This article will talk about the probable XIs for both teams and continue with the Dream11 predictions and the winning fantasy team for the first ODI between Sri Lanka and India that is scheduled to take place on the 18th of July 2021.
After the horrible series loss against England, Sri Lanka is all set to host India for a limited-overs series. Sri Lanka is facing financial issues and suspensions of some key players however, their board has given a green signal and agreed to play this series. The Islanders played their last ODI series against England where they lost 2-0 and one match was abandoned due to rain.
On other hand, India has made two different teams for different formats. The main squad is in England for Test cricket and the second squad led by Shikhar Dhawan will play limited-overs series in Sri Lanka. India played their last ODI series against England where they won the series by 2-1. India will look to win this series with a young squad and also test their bench strength, on the other hand, Sri Lanka will aim to win this match and earn some points in ICC ODI Super League.
Match Details
Venue: R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Pitch and Weather: The pitch will be batting-friendly at Colombo. Batsmen will enjoy batting for the majority part of the match however spinners will come into the game during the second inning. The average first inning score is 241 at Colombo so it will be around 250-270 score in this match. The weather should be clear throughout the game as the match will be completed without any interruption. The temperature will be around 30°C.
Date and Time: July 18, 3 PM IST
Probable Playing XIs
Sri Lanka has made some changes in the squad from the one which played in the England series, as their skipper Kusal Perera got injured and will not play in this series. Avishka Fernando and Pathum Nissanka will open for Sri Lanka. Dhananjaya De Silva, Dasun Shanaka, and Wanindu Hasaranga will be the main players in the middle order. Chameera, Ranjitha, and Isuru Udana will be the main bowlers.
India has picked many new faces in this series as senior players are in England for the Test series. Shikhar Dhawan will lead the Indian Team for the first time. Prithvi Shaw is likely to open along with the skipper. Sanju Samson will keep the wickets. Manish Pandey, Surya Kumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya will be the main players from the middle order. Bhuvneshwar Kumar will lead the bowling attack along with Deepak Chahar and Yuzvendra Chahal.
India: Shikhar Dhawan(c), Prithvi Shaw, Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson(wk), Manish Pandey, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Deepak Chahar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav.
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Dhananjaya De Silva, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Minod Bhanuka(wk), Dasun Shanaka(c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Isuru Udana, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando.
Match Prediction
India is playing in the absence of some main players but looking at the team’s strength and current form of Sri Lanka, India will start as favorites to win this match.
Fantasy Tips
Batsmen: Shikhar Dhawan and Surya Kumar Yadav will be the main batsmen from the Indian batting lineup. Both players will play in the top order. Avishka Fernando and Dasun Shanaka will are the valuable picks from the home side.
All-Rounders: Hardik Pandya will be the main pick from the all-rounder’s section. He will give points with both bat and ball. Dhananjaya De Silva and Wanindu Hasaranga are the valuable options from Sri Lanka. De Silva had a good series in England and Hasaranga is the best all-rounder on the team.
Wicket-Keeper: Sanju Samson will be the only best option from the wicket-keeping section. He will play in the middle order for India.
Bowlers: Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Yuzvendra Chahal will be the key bowlers and are the prime wicket-taking bowlers in this match. Isuru Udana will be the one to look out for from Sri Lanka.
Captaincy Choices
Fantasy Team: Sanju Samson, Shikhar Dhawan(c), Suryakumar Yadav, Avishka Fernando, Dasun Shanaka, Hardik Pandya, Wanindu Hasaranga(vc), Dhananjaya De Silva, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Isuru Udana, Yuzvendra Chahal
Captain – Shikhar Dhawan
Shikhar Dhawan will open for India and has the best chance to score big in this match. He will be the best pick for the captain.
Vice-Captain – Wanindu Hasaranga
Wanindu Hasaranga will make a good vice captaincy option if you want to back a Sri Lankan player in the match. His contribution with both bat and ball will be key for both Sri Lanka and the fantasy players.
Dream11 Team
