ICC Champions Trophy semi-final: Five things to look out for when India meet Sri Lanka

In a repeat of the ICC World Cup 2011 final, India will meet Sri Lanka in the second semi-final of the Champions Trophy. The two sides have undergone some changes since that match. Sri Lanka have had a change in guard even though the personnel remain pretty much the same as Angelo Matthews will lead the side. On the other hand, India are without many key members of that squad, but perhaps look all the more better for it. The two subcontinental teams have acclimatized to English conditions, and have had successful group campaigns. Sri Lanka have survived some narrow clashes, whereas India have been rather convincing throughout. With an abundance of skill in both the line-ups, temperament and psychological strength might prove to be the separating factors on the day.

The 2002 Champions Trophy saw these two teams contest the final, but an appalling reserve day rule that required the match to be restarted from scratch saw two matches being rained out, and the trophy was shared in spite of over 100 overs of play. Fans of both cricketing nations will be hoping that rain does not intervene when the match gets underway. India seem to be the stronger side on paper, but Sri Lanka have the advantage of coming out of some really tough situations, and that may help them to peak at the right moment. In either case, it makes for a thrilling contest. Here is a list of five things to look out for when the Indian blues meet the Lankan lions:

5. Slinga Malinga

Lasith Malinga has had mixed success playing against the Indians. He saw some success initially, but he was tonked all around the park by the Indian batsmen at the World Cup. Virat Kohli especially takes a particular liking for his pace. It is perhaps because the two teams have contested a lot of games against each other in last few years that his novelty has worn out. Malinga has had a terrific tournament so far though, and his slower yorker is a sensation. He will be rejuvenated and eager for revenge. He will have able support from Nuwan Kulasekara at the other end, who put in a match-winning performance with the ball against the Aussies.