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Suryakumar Yadav-led India displayed a brilliant all-round show to beat Sri Lanka in the first T20I match by 43 runs in Pallekele on Saturday, July 27. Newly appointed captain Suryakumar Yadav led from the front by smashing a blistering fifty and then bowlers made a late impact to give India a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. India posted a formidable total of 213/7 riding on Suryakumar's 58 off 26 and then folded Sri Lanka for 170 to draw the first blood in the series.
Sri Lanka fail to capitalise on solid start
Sri Lanka made a strong start to their chase, with Pathum Nissanka (79 off 48) and Kusal Mendis (45 off 27) building a solid 84-run opening partnership. Arshdeep Singh broke the stand by dismissing Mendis, but Nissanka continued his aggressive batting, reaching a rapid half-century.
Sri Lanka looked comfortably placed at 140/2 after 14 overs, with Nissanka well set. However, Axar Patel (2/38) turned the game around with two crucial wickets in the same over, removing Nissanka and Kusal Perera. Despite these setbacks, Kamindu Mendis counterattacked with some impressive shots.
Riyan Parag shine with a perfect three-fer
The match took a dramatic turn when Riyan Parag (3/5) was introduced into the attack. The young bowler delivered a stunning over, conceding just five runs while picking up a wicket and effecting a run-out. Sri Lanka's momentum was completely halted, and they were eventually bowled out for 170, falling short of the target by 43 runs.
Earlier, Suryakumar made a powerful statement in his first match as India's T20I captain, leading his team to a commanding 213/7 against Sri Lanka. Yadav himself played a blistering knock of 58 runs, showcasing his trademark aggressive batting. The foundation for India's innings was laid by openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, who shared a rapid 74-run partnership. While Jaiswal displayed raw power, Gill impressed with his elegant strokeplay. Rishabh Pant contributed a valuable 49 runs, despite a slow start. The Indian top order's aggressive approach under the new coach was evident from the outset.
Suryakumar Yadav's blistering knock
India made a blistering start to their innings, with openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill scoring freely from the outset. The duo plundered 13 runs off the first over, setting the tone for the innings. Jaiswal was particularly aggressive, reaching his fifty in just four overs. Gill, on the other hand, played with elegance and precision, timing his shots expertly. The Indian openers amassed 74 runs in the powerplay, their highest opening stand of the season. Gill's dismissal in the final over of the powerplay ended the partnership, but India had laid a strong foundation for the rest of the innings.
Jaiswal's dismissal to Wanindu Hasaranga brought Suryakumar Yadav and Rishabh Pant together at the crease. Yadav quickly got into his groove, hitting two consecutive sixes and surviving a dropped catch. India reached the century mark in just 8.4 overs, with Yadav maintaining a high scoring rate despite Pant's initial struggle. Yadav's departure due to a yorker from Matheesha Pathirana brought an end to his aggressive innings. However, Pant finished the innings strongly with a couple of big hits, including a spectacular helicopter shot. Sri Lanka's fast bowlers struggled to find their rhythm on a slow pitch. However, Wanindu Hasaranga was exceptional, conceding just 28 runs in four overs and picking up a wicket. Matheesha Pathirana, despite being hit around, finished with impressive figures of 4 for 40, thanks to his lethal yorkers.
India and Sri Lanka will next lock horns with each other in the second T20I on July 28, Sunday.
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