Let’s talk about Nidhas trophy 2018 India vs Sri Lanka 4th T20I. India The manner in which the Indian cricket team fought back to win against Bangladesh after their initial hiccup against Sri Lanka in the opening game, will be the exact attitude skipper Rohit Sharma would want. The Asian giants will be squaring up against the Lankans for the second time in the ongoing Nidahas Trophy 2018 T20I tri-series at the R Premadasa stadium in Colombo.
The Nidahas Trophy 2018 points table sees all three teams winning and losing one game each as Bangladesh’s victory in the previous encounter has nicely set the tournament up. India will be hoping that their stand-in skipper makes a swift return to form and grows into the game alongside southpaw Shikhar Dhawan.
Dhawan’s form has been the highlight for India as the bowlers too gave a grand account of themselves against the Tigers. Youngsters such as Vijay Shankar and Shardul Thakur have made use of their selection and need to carry on the same vein.
For Sri Lanka they have been handed a deafening blow with skipper Dinesh Chandimal out of the next two ties for being found guilty of serious over-rate offence.
Team news and selection
India
India has much to ponder on the selection of Rishabh Pant, who has not looked convincing in the two matches he has played. Despite being promoted both innings, he failed to do justice to the faith. Therefore the presence of KL Rahul in the team becomes vital.
Rahul hasn’t been given chances off late and could be an engine in that middle-order. With Manish Pandey taking over as a regular customer after showing the presence of mind and character, he alongside southpaw Suresh Raina provide the much-needed oxygen in that line-up. With Rahul’s addition, there will be more finesse and steel.
Vijay Shankar had a productive game against Bangladesh and one expects him to have a big role in this game too. The bowling pack came back well against Bangladesh and this time they will be aware of the danger Kusal Perera provides atop.
.@akshar2026 belting a few at the nets on the eve of the T20I against Sri Lanka #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/d28cXEjPaj
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 11, 2018
Apart from the one change, India could also have a look at Axar Patel. Although its likely a same XI could feature.
Sri Lanka
With Chandimal’s absence, the Sri Lankan management appointed Thisara Perera to lead the side against India. It will be a huge test for the veteran Lankan all-rounder to get the team running after they lost to Bangladesh on Saturday.
Thisara Perera have been appointed to captain the Sri Lanka team in the next two games in the ongoing #HeroNidahasTrophy, following the ICC’s decision to suspend Captain Dinesh Chandimal for two games for an over-rate offence.
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) March 11, 2018
Thisara will be wanting his side to come out and express themselves in a packed Premadasa stadium on Monday. Dhananjaya de Silva is likely to come into Chandimal’s position. There is also a chance of Suranga Lakmal replacing either Dushmantha Chameera or Nuwan Pradeep.
Pitch and conditions
The pitch will once again be quite open and help batsmen. According to reports, a bit of rain is expected during the evening as that could interrupt play.
Squads:
Timing and TV listings:
The match is set to start at 7 pm IST. The match will be telecast on D Sports (English commentary) and Rishtey Cineplex (Hindi commentary).