India vs Sri Lanka 2021, 2nd T20I preview: Does Lanka have what it takes to draw level?

After a bold win in the opening Twenty20 International, India would once again take on Sri Lanka in the second T20I at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Tuesday. Leading 1-0, India is currently in the driver's seat and would look to continue with the same momentum to seal the series.

However, Lanka is not ready to give up just yet and would use every trick in the book to draw level. But does it have what it takes to bounce back? We present the preview of what is expected to be an enthralling match.

Team composition
The Indians have a batting dominated squad. However, not all batsmen managed to fire in the last game, as the likes of Prithvi Shaw and Hardik Pandya would have to ante up. Although its bowling is not as dominated as its batting, it is still strong enough to dismantle the Lankan order like the last time. Expect the same or a mildly changes XI from India.

As for Lanka, it has a bowling ominated side to counter the Indian batting order, which was somewhat successful in the last game. However, the bowlers tend to lose line and length, leading to the leak of runs, while they would hugely rely on spinner Wanindu Hasaranga. As for its batting, a lot depends on its top order, including Charith Asalanka and skipper Dasun Shanaka. Expect it to have some changes from the last game.

Injury concerns
None of the sides has any injury concerns a day before the game.

Head-to-head
As for the head-on clashes, in 20 T20Is, India leads 14-5. For the matches held in Sri Lanka, India leads 5-1 of the five games, while all those matches have been held in Colombo to date.

Weather and pitch report
The weather in Colombo on Tuesday is expected to witness scattered thunderstorms. While the temperature is expected to be around 29 degrees, it would have 82% humidity and an 80% chance of precipitation. As for the track, it would get slow as the game progresses, with the side winning the toss ideally looking to bat first.

Probable XI
India: Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan (c), Ishan Kishan (wk), Surya Kumar Yadav, Manish Pandey, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Deepak Chahar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Chetan Sakariya and Bhuvaneshwar Kumar.
Lanka: Avishka Fernando, Minod Bhanuka (wk), Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka (c), Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Lakshan Sandakan and Kasun Rajitha.

Fantasy XI
Batsmen: Dhawan (c), Yadav (vc), Fernando, Asalanka- Dhawan and Fernando are expected to give the right start, while Yadav can fire at number three, along with Asalanka, who can consolidate in the middle-order.
Wicketkeeper: Samson- He is one of the rising T20 stars for India and has been in decent touch in the format of late.
All-rounders: Pandya, Hasaranga- Pandya showed some glimpse of his old magic and is expected to fire with the bat in this game, while Hasaranga can do the same with his deadly spins.
Bowlers: Bhuvneshwar, Chahar, Chahal, Chameera- Bhuvneshwar and Chahar are the men in form with their seam and pace, while Chahal is sure to trouble the batsmen with his lethal leg-spins. As for Chameera, he seems to be rising in form with his pace and could prove to be effective again this time.

Match details
Date and day: July 27, 2021 (Tuesday)
Venue: R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Time: 8 PM (IST)
Where to watch (TV): Sony Ten, Sony Six, Sony Ten 3 and Sony Ten 4 (Also available in HD, along with regional languages)
Where to watch (Online): Sony LIV

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