Sri Lanka vs India - 5th ODI - A rare chance for the bat and ball to perform - Opinion
The games played in the Micromax Cup of 2012 between India and Sri Lanka have so far, been high scoring affairs. They have provided plenty of entertainment to the crowd in terms of dazzling totals being posted in the first innings and then chased down with
ease in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Thomas-George-Burrows-c93472he second. If it wasn’t for India’s batting collapse in the second ODI at Hambantota, all four games would have been run fiestas. The fifth and final ODI however, which is to be played today, would provide a unique flavor in a series which has been
keenly contested.
The green top, scenic background and mild climate makes the Pallekele International Stadium in Kandy one of the most picturesque grounds in the world today. Lying at a high altitude and away from the hostile, tropical climate of the coastal areas, the Pallekele
International Stadium has provided some exciting contests between the bat and ball in all formats of the game. Two such games were witnessed in the series preceding the Micromax Cup, where http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758 were destroyed by Pakistan and were 135 for 8 in fifty overs,
only for them to repay the favour by bowling http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 out for 204 under lights at the same venue. The nature of the wicket is such that anything can be expected. The Mahinda Rajapakse International Stadium in Hambantota and the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo
provided plenty of entertainment in terms of extravagant stroke play from both sides. Even in the second ODI, where http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750 collapsed to 138 all out, the Sri Lankan run chase was characterized by ruthlessness as they got to the target inside 20 overs. The crowds
were overwhelmed with runs flowing like http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Nathan-Coulter-Nile-c2070 Rhine.
Not much of the same can be expected at Pallekele though. Sri Lankan spearhead http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Z-Khan-c98379. The onus would be on the batsmen to
score runs this time. Both batting line ups have been fallible in conditions which are ‘un-subcontinent’. The fact that a batting collapse or a rare low scoring game can be expected can also be justified in light of the fact that none of these teams have been
as accustomed to playing in unfamiliar conditions within the sub continent. India might just have the upper hand, with its yearly IPL circus helping to produce wickets which are more suited in providing an even contest between the bat and ball. For Sri Lanka,
Pallekele is a welcome inclusion in the array of top quality cricket grounds they have at their disposal and with the T 20 World Cup around the corner, this game would be a perfect dress rehearsal for that tournament.
The toss would be of utmost significance in this game and given that the after effects of the month of July would be felt in the form of the Emerald Isle being peppered with Monsoon rains, taking first use of the wicket with the ball would be the call of
the day. Despite the series sealed in India’s favour, a Sri Lankan victory here would at least give the home side something to wallow about by keeping India at bay on a seaming track. For the latter, it would expose them to a precarious situation that they
have familiarized themselves with. Given the nature of the track, it could be vice versa as well.
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