India clinched the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka with a decisive seven-wicket victory (via DLS method) in the second T20I at Pallekele on July 28, 2024. This win, characterized by disciplined bowling and aggressive batting, gave India an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
India win T20I series with one match to spare
Sri Lanka, batting first, posted a challenging total of 161/9 in their 20 overs. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera were the mainstays of their innings, with Nissanka scoring a brisk 32 off 24 balls and Perera anchoring the middle order with a sparkling 53 off 34 balls, hitting six boundaries and two sixes. Kamindu Mendis added 26 off 23 balls to support the innings. However, the rest of the batting lineup struggled against the Indian bowlers.
Ravi Bishnoi was the standout performer with the ball for India, taking 3 wickets for 26 runs in his four overs, earning him the Player of the Match award. Bishnoi’s spell included key dismissals of Nissanka, Shanaka, and Hasaranga. Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya also chipped in with two wickets each, ensuring that Sri Lanka couldn’t capitalize on their solid start.
India’s chase was interrupted by rain, leading to a revised target of 78 runs in 8 overs under the DLS method. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson opened the innings, but Samson fell early, bowled by Theekshana for a duck. Jaiswal, however, played a quickfire knock of 30 off 15 balls, including three fours and two sixes, setting a strong foundation for the chase.
Suryakumar Yadav, captaining the side, continued the assault with a blistering 26 off just 12 balls, hitting four boundaries and a six. Despite losing both openers and Yadav, Hardik Pandya ensured there were no further hiccups. Pandya’s unbeaten 22 off 9 balls, embellished with three fours and a six, guided India to a comfortable victory with nine balls to spare. Rishabh Pant remained not out alongside Pandya, contributing a couple of runs to seal the win.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers struggled to contain the Indian batsmen in the shortened game. Hasaranga, Theekshana, and Pathirana managed to take a wicket each, but their efforts were not enough to prevent the inevitable.
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