T20I Series: Sri Lanka cricket team arrives in Guwahati

Our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI: Sri Lanka cricket team, lead by veteran pacer Lasith Malinga, arrived in Guwahati this afternoon to play the T20I Series against India. The three-match series will kick off at the ACA stadium, Barsapara on January 5. The match would be followed by two more games- Indore (January 7) and Pune (January 10).

Last time Sri Lanka visited Guwahati was in 1997 to play an ODI which was held at the Nehru Stadium. India won the tie by seven wickets.

Assam had witnessed widespread protests against the CAA in the last month. However the situation is now normal but still there is no compromise with the security of player’s and match-officials. A huge security arrangement was made at the airport and also at the road which was used to take the bus of Sri Lanka cricket team to the hotel.

Earlier, talking to the Sri Lanka Cricket Board website just before the team’s departure from Colombo, captain Lasith Malinga today said that his first plan is to win the series and for that bowlers have to play crucial role.

“Our first plan is to win the series and bowlers can play a very crucial role here. In this format, whether it is IPL or Big Bash, it is bowlers who can win matches. During this tour I want to give my bowlers an opportunity to further develop.” said captain.

He further added: “Our focus will now be on the forthcoming T20I World Cup. We don’t have too much time. We want to introduce new and talented players in the series and give them some time. ”

It may be mentioned here that the next T20I World Cup Cricket will be held in Australia in October.

Meanwhile players of Indian cricket team will arrive in Guwahati by several batches tomorrow. Guwahati will host the first match of the series and the members of Team India will assemble here from their home town.

Captain Virat Kohli along with head coach Ravi Shastri will arrive in same flight from Mumbai with KL Rahul in the afternoon. Ravindra Jadeja will be the last man to land in the city. He too will fly from Mumbai and is expected to reach Guwahati at 8 PM. Team India likely to have an optional training session while the Lankans will not take any practice session tomorrow.

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