India vs Sri Lanka Match Prediction: Who will win today's 2nd ODI match?
India and Sri Lanka have played two games in two different formats over the last week, and they've both ended with the scores level. The final T20I was resolved with the help of a Super Over, but the first ODI ended in a thrilling tie that didn't budge the series scoreline.
In an encouraging sign for Sri Lanka, and a rather concerning one for India, the hosts have been able to push the more fancied visitors to the hilt. They've been within touching distance of famous wins multiple times so far, but haven't been able to do enough to get over the line.
When India and Sri Lanka lock horns in the second ODI of the three-match series at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, August 4, they will have contrasting ambitions. The Men in Blue will be keen on putting an exclamation mark on their performances so far, while the home side will be hell-bent on ticking off those final few boxes and ending up with a result in their favor.
India have been dominant across formats over the last decade, but the venues in Sri Lanka always throw up interesting contests. Given how Charith Asalanka and his men have played so far, it would be foolish to dismiss their chances of a win.
Which team will take the series lead on Sunday?
IND vs SL 2024: Spinners licking their lips as teams look to get off the mark
It doesn't take a genius to figure out that spinners from both sides will have a massive say on the outcome of the second ODI. India have three quality options in Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, and Axar Patel, while Sri Lanka have Akila Dananjaya, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, and Asalanka.
The Men in Blue might be tempted to play an additional tweaker in Riyan Parag, whose bowling was impressive in the T20I leg of the tour. 30 overs of spin might not be enough against a plucky Sri Lanka batting unit that has been propped up by the class of Pathum Nissanka at the top of the order.
Nevertheless, irrespective of who they field in the bowling department, India will start as the slight favorites for this contest. They have more firepower than the hosts, and all of their batters got off to starts in the series opener. It's only a matter of time before the big guns hit their straps.
It's hard to predict the outcome of matches in Sri Lanka, where both parties from both teams will very much be in the game. As we've seen over the last week, India aren't as favored by the oddsmakers as they might be expected to be.
That said, though, an Indian win could be on the cards for Sunday, with their spinners playing a starring role. That's assuming, of course, that rain doesn't intervene and play spoilsport.
Prediction: India to win the 2nd ODI vs Sri Lanka.