Preview: ICC World T20 – Sri Lanka have the best opportunity to bring laurels home
If consistency has slight worth in terms of acknowledging what it takes to be a champion, India has got all the things right beneath it. Anticipation, improvisation, resilience or toughness: pick any and you would see someone chipping in! Keeping it right to fit in the block. And oh! How aesthetic it has been though.
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| Sri Lanka players celebrate after the dismissal of Quinton de Kock of South Africa |
Although both teams have topped the charts from their respective groups, it’s reasonably fair to say Sri Lanka had the rather easy group to step out: defeating South Africa and New Zealand in the Group matches after batting first, restricting Netherlands to 39 was not an apt surprise.
On the other hand, Indians very tactically advanced their Group challenge: took it one-at-a-time, did the homework acutely well and successfully muted key opposition players, like Shahid Afridi, Chris Gayle, Shakib Al Hasan and Shane Watson respectively!
On the other hand, Indians very tactically advanced their Group challenge: took it one-at-a-time, did the homework acutely well and successfully muted key opposition players, like Shahid Afridi, Chris Gayle, Shakib Al Hasan and Shane Watson respectively!
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| Jayawardene and Sangakkara poses for a selfie |
On paper both teams look equally balanced, though, share a mutual problem in the opening-slot.
Sri Lankan top order’s consistent failure in every match with two wickets down in first 6 overs while batting first, the struggle of Sangakkara in the middle order is yet to end. Nevertheless, the composure of Ajinkya Rahane in the Indian top order is vastly complementing.
Sri Lankan top order’s consistent failure in every match with two wickets down in first 6 overs while batting first, the struggle of Sangakkara in the middle order is yet to end. Nevertheless, the composure of Ajinkya Rahane in the Indian top order is vastly complementing.
With likes of Tilakaratne Dilshan, Angelo Mathews and Thisara Perera coupled with Lasith Malinga, Rangan Herath and Ajantha Mendis in the bowling department, presence of Jayawardene and Sangakkara in the middle order define volumes in the Lankan line-up!
On contrary, Indians, too, have phenomenal performers in Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and R Ashwin who have successfully gone through the litmus test of under pressure.
When it comes to the middle – order, India, again, hold a smooth edge. There is, of course, a lot of Virat Kohli as compared to Mahela Jayawardene of Sri Lanka. But Yuvraj looks distinctively better with the bat than off-color Kumar Sangakkara!
Apparently the bowling department is a major difference between these two sides where Sri Lanka will definitely like to bank on high, given the ability of Lasith Malinga in slog overs; the only concerned area for Indian skipper MS Dhoni since no one is restraining well there.
On contrary, Indians, too, have phenomenal performers in Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and R Ashwin who have successfully gone through the litmus test of under pressure.
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| Yuvraj and Kohli poses for a selfie |
Apparently the bowling department is a major difference between these two sides where Sri Lanka will definitely like to bank on high, given the ability of Lasith Malinga in slog overs; the only concerned area for Indian skipper MS Dhoni since no one is restraining well there.
All in all, it would be really interesting to see how Sri Lanka would cope with the Finals’ challenge this time – their 2nd against India after the 2011 Cricket World Cup final in Mumbai and 3rd overall in World T20.
Considering the momentum and form factor, Indians are favorites to win for. Whereas Sri Lanka need to do something really special to utilize all the resources right that are not gelled enough well.
Considering the momentum and form factor, Indians are favorites to win for. Whereas Sri Lanka need to do something really special to utilize all the resources right that are not gelled enough well.
Another thing that could boost India’s chances is playing conditions and familiarity with the ground as they have played all their matches in Dhaka whilst Sri Lanka made a shift from Chittagong for the knockouts. But this factor seemed to have minimal effect, since it will be a final encounter and match pressure would play a pivotal role in determining a champion. And the one who holds the nerves better will get more chances to celebrate at the end!
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