After a commendable win against Pakistan in Edgbaston, team India is looking forward to taking on in their next match against Sri Lanka at The Oval on Thursday.
As India is looking quite commendable in all its department except a bit weak in fielding. The batting display and the bowling department seems to have done the correct job till date. On the other hand, Sri Lanka is missing the services of Angelo Mathews and also Upul Tharanga, who got banned from some matches because of the slow over-rate.
The team, without regular their skipper Angelo Mathews, could not match South Africa and suffered their eighth consecutive ODI defeat. That makes Sri Lanka’s next match as a do-or-die for the Islanders.
Sangakkara wrote in a column for ICC that the absence of Upul Tharanga will hurt Sri Lanka and if Angelo Mathews is available, it will increase their chances of a win against defending champions India.
“Even if Angelo is considered fit, the threat of slow over-rate will be a major concern. Having Tharanga suspended is a huge waste. With quite an experienced and senior bowling attacked led by Lasith Malinga, a team constituting two spinners, it is unacceptable that Sri Lanka was over by 39 minutes,” wrote Sangakkara.
He praised the efforts of Nuwan Pradeep as well as the other fast bowlers during the game against South Africa. He said,
“The bowlers’ inability to strike in the first 10 overs in terms of wickets will be a concern when faced with such a strong batting line-up like India. There might be a strong case where it opts to bring in all-rounder Thissera Perera, who along with all-rounder Seekuge Prasanna, will give them more variety and more options.”
He said that India will be favourites in the match, after flawless display against Pakistan.
“From an India perspective, the fact that Rohit Sharma and Shikar Dhawan managed to form a strong opening partnership once again was very encouraging for the defending champions given the strength of their batting combination has been vital in their past tournament successes,” he added.
He added the fact that Sri Lanka should rethink their strategies and has to come back stronger in the game against the charged up men in blue. Their middle order batting seemed a problem and also Lakshan leaked too many runs. Mallinga too looked out of tough by not getting a single wicket. He even exclaimed that Sri Lanka should take positives from last days game and pounce on its rivals.
“I would personally like this young Sri Lanka side to walk out at The Oval and play with the arrogance and abandon of youth. They should express their talent and play a really positive brand of cricket. If they are able to do this, then they have a chance of pulling off an upset, but it will not be easy an India team that so confidently overwhelmed Pakistan on Sunday.”