Rohit Sharma-led India crushed Sri Lanka in the second T20I by chasing down the target of 184 with 17 deliveries to spare. However, in the middle overs of Sri Lanka’s first innings, it did not look like that the hosts will be able to post a challenging total at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala. Indian bowlers were too expensive in the death overs as they conceded 72 runs in last four overs.
Rohit was not too critical of his bowlers despite a disappointing performance in slog overs as he said in the post-match presentation ceremony, “(I) don't want to be too harsh on the bowlers, these things happen. We bowled well in the first few overs (in the batting powerplay), restricted them well, 80 runs in the last five overs, it's something we need to understand on things to be done in the last five overs, but we did well in the first 15 overs. The pitch was superb, the ball was coming on nicely and these things do happen.”
Dasun Shanaka remained unbeaten for 47 off 19 deliveries as he hit two fours and five sixes including a massive final over. Similarly, for India, Ravindra Jadeja remained unbeaten for 45 off 18 deliveries. Promoted up the order, Jadeja hit seven fours and one six in his whirlwind knock that helped India get over the line in the 17th over.
“(It) was an important knock from Shreyas, couldn't have asked anything more from him, Jaddu came up well with the bat,” the 34-year-old said.
Rohit lauded the middle-order as he and Ishan Kishan got out in the powerplay overs in the run chase. Shreyas Iyer and Sanju Samson got the run chase back on track. Samson got out after scoring 39 whereas Iyer registered his career-best unbeaten 74.
“It was something that was important, for the middle-order to come and string together a partnership was good to see. It's happened quite a few times over the past few games,” the opener said.
“We have a lot of talent in that batting unit, we will keep giving them the chances, it's up to them to make the most of it. I thought Sanju showed how well he could play with that knock, it's all about taking your opportunities. Lot of these guys are quite talented. They just need an opportunity to go out there and express themselves. There are a lot of guys waiting in the wings as well but their time will come as well. We've got to look after the guys who have been in and around the team for a while. We understand all these guys possess a lot of talent. So it's just about giving the opportunity and the backing from our side,” he added.