The Sri Lankan cricket team is set to host India for a 3-match T20I series in Pallekele. From this series, the Men in Blue are entering a transition phase with Kohli and Rohit retired from T20I cricket, and Suryakumar Yadav taking over as captain. Sri Lanka will also begin this series under their new captain, Charith Asalanka.
Pallekele Cricket Stadium T20 Records (before SL vs IND 2024 series)
Pallekele Cricket Stadium will host a three-match T20I series between Sri Lanka and India. Located in the Kandy district, this venue will see its first T20 international since 2022. India has played here only once before, in 2012, when the MS Dhoni-led team won by 39 runs.
- Matches Played: 23
- Won by the team batting first: 12
- Won by the team batting second: 8
- No Result: 3
- Biggest score while batting first: Australia – 263/3 (20) vs Sri Lanka, 2016
- Lowest score while batting first: New Zealand – 88/10 (16) vs Sri Lanka, 2019
- Biggest total chased: Pakistan chased 175 vs Bangladesh, 2012
- Lowest score defended: Sri Lanka defended 125 vs New Zealand, 2019
- Pallekele Stadium average 1st innings score in T20I: 168
- Pallekele Stadium average 2nd innings score in T20I: 149
- Best figures for a Pacer: Lasith Malinga (SL) – 5/6 vs New Zealand, 2019
- Best figures for a Spinner: Ajantha Mendis (SL) – 6/16 vs Australia, 2011
- Highest score by a Batter: Glenn Maxwell (AUS) – 145*(65) vs Sri Lanka, 2016
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium Pitch Report for IND vs SL 2024 series
Pallekele began hosting T20I matches in 2011, initially the venue featured low-scoring games. However, recent matches have seen higher scores, with Sri Lanka chasing 176 against Australia in 2022. In the SL vs IND clash, batting first might be preferable, as the stats favor teams that defend a total. The team that bats first should aim to reach the 180-run mark.
ALSO READ: Sri Lanka vs India 2024 T20I and ODI Series: Schedule, Squads and Where To Watch
Pallekele Cricket Stadium Last T20 Match Scorecard
The last T20I match at Pallekele saw Sri Lanka face Australia in June 2022. The visitors posted 176 runs while batting first. The chase turned into a nail-biter as Sri Lanka needed 59 runs off the last 3 overs. They managed to secure the win with just one ball to spare, thanks to skipper Dasun Shanaka’s unbeaten knock of 54 runs from 25 balls.
| Australia: 176-5 (2) | Sri Lanka: 177-6 (19.5) |
| David Warner: 39(33) | Dasun Shanaka:54(25) |
| Marcus Stoinis: 38(30) | Pathum Nissanka: 27(25) |
| Steve Smith: 37(27) | Charith Asalanka: 26(19) |
| Maheesh Theekshana: 4 – 0 – 25 – 2 | Marcus Stoinis: 2 – 0 – 8 – 2 |
| Wanindu Hasaranga: 4 – 0 – 33 – 1 | Josh Hazlewood: 4 – 1 – 25 – 2 |
| Praveen Jayawickrama: 4 – 0 – 43 – 1 | Ashton Agar: 4 – 0 – 23 – 1 |
| Match Result: Sri Lanka won by 4 wickets. |