SL vs Ind – Second T20 at R. Premadasa SRI LANKA LOOK TO LEVEL SERIES

BY HARSHA AMARASINGHE

Sri Lanka team will be desperate to level the T20 Series against India as they prepare for the second match set to be worked off at R. Premadasa International Stadium today. Sri Lanka were only able to put up a below par display in the first T20 losing by 38 runs despite a stunning knock from Charith Asalanka who smashed 46 runs in 26 balls including three sixes, but the former Richmond College Captain is a major doubt for the second T20 having suffered a hamstring injury during his innings. Sri Lanka spearhead Dushmantha Chameera at the end of first match claimed Sri Lanka are slightly short of options following injuries to three batsman. “Bhanuka Rajapaksa had one of his fingers injured and then Pathum Nissanka is also having an injury in his hand.

Charith also suffered an injury and we still do not know what the status of his injury is. So, we are slightly short of batting, and since we are in a bubble, I don’t think we would be able to bring anyone from outside as well,” Chameera who claimed two wickets against India during the first T20 told the media.

Sri Lanka middle order failed to deliver in the first match and players such as Dhananjaya Silva and Ashen Bandara in particular have come under criticism. Sri Lanka might opt to bring in Sadeera Samarawickrama into the team in place of Bandara, but it would be interesting to see if left arm spinner Praveen Jayawickrama would have to warm the bench once again despite his superb performance in the third ODI which Sri Lanka won by seven wickets. India are not expected to make changes as they could seal the series with another win today, but coach Rahul Dravid could be tempted to give Devdutt Padikkal a go in the second game. Leg spinner Rahul Chahar bowled a great spell in the third ODI towards the end of the match, but with Yuzvendra Chahal current form he’s unlikely to replace the latter, but India could possibly consider going with both the leggies should Sri Lanka are forced to play without both Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Charith Asalanka which leaves the islanders with just one recognized left handed batsman in the form of Minod Bhanuka.