The long wait is over as the Men in Blue are back in action after a break of 7 weeks. India will challenge Sri Lanka in their own backyard in a 5 match ODI Series and a One-Off T20I. The 1st ODI will be played today at Hambantota. India are coming off a very poor season and will be looking to gain some form at the start of their new season. Sri Lanka on the other hand have been in brilliant form, winning both the ODI and Test Series against Pakistan.
INDIA: They are the world champions and are looking a rejuvenated side. Mahendra Singh Dhoni has already said that this series is going to be a test of character for their team and it will also test how well they have looked after themselves in the 7 week break. India have got a golden opportunity to become No. 1 in ODI Rankings if they can beat Sri Lanka 4-0 or 5-0. Surely its not going to be an easy task to beat the Lankan lions in their own den.
SRI LANKA: Mahela Jayawardene has said that this series is going to be a preparation for the World T20 to be held in September, but it is not that they will be taking this series likely. Sri Lanka top order has been in scintillating form with the bat in the recent past. The two all rounders Mathews and Perera will be the trump cards as far as Sri Lanka are concerned because both of them can turn the game around at any stage of the match.
PITCH REPORT: The Hambantota wicket is going to be a good sporting one with bit of help for the bowlers as well. The match is a day/night affair and the ball will swing under the lights. It is going to be difficult to chase. So the team winning the toss should bat first and a score of about 240 should be considered par.
HEAD TO HEAD: Played-140 || India won-71 || Sri Lanka won-51 || N/R,Tie-18
TEAMS:
Sri Lanka-Tharanga, Dilshan, Sangakkara, Jayawardene(C), Chandimal, Thirimanne, Mathews, Kapugedara, Perera, J.Mendis, Herath, Senanayeke, Malinga, Kulasekara, Udana.
India-Gambhir, Sehwag, Rahane, Kohli, Raina, Rohit Sharma, Tiwary, Dhoni(C), Ashwin, Ojha, Rahul Sharma, Irfan Pathan, Zaheer Khan, Yadav, Dinda.
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