Familiarity can make for a close match between India and Sri Lanka

India’s billing as the team to beat in the ICC Champions Trophy will be given a stern test in the second semi-final at Cardiff against a Sri Lanka team looking for revenge for their 2011 World Cup defeat.

M S Dhoni’s men currently sit at the top of the ICC ODI rankings, some five places above their opponents, but the fact that there is so much familiarity and rivalry between the two teams should play into the hands of those expecting a close match.

At 4/7, India head into the match as favourites to take victory courtesy of the form and with a 100% record on the line, this price seems a little short but it would be an accurate reflection of the probable outcome of the match.

One thing that the Indian’s should be wary of, and indeed could swing the match the way of the Sri Lankan’s is the weather. With the forecast set to be muggy, the atmospheric conditions should see more seam movement through the air, and at 11/8 to take the victory, those looking to back Angelo Matthews side should keep a close eye on the weather forecast.

With the dangerous Lasith Malinga amongst their ranks, a man whose bowling can turn a match in double-quick time, the Lions will be a threat with the ball & the slinging seamer is 10/11 to take over 1.5 wickets in the innings. With the man from Galle having taken four wickets against New Zealand at Cardiff last time out, this looks like a tempting proposition.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing