India vs Sri Lanka: 1st ODI, Match Preview

The Indian team are performing like World Champions after lifting the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 where they created a history by remaining undefeated in the marquee event. Not only that! They carried their prime form in the next series against Zimbabwe, where they bounced back after facing a humiliating defeat in the first game and ended the series with 4 back-to-back games. Carrying the winning streak of 4 wins in a row, Men in Blue entered into the 3-match T20I series against Island Nation under a new coach and captain of the Indian cricket team they whitewashed the Sri Lankan team by 3-0 and showed the world why they have been a number 1 team in the world.

After winning the 3-match T20I series on Tuesday, the Indian cricket team are ready to continue their winning streak in the ODI series, which will be starting from tomorrow at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Both teams will be heading for the 1st ODI after playing a nail-biting last-over match in the final game of the series which got a draw and the results were decided through super overs where Men in Blue emerged victorious.

It will be really exciting to see how the Indian team performs in the limited-overs format after winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 as the squad will be joined by senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who are especially called up by the new head coach Gautam Gambhir after they decided to skip the ODI series. Looking at the ICC Champions Trophy. Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan team are going through worst form and will try to forget the past and make a new start with the ODI series.

India vs Sri Lanka, Head to Heads

Being a neighbouring country and a good friend these 2 Asian teams have played a lot of matches against each other in white ball format. These 2 Asian Giants have played a total of 168 ODI games where Men in Blue has dominated the Lankan team by winning 99 matches. However, Island Nations won 57 and 11 were of no results while one was tied.

Pitch Report of R Premadasa Stadium 

The 1st ODI match between India and Sri Lanka will be played at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. This is known for its balanced nature offering equal assistance to batters and bowlers. However, as the game progresses, we can see spinners getting some help from the pitch. The first innings is comparatively easier to play than the second innings when the pitch tends to wear down, making it more challenging for batsmen.

Probable Playing XI

India:

Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Axar Patel

Sri Lanka:

Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Mohamed Shiraz

Who will win the match between India and Sri Lanka?

Looking at the current form of both teams, India are a top contender to win the opening game of the series with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma included in the squad, Men in Blue are looking stronger than the Sri Lankan team who are going through their worst form from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, where they were eliminated from the group stage of the tournament.