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SL vs IND 2nd ODI: Attention shifts to the must-win encounter as 1st ODI produces no outcome

With the first ODI match ending in a tie, India and Sri Lanka have turned their attention to the second ODI, scheduled to be played on Sunday at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. The first encounter saw Sri Lankan bowlers put up a stellar performance to restrict India from chasing a modest 230-run total, bowling them out for 230.
In the first ODI, batting first, Sri Lanka struggled to build momentum against India’s vigorous bowling attack. Despite a strong start from opener Pathum Nissanka blasting (56), middle-order batters failed to keep up with the momentum, throwing away their wickets for depressing scores. But, down the order, a composed knock from Dunith Wellalage scoring (67 off 65) guided the team to a resectable total.
In response, India started their chase confidently, with skipper Rohit Sharma providing a steady start. However, Sri Lankan bowlers, spearheaded by Wanindu Hasaranga and Charith Asalanka, applied relentless pressure on India, not allowing them to play freely. India lacked consistency in their middle-order that made their chase difficult. The tension peaked as Asalanka held his nerve, taking out Shivam Dube and Arshdeep Singh, when India had needed 1 run to win, to bowl out India for 230, resulting in a rare tie.
As both teams now gear up for the second ODI, the stakes couldn't be higher. India and Sri Lanka will be eager to claim victory and gain an upper hand in the series. For India, improving their middle-order stability and handling pressure situations better will be key focus areas. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will aim to build on their bowling success and ensure their batting lineup fires more consistently.
Sri Lanka probable XI: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Akila Dananjaya, Asitha Fernando, Mohamed Shiraz
India probable XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj
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