Major concerns for India ahead of 3rd ODI
After losing the second ODI of the three-match series, it is important for India to address several key areas before the final match on Wednesday.
Firstly, the Indian batters need to take the responsibility of building partnerships. While some batters have shown the skills, the team has struggled to establish good partnerships.
Although the team received a solid start from the skipper, the middle order failed to capitalize to the momentum and contribute significant runs. On the other hand, misfielding is also a frequent issue for the bowling attack.
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This inconsistency in the batting lineup poses a distinct threat and could potentially result in India experiencing their first series defeat after 27 years against Sri Lanka in the ODI bilateral series.
The last time India was defeated by Sri Lanka in an ODI bilateral series was in 1997. During that series, the Sri Lankan team was captained by Arjuna Ranatunga, while the Indian team was led by Sachin Tendulkar.
Major concerns for India ahead of 3rd ODI: What Happened in Previous Matches?
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1st ODI
After choosing to bat first, the Sri Lankan batters lost an early wicket, but thanks to star batters Pathum Nissanka and Dunith Wellalage, as their magnificent knock helped the Sri Lankan side to score 230 runs in 50 overs, losing eight wickets in the process.
However, the Indian skipper gave a good start to the team by scoring 58 runs in 47 balls. After the opening partnership of 75 runs, Indian batters faced problem to read the spin delivers, they somehow managed to level the scores with 2 wickets in hand before Sri Lankan skipper dismissed both the remaining batter to not let the visiting side win. Wanindu Hasaranga and Charith Asalanka picked 3 wickets each for Sri Lanka.
2nd ODI
In the 2nd ODI, Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bat first. In the innings, they lost an early wicket, but the batters Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, and Kamindu Mendis added some crucial runs, setting a target of 241 runs.
On the other end, Isimilar to first game, Indian openers gave the touring side a fantastic start, scoring 97 runs for the first wicket. Axar Patel also contributed valuable runs, but the middle order performed poorly, leading to India’s loss by 32 runs. Sri Lankan bowler Jeffrey Vandersay took 6 wickets, while Charith Asalanka picked 3 wickets.
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How Indian batters can overcome their continuos faiiure in ODI series?
Indian batters must take inspiration from skipper Rohit Sharma’s performance and deliver excellent performance. Batters need to bring their best game forward in order to avoid the risk of losing the bilateral series in Sri Lanka for the first time in 27 years.