Sri Lanka vs India: 2nd ODI, July 20, 2021, India Tour of Sri Lanka Match Prediction

Match Predictions

It seemed too easy for India in the end as they recorded a comfortable seven-wicket win in the first ODI and took a 1-0 lead in this three-match series. The Indian spinners led the charge with the ball while the top five batters looked in sublime touch and took India home with ease.

India will be happy to see their wrist-spin duo of Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav back amongst the wickets. Barring Deepak Chahar who picked up a couple of wickets, the other two experienced pacers Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Hardik Pandya were the most expensive bowlers for India. Meanwhile, the batting was flawless. Each of the top five – skipper Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw, Ishan Kishan, Manish Pandey and Suryakumar Yadav got substantial scores and looked in top form.

On the other hand, Sri Lanka couldn’t really force the pace with bat or ball. They did get a very good start as the top three laid the platform but none of them could go on to make big scores. Five out of the top six batters went past the 20-run mark but no one could go past 40. It was only Chamika Karunaratne’s 43 that lifted the hosts to 262. The bowling seemed to lack bite and the consistent performers like Dushmantha Chameera and Wanindu Hasaranga looked ineffective as well.

The series is on the line in this second ODI and Sri Lanka need to up their up big time. They cannot afford to continue to be inconsistent. India have already showcased their power with the bat. They were slightly inconsistent with the ball but they won’t be too fused about the first game’s performance. The Shikhar Dhawan-led side will once again start as overwhelming favourites.

Moreover, there are 10 Super League points up for grabs and Sri Lanka are reeling at the second-last (12^th) spot with just 13 points. Hence, they will want to climb that ladder and finish in the top seven/eight.

Summary

India are well ahead in terms of the head to head record against Sri Lanka. Overall, these two sides have faced each other 160 times in ODI cricket, including the first game of the ongoing series and India returned with 91 wins. Sri Lanka have won just 56 ODI matches against India. However, in Sri Lanka, it’s almost neck and neck. India are marginally ahead with a win-loss record of 28-27 against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka. In India and in neutral venues, India are overwhelmingly ahead.