The first T20I between India and Sri Lanka in the upcoming series is set to be played on January 03rd, 2023 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Both teams will be eager to get off to a winning start in the series and will look to put in strong performances.
India, who are currently ranked first in the T20I rankings, will be looking to pick up some form in the format. The team has a strong batting lineup, with the likes of Hardik Pandya, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson and Shubman Gill expected to lead the charge. In the bowling department, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Axar Patel and Umran Malik will be the key players.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will be keen to bounce back after a poor run at the recently concluded T20 World Cup. The team has experienced campaigners such as Dasun Shanaka, Kusal Mendis and Bhanuka Rajapaksa, who will be crucial to their chances. In the bowling department, Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana will be the ones to watch out for.
When it comes to the match prediction, India start as the favorites given their explosive squad and home advantage. However, Sri Lanka has the talent and experience to cause an upset, making it an exciting contest to watch.
As far as the possible playing 11 is concerned, India is likely to field a strong team, with several changes from the team that last faced Australia at home. Sri Lanka is expected to go with their strongest playing XI, preferably those who played at the T20 World Cup in Australia.
For fantasy tips, Hardik Pandya, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson are must-have picks in the batting department, while Yuzvendra Chahal and Umran Malik are the top picks in the bowling department. For Sri Lanka, Kusal Mendis, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana are the players to watch out for.
Overall, it promises to be an exciting start to the series, with both teams looking to get off to a winning start and set the tone for the rest of the series.
Venue
Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Match Starts
19:00 HRS (IST), January 03, 2023
Expected Playing Condition
The Wankhede pitch is expected to have a good bounce and carry as always. The pitch usually offers assistance to both pacers and spinners. Over the years, winning the toss and bowling first has been a favorable decision as dew makes it easy for the chasing team. No forecast of rain on the match day and the temperatures are expected to remain moderate.
