IND vs SL 2024, 2nd T20I: Who won yesterday’s India vs Sri Lanka match?
India beat Sri Lanka by seven wickets (DLS method) in yesterday's T20I match at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. With the triumph, the Men in Blue clinched the three-match series 2-0. Bowling first after winning the toss, India held Sri Lanka to 161-9. Chasing a revised target of 78 in eight overs, Team India cruised home in 6.3 overs.
After the toss was delayed due to rain, Sri Lanka got off to a decent start with the bat. Arshdeep Singh, though, dismissed Kusal Mendis (10), forcing him to miscue an offcutter. Pathum Nissanka (32 off 24) and Kusal Perera (53 off 34) added 54 for the second wicket to put the hosts in a decent position.
The stand ended when Nissanka was trapped lbw by a wrong'un from Ravi Bishnoi that skidded off the pitch. Kamindu Mendis (26 off 23) and Perera added 50 for the third wicket. Kamindu couldn't convert his start, as he dragged a fullish slower ball from Hardik Pandya to deep square leg.
Perera also fell to Pandya, pulling a short ball from the Indian pacer to deep square leg, where Rinku Singh took a good catch sliding forward. Like in the first T20I, Sri Lanka again lost their way after a good start. Dasun Shanaka fell for a golden duck, dragging a length ball from Bishnoi onto his stumps.
Bishnoi had two in two when Wanindu Hasaranga (0) was knocked over by a googly, attempting the slog sweep.
Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka (14 off 12) then toe-ended a low full toss from Arshdeep to deep midwicket. Axar Patel helped himself to a couple of wickets at the end, cleaning up Maheesh Theekshana (2) and having Ramesh Mendis (12) stumped.
Indian batters sizzle in short chase
Chasing a revised DLS target of 78 in eight overs, India had a distinct advantage, as they had all 10 wickets in hand.
Sanju Samson, opening in place of the unfit Shubman Gill, was knocked over for a golden duck by a skidder from Theekshana. Yashasvi Jaiswal (30 off 15), skipper Suryakumar Yadav (26 off 12) and Pandya (22* off 9), though, combined as India cruised to victory.
Jaiswal struck three fours and two sixes in his quickfire knock, Suryakumar hit four fours and a six, while Pandya put the finishing touches, hammering three fours and a six.
Who won Player of the Match in yesterday’s India vs Sri Lanka T20I?
Leg-spinner Bishnoi excelled with the ball for India, claiming 3-26. Axar and Arshdeep picked up two wickets each. Apart from his cameo, Pandya also claimed two wickets. Jaiswal got India off to a flyer in the chase.
For Sri Lanka, Mendis hit six fours and two sixes in his half-century, while Nissanka contributed 32.
Bishnoi, though, was named the Player of the Match for his impressive three-wicket haul.