The Lankans have plenty to play for
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The relevance of bilateral ODI series has been intensely debated in international cricket recently. Often, one sided contests between teams mismatched in ability fail to excite and there have been growing calls to give these affairs context by introducing an ODI league. However, this series is not without any context. The Indian team is on a winning run and will be looking to maintain that while also testing their bench-strength ahead of the upcoming ODIs at home against Australia.
A World Cup Qualification scenario ensures the hosts are not also short of inspiration - they require at least two wins to secure a direct qualification to the World Cup before the September 30th cut-off.
If Sri Lanka have to get past an in-form India side, they will have to raise their game several notches higher. With a World Cup qualification at immediate stake, it could just be what is needed to spur them on to challenge the Indians. making for a lively series
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