Sri Lanka vs India - Toss at Hambantota is of utmost importance in the Micromax Cup of 2012 - Opinion
For the second ODI between India and Sri Lanka at Hambantota, which has started, the toss will always be of utmost significance. This series will be dominated by batting specialists who are explosive in their approach. In times when losing the toss can act
in one’s favour, Hambantota is a completely different case study altogether.
The pitch at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium, along with windy conditions and significant movement under lights, has made the outcome of games at this venue rely on the toss. Whoever calls correctly and wins, is expected to take the advantage
early on.
India has won the toss for a second consecutive time, and have expectantly, elected to bat again. Given the nature of the track and how it has paved out for the Indians, they would start off as favourites, with their explosive batting line up. For those
who have witnessed numerous http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758’s bowlers and India’s batsmen, of which the latter normally dominates with the bat, is what is on view.
Barring their occasional batting collapses, India has not done that bad with chasing either. The Hobart carnage in the CB series was just an example of what the Indian batting line up could do when they are in full swing. Yet what is interesting to note
is that the toss being won on Australian pitches was not as significant, given that tactical play was more crucial in ensuring that a side gains momentum when it really matters. For Hambantota however, it is a different ball game altogether.
The venue has gained notoriety as being the windiest ground in the world, alongside the Basin Reserve in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Wellington-c864. For today’s game, this fact might prove to be the turning point. Afternoon gusts of wind and the ability to withstand the surge in such conditions,
will test both sides. With an array of top quality batsmen at India’s disposal, a score of 300 plus is definitely in the reckoning.
Sri Lanka however, should feel a lot more comfortable given that they were outplayed in the first game, but only just. After the initial blow of losing Dilshan early, Sri Lanka piled up a respectable 293 for 9 wickets, courtesy a magnificent century by Kumar
Sangakkara. They were well in pursuit for chasing down 315. To toil hard and get to a position where they could have won the game in conditions which helped the ball seam around under lights, was an effort that the Sri Lankans would feel content with. This
fact would help them gain tremendous confidence going into the second One Day International.
The signs are ominous however, as a tailor made batting surface with an Indian line up in form, is bound to erupt and have far reaching effects. The point for Sri Lanka will be to make as many early inroads as possible as the Indians tend to play rash strokes
when they are bogged down. The team that plays with circumspection is bound to win the game. Over confidence could prove to be suicidal however.
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