India Vs Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Predicted XI, Dharamsala, First ODI, Thisara Perera
Sri Lanka would face a tough task against formidable India. Photo Credit: Getty Images.

Sri Lanka had a good start to their new year winning three back-to-back series in Bangladesh. However, the real test begins when they face a relatively younger Indian side in the Nidahas Trophy.

Meanwhile, Nidahas is a triangular T20 tournament which marks the 70-year of Sri Lankan independence. Further, it will include host Sri Lanka along with Bangladesh and India.

Sri Lanka under their new coach Chandika Hathurusinghe had looked good. However, they are still going through a transition period. With regular skipper Angelo Mathews ruled out due to injury, the onus will be on senior cricketers to come good.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka will face India in the tournament opener on March 6 at Colombo.

Further, here is the predicted XI of the Sri Lankan team:

Kushal Menids:

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Credit: Getty Images

The opening batsman in currently in top-form following his run-scoring spree in the recently concluded Bangladesh series. Mendis scored two fifties from two games, as Sri Lanka whitewashed Bangladesh.

Sri Lanka will bank on the opening pair to post a huge total, as they aim to continue their winning streak.

Danushka Gunathilaka:

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The batting all-rounder had done tremendously well for his side in the recent past. Gunathilaka had contributed with both bat and ball in the recently concluded series.

He along with Kushal Mendis will be crucial to Sri Lankan success in the upcoming triangular tournament.

Upul Tharanga:

Nidahas Trophy 2018: Predicted XI of Sri Lanka against India
(Photo credit Getty Images)

The left-handed batsman is an experienced campaigner for the Islanders. He had dropped himself to the No. three spot taking more responsibilities.

Although he had seen a dip in the form recently, Tharanga is capable of ripping apart any bowling line-up.

Dinesh Chandimal ( C & WK):

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The wicket-keeper batsman will lead the side in the absence of their regular skipper Angelo Mathews. Over the years, Chandimal has grown in stature but failed to show consistency.

However, Sri Lanka needs him to come good if they want to give themselves an opportunity in the tournament opener.

Thisara Perera:

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All-rounder Thisara Perera has been a crucial player for Sri Lanka over the years. The veteran cricketer can win matches with both bat and ball. He can strike the ball hard lower down the order.

Perera has shown form in the recently concluded series in Bangladesh which will give the host an added edge.

Jeevan Mendis:

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The 35-year old Mendis has a lot of experience and knows how to ball in a crunch situation. Primarily, he will be Sri Lanka’s answer to India’s Yuzvendra Chahal.

Further, with his ability to score quick runs, Mendis is pivotal for Sri Lanka’s success. Meanwhile, he has bowled decently against Bangladesh. However, his real test will be against India.

Dasun Shanaka:

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The 26-year old Shanaka has done well for the Islanders in the limited opportunities he has got. Further, he starred in Bangladesh with the bat. Down the order, Shanaka played two unbeaten knocks to help Sri Lanka score high.

Meanwhile, he is also very handy with the ball bowling right-arm medium fast. Early in his days, Shanaka will be eager to perform against a star-studded team like India.

Akila Dananjaya:

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The right-arm off-break bowler is early in his playing days. So far, he has only played 11 matches bagging eight wickets.

However, off-late he has done well in the domestic session, he will like to continue his ongoing form going into the international circuit.

Suranga Lakmal:

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He is Sri Lanka’s premier fast-bowler going into the tri-nation series. Although he had starred for Sri Lanka in Tests and ODI formats, he lacks performance in T20Is.

However, he will be keen to improve his statistics, and his form with the new ball will be decisive for the host.

Isuru Udana:

Nidahas Trophy 2018: Predicted XI of Sri Lanka against India
(Photo credit: Getty Images)

The limited-overs specialist had played 15 T20Is for Sri Lanka so far. The left-handed fast bowler had 13 scalps to his name. Further, he is capable of swinging the ball both ways which can prove to be useful for him.

Sri Lanka will look to him to provide early breakthroughs.

Dushmantha Chameera:

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Chameera had a terrific tour to Bangladesh picking four wickets in two fixtures. However, he needs to replicate his form in the upcoming Nidahas Trophy to make a mark in the world cricket.

The young fast bowler can generate some good pace and can bowl in the death overs.

Further, here is the newsfeed:

Injured Harris Sohail to miss a couple of games for Peshawar Zalmi

Shakib Al Hasan Ruled Out of Nidahas Trophy

Venkatesh Prasad To Join Kings XI Punjab as Bowling Coach: Reports

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