India’s bowlers delivered a stellar performance in the second half of the second innings, guiding the team to a 43-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first T20I of the three-match series at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
Chasing a formidable target of 214, Sri Lanka was bowled out for 170 runs in 19.2 overs, giving India a 1-0 lead in the series. Pathum Nissanka was the standout performer for Sri Lanka, scoring 79 runs off 48 balls, including seven fours and four sixes. Kusal Mendis contributed a crucial 45 runs off 27 balls with seven boundaries and a six.
However, the rest of the Sri Lankan batting lineup faltered, unable to withstand India’s disciplined bowling attack. Riyan Parag was India’s top wicket-taker, claiming three wickets for just five runs in his 1.2-over spell. Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel each took two wickets, while Mohammed Siraj and Ravi Bishnoi chipped in with one wicket apiece.
Earlier in the day, Sri Lankan skipper Charith Asalanka won the toss and opted to bowl. India’s openers, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, provided a strong start with a 74-run partnership in just 35 balls. Gill scored a quickfire 34 off 16 balls, including six fours and a six, before being dismissed on the last ball of the powerplay.
Jaiswal, who scored 40 runs off 21 balls with five fours and two sixes, was the next to fall with the score at 74. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav then took charge, scoring a brilliant 58 off 26 balls, featuring eight boundaries and two sixes. India reached the 100-run mark in the ninth over, with Rishabh Pant contributing a crucial 49 off 33 balls, including six fours and a six.
India finished their innings at 213/7 in 20 overs. Matheesha Pathirana was the pick of the bowlers for Sri Lanka, taking four wickets for 40 runs in his four-over spell. Dilshan Madhushanka, Asitha Fernando, and Wanindu Hasaranga each took one wicket.
Brief Score:
- India: 213/7 in 20 overs (Suryakumar Yadav 58, Rishabh Pant 49, Matheesha Pathirana 4/40)
- Sri Lanka: 170 all out in 19.2 overs (Pathum Nissanka 79, Kusal Mendis 45, Riyan Parag 3/5)
