India vs Srilanka, Semi Final - Champions Trophy 2013: Battles to watch out for

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India so far has had a fantastic run in the tournament, winning all their matches including the warm up games and booked a spot in the semi-finals before any other team in the tournament. This definitely makes India the team to beat in the tournament.
However, knowing Lankans Tigers, they will not give an inch in the cricket field and will do all that is required to make a match out of it when the two giants of the sub-continent, India and Sri Lanka, meet in semi-finals of the Champions Trophy at Cardiff. (Also Read: Preview: India vs SriLanka - Champions Trophy 2013)
Battles to watch out for:
Dhawan vs. Kulasekara
The Indian batting looks to be in ominous touch with Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma taking their team off to flier, more often than not in the tournament and Sri Lanka will have to come up with something special to stop them.
It will be a contest worth watching when Shikhar Dhawan takes on the likes of Malinga and Kulasekara early on in the innings. Nuwan Kulasekara, known for his swing, will have the English conditions to his advantage and can make the ball talk. However, Dhawan is not one of those who will take things lying down and every now and then he will come down the track to upset the rhythm and length of the bowler.
 Kohli vs. Malinga
 The way Virat Kohli took Lasith Malinga to the cleaners in Australia is well etched in our memory. Malinga would be well aware of the threat and will look to get the better off Kohli this time around. It will be a battle of minds more than anything else and only time will tell who will come on the top.
Lasith Malinga on the other hand will look to mix things up with his variations and it would be really interesting to see how Kohli reacts to Malinga. Let’s make no mistake about it that if Malinga strays in line, Kohli will make him pay.
Dhoni vs. Lankan spinners
Indians are known for their batting against spin bowling and Dhoni is no exception. No ground is big enough when the Indian captain is on song and the likes of Rangana Herath and Tilekratne Dilshan must be well aware of that fact. Herath is pretty deceptive in the air and can surprise a batsman with his brilliant arm ball. Certainly a battle worth waiting for!
Bhuvneshwar Kumar vs. Dilshan
Swing bowling is an art and Bhuvneshwar Kumar seems to have mastered it. Tilekratne Dilshan will have his work cut out when he takes on Kumar and it will not be a surprise if he decides to take on the Indian speedster. Dilshan is known for his counter attacks and we have an interesting battle on our hands. We will have to wait and see who draws first blood.
Umesh Yadav vs. Mahela Jayawardene
Having played under Mahela Jayawardene in the IPL, Umesh Yadav must be knowing a few secrets about his IPL skipper. Jayawardene is a big match player and Yadav needs to get something out of his hat to see off his IPL skipper. A few short ones aimed at his body will not be much of a surprise.
Sangakkara vs. R Ashwin/ Jadeja
Probably one of the most stylish left-handers Sri Lanka has ever produced, Kumar Sangakkara will be itching to unleash himself against the Indian spinners. Ashwin is a smart operator and will look to get him early. Sangakkara loves using his feet against the spinners and it is always an interesting contest when a batsman is prepared to do that against a spinner.
Jadeja on the other hand will look to push it through and if he gets it to turn at that pace, it can make life difficult for the batsman. Not a big spinner of the cricket ball who likes to bowl a wicket to wicket line, Sangakkara will have to get out of his comfort zone against Jadeja.

source: deccanchronicle.com

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