India made decent early inroads in the second ODI against hosts Sri Lanka as they sent back opener Pathum Nissanka back for a golden duck on just the first delivery of the match. It was Mohammad Siraj who did the crucial strike, getting Nissanka caught behind by KL Rahul. The effect is created here in the middle—so important for both sides, including this first ODI, which underwent a thrilling tie.
The two men at the crease stitching together this revival of Sri Lankan batting are Avishka Fernando and Kusal Mendis. After winning the toss, the hosts decided to bat in this second match of the series at the R. Premadasa Stadium, which was barely 24 hours after that first match ended dramatically.
WATCH – Mohammed Siraj Strikes Early: Pathum Nissanka Falls For A Golden Duck
Sri Lanka have made two changes in the lineup for this must-win match, with Kamindu Mendis and Jeffrey Vandersay coming in for all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga, really important, and fast bowler Lahiru Kumara, who are both injured. India retained the same team that played the first ODI, having shown confidence in it.
— Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka (@Hanji_CricDekho) August 4, 2024
This can turn into an engrossing fight, with both teams looking to really set things up in this series. The Indian bowlers would look to build on the early success provided by Siraj, while the Lankans would strive to put a competitive total on the board with their batsmen. This can turn into a very interesting game with high stakes involved for both teams.
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India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh.
Sri Lanka (Playing XI): Pathum Nissanka, Avishko Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (Captain, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Vellalaghe, Akila Dhananjaya, Asita Fernando, Jeffrey Vandersay
