The Sri Lankan team is all set to host its neighbours and reigning T20 World Cup champions India when they lock horns at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo, for the three-match T20I series, starting 27 July 2024.
After winning the T20I bilateral series in Kandy by 3-0, the Men in Blue would aim their shot at yet another whitewash, this time in the ODIs. The Lankan Lions, on the other hand, would hope to rewrite their fate, leaving back the miseries from the T20I format.
The ODI series would mark a return for the Indian iconic duo in Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya and the newly-elected T20I captain, Suryakumar Yadav, miss out on the ODIs after playing the T20I series.
As India hope to stamp their authority on alien soil, the Lankans would hope to preserve their self-esteem by winning the ODI series. Ahead of the inaugural ODI match at R. Premadasa Cricket Stadium, The Sporting News takes a look at the pitch report and previous records at this venue.
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The R. Premadasa Stadium has hosted a total of 148 ODIs so far. 80 of these matches have been won by the team batting first, while 59 have been won by the team batting second. Nine matches have ended with ‘No Result’.
R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium has a seating capacity of about 35,000 spectators.
The R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium is known for its high scores in recent times. Historically, the average score in ODIs looms around the 230-run mark, however, modern-day cricket has seen the surface as a joy to bat on.
Spinners have enjoyed more help from the surface than the batters, and teams winning the toss could elect to bat first. Defending a par score is easier at the Premadasa.
| Average first innings score in Pallekele | 231 |
| Matches won after batting first | 80 |
| Matches won by chasing team | 59 |
The last ODI match at Colombo was played between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe in the third game of a bilateral series in January 2024. The hosts won the match by 8 wickets, as the game was reduced to 27 overs per side.
Batting first, Zimbabwe were bowled out for a nimble score of 96 within 23 overs. Wanindu Hasaranga’s record-breaking seven-for in just 35 deliveries. The leggie bowled the spell of his life, as the Chevron batters failed to stand firm.
In response, the Lankan Lions chased the 97-run target in under 17 overs, courtesy of a captain’s innings by Kusal Mendis. He scored a 51-ball 66, with nine boundaries and one six.
During 2017’s India tour of Sri Lanka, the visitors recorded the highest score at Colombo in ODIs by scoring 375/5 in 50 overs.
Both Rohit Sharma (104) and Virat Kohli (131) scored centuries as India posted a record-breaking total at the Premadasa. Manish Pandey (50*) and MS Dhoni (49*) finished the innings on a high, taking India to 375.
In the 2023 Asia Cup, hosts Sri Lanka were wiped out for a total of 50 runs against India in the final. The Lankan Lions failed to stand against Mohammad Siraj, who picked a six-for in seven overs, conceding just 21 runs in the process.
Kumar Sangakarra’s 137-ball 169 is the highest individual score ever recorded at Colombo in ODIs. His explosive innings helped Sri Lanka post a total of 320/5 against South Africa in 2013. Sanga hit 18 fours and six maximums in his record innings.
Wanindu Hasaranga’s 7 for 19 is the best bowling figures ever recorded at Colombo. The performance came against Zimbabwe in a bilateral series, earlier this year.
Hasaranga bagged the wickets in under six overs. Courtesy of his magic, the Chevrons were bowled out for 96. Sri Lanka eventually emerged victorious, chasing the 97-run target in under 17 overs.
Sri Lanka’s Sanath Jayasuriya has the most runs at Colombo in ODIs. He has scored a total of 2514 runs in just 71 innings, averaging 38.67 with a strike rate of 89. Jayasuriya has a high score of 130 at this ground.
Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan has taken the most wickets at Colombo in ODIs. He has picked up 75 wickets in 57 matches, averaging 26.33 and an economy of 3.86 at this ground. Murali has the best figures of 5/44 at Colombo.
According to Dafabet, India are the favourites to win the 1st ODI match against Sri Lanka.
| Team | Betting odds |
| India | 1.23 |
| Sri Lanka | 4.20 |
