In the 150th clash between the two teams – most between any other team – Sri Lankan comeback skipper Angelo Mathews won the toss and took a no brainer decision to bowl first, due to the forecast of rain during the game, which might also result in a reduction of overs and D/L method coming into play.
In a must-win contest, there was a total of three changes in Sri Lankan team, two of being forced one in form of Upul Tharanga and Chamara Kapugedara with Seekuge Prasanna being the third one. Skipper Angelo Mathews, was back in the team along with experienced Thisara Perera and Danushka Gunathilaka.
Indian skipper Virat Kohli was unfazed by the fact that they had to bat first. Though he mentioned that fact that the pitch will remain same throughout the day but the weather is the thing that can go against the India team. The Virat Kohli-led side was unchanged for this game, with skipper indicating that he might look out for options if India books a place in the next round today.
It’s a must win the game for Sri Lanka as a loss here will end their campaign whereas a win for India will confirm a berth for them in the semi-finals.
PLaying XI –
Sri Lanka Playing XI: Niroshan Dickwella(w), Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews(c), Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Perera, Asela Gunaratne, Thisara Perera, Suranga Lakmal, Lasith Malinga, Nuwan Pradeep
India Playing XI: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli(c), Yuvraj Singh, Hardik Pandya, MS Dhoni(w), Kedar Jadhav, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umesh Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah
What the captains said –
Virat Kohli: “We would have bowled first as well, but the pitch here is very good, doesn’t change much. So we are not worried much about the toss. The conditions apparently are going to stay the same. So we do have to bat well at any stage of the game. The team is in a good space. We have brought good momentum into the game, but we need to play good cricket today to win. We are unchanged. Maybe for the next one we will look to do something different. Yuvi has been playing well since his return, had a decent IPL as well. Rohit playing well too gives the others a bit of cushion.”
Angelo Mathews: “We will bowl first. There is grass on the wicket and it is overcast as well. Upul Tharanga is out suspended, Kapugedara got injured yesterday and Prasanna misses out today. Myself, Danushka Gunathilaka and Thisara Perera are in. Feels awesome to be back in the team. We bowled really well and fielded pretty well. Our batting didn’t click, hopefully we’ll get it right today. The pressure is on, but we don’t think about it. We just want to go out there and enjoy ourselves.”