Nidahas Trophy 2018: 3rd T20I, Sri Lanka Predicted XI

Hosts Sri Lanka would be buoyant after their performance against giants India in the tournament opener of the Nidahas Trophy. By the virtue of their margin of victory, Lankans top the table with a slightly better Net run-rate than India.

Therefore, the hosts have golden opportunity to extend their lead in the tournament against a weary-looking Bangladesh side. On recent form, the Lions have had the better off the Tigers. Having said, let us look at the predicted XI of the Lankan side.

Danushka Gunathilaka

Danushka Gunathilaka initiated the fireworks for the Lankans during the powerplays. The free-flowing southpaw added a quick 19 off 12 balls which consisted of a couple of massive hits over the boundary.

Chandimal has optimized the services of Gunathilaka perfectly as he chipped in with three vital overs of spin in between. Danushka also had a wicket to show as he removed a Dhawan out of the equation at death, saving at least 20 runs.

Kusal Mendis

Kusal Mendis missed out after getting a start against India. Mendis displayed intent in the first couple of overs as he smashed a couple of boundaries. The short-statured batsman would look to cash in against Bangladesh tomorrow.

Kusal Perera

Perera, on his comeback trail post-injury, has impressed one and all with big-hitting prowess. India got a trailer of Perera’s abilities during the Indore T20I last year. This time around, Perera hit the nail into the Indian coffin with his knock at the tournament opener.

Kusal Perera smashed a matchwinning knock of 66 which came of just 37 balls. The swashbuckling left-hander took apart 27 runs in a single over off Thakur. Yet again, Perera would be looking to repeat his antiques against Bangladesh.

Dinesh Chandimal

Dinesh Chandimal brings a level of calm with his brand of captaincy. Chandimal missed out on the game against India after being dismissed by a beauty from Chahal. The Lankan captain will hold the key in the upcoming games, bringing stability in the Indian batting.

Upul Tharanga

Much like Chandimal, the senior pro in the batting department, Upul Tharanga, struggled in the middle overs. Tharanga was instrumental in bringing the Indian bowlers back into the game with his knock of 17 off 18 balls, consisting a solitary maximum. Dangerous Tharanga would be looking to make amends in the upcoming games.

Dasun Shanaka

Dasun Shanaka, much like Tharanga, was responsible for bringing in the Indian bowlers into the game with his sluggish knock. Shanaka scored 15 off 18 but was present till the end to finish the job for his side. Chandimal might use his seamers in the upcoming games, providing the cushion for a bowler having a bad day.

Thisara Perera

It was the day of Pereras for the Sri Lankans in the game against India. If Kusal set up the Sri Lankan win, Thisara finished it off for his side with a priceless cameo of 22 off just 10 balls.

Thisara smashed three crucial boundaries with the required rate steeping up. Sri Lanka’s premier all-rounder in T20Is also decelerated the Indian innings with his three overs in the middle.

Jeevan Mendis

Jeevan Mendis took the vital scalp of Manish Pandey just when he was going great guns in the middle. Mendis was even economical with the help of his leg spinners. His credentials with the bat would be handy down the order. Jeevan would hold the key in the matches to come.

Akila Dananjaya

Dananjaya would have been satisfied if he went for 10 runs less in his four overs. Just like Ajantha Mendis was found out after the initial burst in his career, Asian teams are getting the hang of Dananjaya. It will be interesting to see if Akila has to tools to combat opponents henceforth.

Dushmantha Chameera

Chameera was the pick of the bowlers for Sri Lanka as he picked a couple of important wickets. Sri Lanka would be hoping he strikes a few with the new ball against the Tigers

Suranga Lakmal

The only possible change in the Lankan line up would be Suranga Lakmal coming in place of Nuwan Pradeep who was expensive without completing his quota of overs. Pardeep went for 38 runs in his three overs and picked up a lucky wicket off a full toss.