England vs Sri Lanka 2021, 2nd ODI- Sri Lanka’s Predicted XI

Sri Lanka find themselves in a must-win situation heading into the second ODI against England at the Kia Oval n Thursday. After losing the T20I series, they lost the first ODI as well on Tuesday. The side is on a losing streak at the moment and badly needs a win to gain some confidence. With a few of their key players suspended by SLC, the onus will be on the remaining players to put up a good show.

The side is languishing at the bottom of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League with just one win and six losses, the recent being the first ODI loss. In this article, we predict, Sri Lanka’s predicted playing XI for the second ODI.

England vs Sri Lanka 2021, 2nd ODI -Sri Lanka’s Predicted XI

Avishka Fernando

With two newcomers failing in the first ODI, Avishka Fernando, who was not a part of the playing XI is set to replace them at the top-order. The likes of Pathum Nissanka and Charith Asalanka failed at the top of the order and both might not play in the first game.

Also Read: England vs Sri Lanka 2021, 2nd ODI- England’s Predicted XI

Kusal Perera

Perera top-scored for Sri Lanka in the first ODI. However, his 73 was not enough as he ran out of partners at the other end. With this game being a must-win for his side, Perera should play a captain’s knock and help his side draw level in the series.

Dhananjaya de Silva

De Silva was another player who did not play in the first game. In this relatively inexperienced side, De Silva is one of the players with pedigree and talent. He should slot in at number three in the second ODI.

Dasun Shanaka

The all-rounder has been his team’s in-form player in the series. He scored a half-century in the third T20I but failed to continue his good form. It is imperial for him to get back into form to help his side win the game and stay alive in the series.

Wanindu Hasaranga

Hasaranga along with his skipper were the only two batters who got runs in the first game. He scored 54 batting in the middle-order. With the ball too, he bowled an economical spell but ended up losing the game. In the second game, he would hope for a repeat of his performance also hoping for the right result.

Dhananjaya Lakshan

The 22-year old failed to get going in the middle-order. He scored 2 off 9 balls as the entire Sri Lankan batting line-up fell to the pressure created by the England bowlers. However, the second ODI allows him to make up for his loss.

Isuru Udana

Sri Lanka missed the experience of Isuru Udana in the first ODI. he can hit the ball log and can deliver wickets when the team needs. With the inexperienced bowlers failing in the first ODI, Udans is expected to get a game in the second ODI.

Nuwan Pradeep

Pradeep too was not included in the first ODI as Sri Lanka fielded an inexperienced bowling attack and paid the price for it. Pradeep can swing the ball and if the conditions stay in favour of the bowlers, he can prove to be a handful.

Binura Fernando

Fernando gave away 50 runs off his spell and took just one wicket. However, with the overall inexperienced bowling attack, the management might decide to stick with him and give him a second chance.

Dushmantha Chameera

Chameera was the pick of the bowlers for Sri Lanka in the first game. he picked 3 for 50 when all the other bowlers took a beating. He has been his team’s best bowler on this trip so far. He holds the key in the remaining two games if the Lankans are to make a turnaround.

Akila Dananjaya

The mystery spinner completes Sri Lanka’s predicted playing XI for the second ODI. Given the players available, this can be the team’s best combination heading into the second ODI.

Also Read: Kusal Mendis, Niroshan Dickwella And Danushka Gunathilaka Likely To Be Banned For One Year By SLC For Bio-Bubble Breach On England Tour-Report