India vs Sri Lanka, 2nd T20I: Toss result and playing XIs for today's match, umpires list and pitch report
Team India will look to seal the three-match T20I series when they take on Sri Lanka in the second game at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on Thursday, January 5. The Men in Blue won the first game to take a significant 1-0 lead, but the two-run victory was far from a convincing one.
Sent in to bat after losing the toss, the hosts slipped to 94-5. However, an unbroken sixth-wicket stand of 68 between Deepak Hooda (41*) and Axar Patel (31*) lifted Team India to a competitive 162-5. Despite the fightback by the Men in Blue, Sri Lanka would have backed themselves to chase the under-par score at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Pacer Shivam Mavi had a fabulous T20I debut for India, claiming 4-22, to put Sri Lanka on the back foot. Fast bowler Umran Malik also did a great job, picking up 2-27. The ineffectiveness of Yuzvendra Chahal and Axar, though, is a worry. Both proved expensive as well. Despite the win, India still have a few areas to work on.
Today's IND vs SL toss result
India have won the toss and opted to bowl first. Explaining the decision, Men in Blue captain Hardik Pandya said:
βThought that the dew might come later, and the wicket looks good and shouldn't change.β
Scorecard: bit.ly/3WPjN6t
India win the toss and opt to bowl first in the second T20I π
#INDvSL | π Scorecard: bit.ly/3WPjN6t https://t.co/gcJkLAeAfR
The hosts have made two changes to their playing XI. Rahul Tripathi will be making his debut in place of the injured Sanju Samson. Arshdeep Singh also comes back in place of Harshal Patel.
IND vs SL - Today's match playing XIs
India: Ishan Kishan (w), Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Rahul Tripathi, Hardik Pandya (c), Deepak Hooda, Axar Patel, Shivam Mavi, Umran Malik, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (w), Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Dilshan Madushanka.
Today's IND vs SL pitch report
According to Deep Dasgupta, the pitch is at the center of the square, so there are no biases to one side. The firm and hard pitch should assist the seam bowlers. There's also a tinge of grass, and the openness of the venue, helped by the wind, should aid the seamers. Dew might not be as much of a factor for the same reason.
Today's IND vs SL match players list
India squad: Ishan Kishan (w), Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya (c), Deepak Hooda, Axar Patel, Harshal Patel, Shivam Mavi, Umran Malik, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mukesh Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Washington Sundar, Rahul Tripathi, Jitesh Sharma.
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That moment when @umran_malik_01 clocked 1οΈβ£5οΈβ£5οΈβ£ KPH - the fastest delivery bowled by a #TeamIndia pacer βοΈ
Are we in for yet another fiery fast bowling spell today in the second #INDvSL T20I π€ https://t.co/WH9bY1KfEp
Sri Lanka Squad: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(w), Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka(c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Dilshan Madushanka, Lahiru Kumara, Dunith Wellalage, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Avishka Fernando, Ashen Bandara, Pramod Madushan, Nuwan Thushara.
IND vs SL - Today's match umpires
On-field umpires: Jayaraman Madanagopal, Nitin Menon
TV umpire: KN Ananthapadmanabhan
Match Referee: Javagal Srinath