"It was apparent that KKR's approach was implemented" - Basit Ali on Indian openers' knocks in 1st T20I vs Sri Lanka
Former Pakistani cricketer Basit Ali has opined that Indian openers took the game away from Sri Lanka with their quick-fire knocks in the powerplay in the T20I series opener between the two Asian teams at Pallekele on Saturday, July 27. He suggested that the approach was quite similar to the batting style of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
He pointed out that Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal came out all guns blazing in the first six overs, just as Sunil Narine and Philip Salt did for KKR in the 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League. It is worth mentioning that Team India's new head coach Gautam Gambhir was the mentor of the Kolkata-based side in their title-winning campaign earlier this year.
The Men in Blue openers scored 74 runs in the first six overs. Jaiswal scored 40 runs off 21 balls, while Gill finished with 34 runs in 16 deliveries. Speaking in his latest YouTube video, here's what Basit said about the Indian openers' blitzkrieg in the T20I series opener (from 1:54):
"From India's opening partnership, it was apparent that KKR's approach was implemented here. The Indian batters implemented the approach used by Sunil Narine and Philip Salt."
Highlighting how Jaiswal and Gill's early onslaught propelled India into the pole position early in the match, Basit added (3:55):
"The openers set the tone with their 74-run partnership. It was very difficult for Sri Lanka to bounce back after that. India hit seven sixes and 27 fours. It seemed as if an IPL match was going on. I was quite pleased to see India use a left-right combination."
Skipper Suryakumar Yadav shone with the bat for India, scoring 58 runs in 26 balls. Rishabh Pant also chipped in with a useful 49-run knock from 33 deliveries as the visitors registered 213/7 after 20 overs.
Sri Lanka's innings began with a lot of promise. Openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis kicked off the run-chase with an 84-run stand. Nissanka played a stunning knock of 79 in 48 balls.
However, it was all downhill for the hosts towards the backend of the innings and they were ultimately bundled out for 170, suffering a 43-run defeat. Riyan Parag picked up three wickets, while Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel claimed two scalps apiece.
"Riyan Parag was given his first over at a very dangerous time" - Basit Ali
Sri Lanka required 56 runs off 24 balls with six wickets in hand after 16 overs. Suryakumar Yadav handed the ball to Riyan Parag at that crucial juncture.
Speaking about the move, Basit Ali mentioned that Parag would have been under a lot of pressure had the Sri Lankan batters looked to target him. He said (from 6:09):
"Riyan Parag was given his first over at a very dangerous time because the over-rate was slow. If the Sri Lankan batters had attacked him then, it would have shaken his confidence. Like me, Suryakumar Yadav and Gautam Gambhir also like Riyan Parag very much."
While Riyan Parag made a significant impact with his three-wicket haul, he failed with the bat, scoring just seven runs. Basit emphasized that the likes of Parag and Rinku Singh should concentrate on delivering quick-fire cameos, adding (10:09):
"Riyan Parag was given his first over at a very dangerous time because the over-rate was slow. If the Sri Lankan batters had attacked him then, it would have shaken his confidence. Like me, Suryakumar Yadav and Gautam Gambhir also like Riyan Parag very much."
The second T20I of the three-match series between India and Sri Lanka will be played at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele on Sunday, July 28.
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