India vs Sri Lanka Highlights: 3 moments that generated buzz among fans in 1st T20I ft. Suryakumar Yadav
Team India made a winning start to the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka as they defeated the hosts comfortably by 43 runs. Sri Lanka did pose a challenge to India's target of 214, but it all fizzled out in the end as the Men in Blue racked up a comprehensive win.
India were asked to bat first and they obliged as Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal gave them a rollicking start. Newly appointed T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav then dazzled with yet another half-century, while key contributions from Rishabh Pant and the lower middle order took the visitors to 213/7 in their 20 overs.
Pathum Nissanka's 79 kept Sri Lanka in the chase, but once he was dismissed, the wheels came off in their innings as the hosts were bundled out for just 170. On that note, here are three moments in the game that grabbed the attention of fans on social media:
#1 Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav blazes away yet again
The pitch in Pallekele was a bit on the slower side, but Suryakumar Yadav once again proved his quality as he played a sensational knock of 58 off just 26 balls.
His innings included eight boundaries and two sixes, one of which came against Matheesha Pathirana and it proved to be the standout moment as the Sri Lankan speedster has often been considered difficult to get away,
The fact that Rishabh Pant was struggling at one end made SKY's innings even more crucial for India.
#2 Rishabh Pant's bat goes for a toss
Rishabh Pant's innings was a tale of two halves as he struggled to get going in the first 20-odd balls. However, he made up in the latter half of his innings brilliantly, scoring 49 off just 33 balls.
Pant smashed six fours and a six which was a typical helicopter shot. One of his fours of Matheesha Pathirana was hit behind the square leg region and in his typical fashion, Pant lost control of his bat as it went for a toss in the air.
#3 Axar Patel's game-changing over
After Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka added 84 runs for the first wicket, Nissanka took the initiative and the attack to the Indian bowling and Kusal Perera provided great support. Sri Lanka got themselves in a great position with 74 runs needed off six overs and nine wickets in hand.
However, that is when Axar Patel stepped up with an over that changed the complexion of the game. Axar first cleaned up Nissanka with a delivery that slid with the arm and then got Perera caught at deep square leg at the last ball of the over.
Sri Lanka lost the plot having lost both their set batters. Their last nine wickets fell for just 30 runs as India bowled them out for 170, sealing a 43-run win.