FIT to PLAY. If he clears FITNESS test, he can be drafted in place of either Harshal or Umran Malik.
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