India vs Sri Lanka 2017: 5 factors which could determine the 3rd ODI

#3 The middle overs

Wickets are key in the middle overs

The second powerplay, which extends from the 10th over to the 40th over, might seem a mundane phase, but this is where games are won or lost.

For the batting team, not losing wickets is imperative and gradually enhancing the run rate is crucial as this sets them up perfectly for the final onslaught in the final 10 overs.

For the bowlers, this phase is equally, if not more, important. If the bowlers do not pick up wickets, this allows the batsmen to play to the gallery in the final phase. However, frequent wickets in this phase not only disturbs the momentum, but also makes sure that there are always new batsmen at the crease which can only bode well for the fielding side in the final overs.