Suryakumar Yadav-led India sealed the three-match series against Sri Lanka after a clinching the rain-reduced second T20I in Pallekele on July 28. The Men in Blue emerged triumphant by seven wickets under the Duckworth-Lewis method. Suryakumar Yadav made an impressive debut as India's full-time captain, succeeding Rohit Sharma who retired from T20Is following India's World Cup triumph. India were handed a revised target of 78 runs in eight overs which they achieved with nine balls to spare.
Suryakumar Yadav, Yashasvi Jaiswal lead India's chase
Rain threatened to intervene as India began their chase, but the match resumed with a revised target of 78 runs from eight overs. India suffered an early setback when Sanju Samson was dismissed for a golden duck by Maheesh Theekshana's excellent delivery. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Suryakumar Yadav then took control of the innings, providing a solid platform for India's chase. However, Matheesha Pathirana dismissed Suryakumar, who made a quickfire 26, before Jaiswal also departed after a brisk 30.
Hardik Pandya finished the game in style, remaining unbeaten on 22 from nine balls. He ensured India crossed the line without any late drama, hitting Pathirana for a boundary to seal the victory.
India Bowlers Strike Again
Earlier, India's bowling unit once again proved to be the team's strength as they orchestrated a late collapse, restricting Sri Lanka to a below-par 161/9. This follows a similar performance in the previous match where Sri Lanka lost eight wickets for 21 runs while chasing. After a promising start, scoring 80 runs in the first ten overs, Sri Lanka's innings derailed as they managed to add only 81 runs in the final ten overs. Hardik Pandya's clever variations and Ravi Bishnoi's deceptive googlies were instrumental in breaking the Sri Lankan batting order. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera laid a solid foundation with a 54-run partnership, but the middle order failed to capitalize on the platform, resulting in a disappointing finish for the islanders.
Sri Lankan Collapse
The Indian bowling unit intensified the pressure on the Sri Lankan batsmen, inducing desperation among the batters. All-rounders Dasun Shanaka and Wanindu Hasaranga fell victim to rash shot selection, reflecting the growing frustration within the Sri Lankan camp. From a promising position of 130/2 after 15 overs, Sri Lanka suffered a dramatic collapse, losing four wickets in ten deliveries, including a run-out. This mirrored their performance in the previous match, where they lost eight wickets for 21 runs. India's bowling strategy, seemingly influenced by Gautam Gambhir's input, was evident in the management of Ravi Bishnoi's overs. Bishnoi, who struggled against the right-handed Sri Lankan top order, was wisely rested from the attack.
The Indian bowling attack was well-disciplined, with Riyan Parag bowling tight lines and lengths. Despite conceding five boundaries, Parag's ability to bowl dot balls and target the stumps proved crucial. Axar Patel continued his impressive form, maintaining a consistent line and length.
The pitch offered assistance to the spinners, with the ball gripping and carrying. This made it challenging for the batters to decide whether to attack or defend. Ravi Bishnoi made significant adjustments to his bowling approach, varying the pace of his googlies to deceive the batsmen. This tactical change proved effective in disrupting the Sri Lankan batting rhythm.
India and Sri Lanka will take on each other yet again in the third T20I which is slated to be played on July 30.
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