India are set to take on Sri Lanka in the first of the three-match T20I series, starting from January 5. The opening clash will be played at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati and both the sides must leave no stones unturned to register a victory in their first match of 2020. Virat Kohli and Co have been on a roll in white-ball cricket and the return of players like Shikhar Dhawan and Jasprit Bumrah will boost up their morale even further. For Sri Lanka, veterans like Lasith Malinga and Angelo Mathews have to put their hands up in order to cause an upset. India Vs Sri Lanka, Cricket Score 1st T20I Match.

Sri Lanka’s last outing in the shortest international format didn’t prove to be a fruitful one as they faced a 3-0 defeat against Australia down under. On the other hand, Men in Blue registered a 2-1 victory in their last T20I series against West Indies. So, India are, certainly, the clear favourites to clinch the series and the Lankan Lions will need to display an extraordinary effort in order to thrash India in their fortress. However, they do have some players who can change the course of the match in no time which means the hosts can’t afford to be complacent. Meanwhile, let’s look at some mini-battles which can increase the thrill of the upcoming game.  India vs Sri Lanka 1st T20I 2020: IND Predicted Playing XI; Jasprit Bumrah, Shikhar Dhawan All Set for a Comeback.

Shikhar Dhawan vs Lasith Malinga

A lot will be in stakes for Shikhar Dhawan when he’ll come out to bat in the first T20I. The dashing southpaw is returning from an injury and will need to play some splendid knocks in order to remain first-choice openers. However, he will be up against the highest wicket-taker of T20Is Lasith Malinga who hasn’t lost his sheen yet. With Malinga taking the new ball and Dhawan opening the innings, the two can face each other in the first ball of the match itself and let’s see, who’ll win this clash.

Angelo Mathews vs Jasprit Bumrah

Another Indian who’ll be making a comeback from injury is Jasprit Bumrah. The right-arm pacer is one of the best bowlers in the current era and will look to run through the Lankan batting line up. Angelo Mathews will have to handle the mantle of tackling Bumrah and his performance will also be critical to visitors’ success in the upcoming series. Also, Mathews comes in the latter half of the innings and will have to decode Bumrah’s bucket of variations to score quick runs.

Rishabh Pant vs Wanindu Hasaranga

Keeping all the criticism behind, Rishabh Pant will eye to play an innings of some significance in his first innings of 2020. The southpaw played some quick-fire cameos in the ODI and T20I series against West Indies and will target to display an even better show against Sri Lanka. However, the visitors have the services of Wanindu Hasaranga who can restrict the batsmen with his googlies. So, it will be interesting to see whether Pant will clear the park or Hasaranga will spin his web.

With the ICC T20 World Cup 2020 being less than a year away, time is running out for all the teams to strengthen their squad for the gala tournament. So, the importance of the upcoming series will more be just than victory. Going by the recent form, Virat Kohli and Men are certain to come on top in the first clash. However, taking Sri Lanka lightly will not be very wise either.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 03, 2020 03:33 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).