India’s all-round performance in the second T20I helped the visitors secure a 2-0 lead in the three-match series against Sri Lanka on Sunday. The Men in Blue clinched the match by seven wickets at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
The match was shortened to seven overs per side due to rain, setting a target of 78 runs for India. Despite a shaky start with Sanju Samson getting out for a duck in the second over, the team bounced back with solid contributions from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Suryakumar Yadav.
Suryakumar Yadav, who came in after Samson’s dismissal, scored a quickfire 26 off 12 balls, including four boundaries and a six, before being dismissed by Matheesha Pathirana. Yashasvi Jaiswal also played a crucial knock of 30 off 15 balls with three fours and two sixes.
Hardik Pandya added stability and helped India chase down the target with nine balls to spare. For Sri Lanka, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, and Wanindu Hasaranga each took one wicket.
Earlier, Sri Lanka posted a competitive total of 161/9 in their 20 overs. Kusal Perera top-scored with 53 off 34 balls, supported by Pathum Nissanka (32) and Kamindu Mendis (26). India’s Ravi Bishnoi was the standout bowler, taking three wickets for 26 runs. Arshdeep Singh, Axar Patel, and Hardik Pandya each chipped in with two wickets.
India’s victory not only gives them an unassailable lead in the series but also sets the stage for a potential clean sweep in the final match.
Brief Scores:
- India: 81/3 in 6.3 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 30, Suryakumar Yadav 26, Matheesha Pathirana 1/18)
- Sri Lanka: 161/9 in 20 overs (Kusal Perera 53, Pathum Nissanka 32, Ravi Bishnoi 3/26)
