The Indian Cricket team might be more confident coming into this game as they can finally have their stars back for this ODI series. After India and Sri Lanka‘s blockbuster T20I series, they will meet once again for the first of their three-game ODI series. This meeting will be on January 10, 2023, at 3:30 PM, when India host this match. Their three-match T20I series ended in a 2-1 win for India, which they want to repeat coming into this series. As for Sri Lanka, they are hoping to turn the tables around when they face the same opponent at a different format.
Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul finally returns for the Indian squad for their 2-match ODI series. However, the problem is the fact that they lost to their last two ODI series. Sri Lanka on the other hand is no better than India as they are also struggling when talking about ODI series. On their last ODI series, they had a draw against Afghanistan, but facing a star-studded India might be more difficult. As India’s stars will be back, going against them will be a massive task for Sri Lanka. Can India replicate their performance in their T20I match or Sri Lanka will avenge after their loss?
Indian Cricket Team
India plays their very first ODI match in 2023, where they are looking to continue their good home record against their opponent. During their last ODI series in 2021, it was the Indian squad who took home the victory for that match. This is the confidence they might bring coming into this game, as they also won their T20I series. However, they must be reminded of the fact that they lost to two consecutive ODI series over the past two months. They lost against New Zealand, and Bangladesh, so they must not repeat the same mistakes in this game. Additionally, they must continue to win their next games, as a preparation for the World Cup approaching. Their bowling is what they need to improve as they continuously struggle in that area, following the injuries of their players.
Luck is indeed on India’s side as they begin this series, as their stars, Sharma, Kohli, and Rahul will finally take action for this series. This is after these three took a break during their T20I series against the same opponent. Shreyas Iyer is expected to continue stepping up for India, after being named as the team’s top scorer from their ODI series in 2022.
Sri Lankan Cricket Team
Things might take a different turn for Sri Lanka as this will be their first ODI series on the road, after playing three ODI series at home. They welcomed Zimbabwe, Australia, and Afghanistan at home for their ODI matches in 2022. This squad is quite good in ODI matches, but they drew their last series against Afghanistan. However, when going against India, they are not doing well in that area. On their ODI meeting in 2012, 2017, and 2021, India managed to defeat this squad. This is the record they no longer want to continue because getting more losses will not give them any good momentum. Coming into this game, they are hoping to start building the core of their squad for the upcoming World Cup. However, their batters have to shine and step-up to end their struggles.
Guys like Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, and Wanindu Hasaranga are expected to continue being Sri Lanka’s key players for this 1st ODI match.
Prediction:
Match Winner: Indian Cricket (1.25)
Toss Winner: Indian Cricket (1.95)
Ready to play?
You may place your bets for the 1st ODI match between India and Sri Lanka at Nova88, Asia’s largest and most trusted Online Casino Malaysia. Join and play now!
