Sri Lanka v India 1st ODI – 18/07/2021

Sri Lanka v India 1st ODI – Cricket Betting Tips, Latest Odds, Team News – 18/07/2021

Sri Lanka just got hammered by England and are still caught up in contract disputes off the field.

India have sent a B-string side to Sri Lanka but have such strength in depth that they should still have too much for their hosts.

Explore our free cricket betting tips for this match.

Sri Lanka v India 1st ODI – Match Preview

Sri Lanka appear to be troubled both on and off the pitch at present. A contract wrangle rumbles on heading into this series.

India beat England when last in ODI action and should have plenty of belief heading into this.

Where: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

When: Saturday, 18 July 2021

Start time: 15:00 IST (09:30 GMT)

Pitch conditions: Previous ODIs at this ground suggest batting first is the way to go. An average score at this venue is around the 250 mark. Spinners should have some joy.

Weather conditions: There is a 50% chance that this fixture will be hit by rainstorms. Dark clouds will cover Colombo throughout the day.

Sri Lanka v India 1st ODI – Latest Odds

India are very short-priced favourites to take the win. They can be backed at 1.17 with LeoVegas

Sri Lanka are available at 4.4 with the same betting site.

Sri Lanka v India 1st ODI – Team News

• Lasith Embuldeniya – The Sri Lanka spin prospect is among five players who have not signed contracts to be part of this tour.  He is joined by Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Ashen Bandara and Kasun Rajitha.
• Niroshan Dickwella – The wicketkeeper was sent home from the England series along with vice-captain Kusal Mendis and Danushka Gunathilaka for breaking the bio-bubble. That could prevent them from featuring here.
• Shikhar Dhawan – The Delhi capitals opener will skipper the team for this series. It is an India squad with a host of fringe players included due to others preparing for the tour of England.
• Devdutt Padikkal – The RCB batsman has enjoyed excellent success in both the IPL and Vijay Hazare Trophy and looks the type to flourish on the international scene if given the chance. It will be hard for him to dislodge Prithvi Shaw though.
• Yuzvendra Chahal – The spinner will enjoy conditions in Sri Lanka and could have a big role to play in this first game. He will likely lead their spin attack alongside spin-allrounders like Krunal Pandya or Krishnappa Gowtham.

Sri Lanka v India 1st ODI – Betting Tips and Prediction

Discover our top tips for this contest. These are based on the form of the players and the best odds on offer.

This looks another tough test for a distracted Sri Lanka side that just got turned over in England.

The India squad is full of players determined to secure a regular place.

Back India for Highest Opening Partnership

While India are too short to back in the outright winners market, backing them to have the highest opening partnership looks like a good option.

Shikhar Dhawan will captain the side and will want to make his mark on the occasion.

It is likely he will be partnered by Prithvi Shaw for this. He returns to international cricket after being dropped during the tour of Australia.

He has a point to prove and could be dangerous. Even if Devdutt Padikkal is chosen to open, this looks strong enough as well.

India’s price of 1.848 with 1xBet looks a good price, especially given how the Sri Lankan openers struggled recently against England.

Look at our round-up of the best cricket betting tips for this match.