Star Indian leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi showcased a spectacular bowling performance in the second T20I of the three-match series against Sri Lanka at Dambulla on Sunday (July 28). Bishnoi’s spell of 3/26 in his four overs was pivotal in restricting the hosts to 161/9 after they looked set for a massive total at one point. His disciplined bowling broke crucial partnerships and pegged back the Sri Lankan innings.
Turning the tide
Sri Lanka seemed to be in control at 130/2, but Bishnoi’s introduction in the 10th over dramatically changed the game’s momentum. He immediately made an impact by breaking a crucial 54-run partnership, dismissing Pathum Nissanka for 32. This wicket proved to be a pivotal moment, as Bishnoi maintained relentless pressure with his precise lines and smart variations, turning the tide in favor of his team.
Decisive 17th over by Ravi Bishnoi
In a game-changing 17th over, Bishnoi dismissed two former Sri Lankan captains, Dasun Shanaka and Wanindu Hasaranga, both for golden ducks. Shanaka was undone by a brilliantly executed googly, managing only an inside edge that shattered his stumps. Hasaranga, attempting a slog sweep, was also deceived by a googly, resulting in his stumps being sent cartwheeling. These twin strikes left Sri Lanka in disarray, significantly disrupting their momentum. Struggling to recover, they managed to add only 31 runs in the final five overs, drastically falling short of a competitive total.
Here’s the video:
You will hardly see Ravi Bishnoi not performing for Team India.
It will be unfair if he again misses the next T20 World Cup just to accommodate others.He already missed two back to back WC even after being a star performer for india in last 2-3 yrs.pic.twitter.com/0aY1uZnF4V
— Sujeet Suman (@sujeetsuman1991) July 28, 2024
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Early onslaught by Sri Lankan openers and India’s strong comeback
Earlier in the innings, Indian bowlers Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj struggled to make early breakthroughs. The Sri Lankan openers, Kusal Mendis and Nissanka, launched an aggressive assault, reaching 55/0 within the powerplay. Their relentless attack forced Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav to make tactical changes.
In the 9th over, Arshdeep returned to the attack and managed to dismiss the dangerous Mendis, who was going strong. This breakthrough was crucial in slowing down the Sri Lankan scoring rate. Despite Mendis’ departure, Nissanka continued his aggressive innings, with Kusal Perera providing support. Hardik Pandya‘s intervention in the 16th over was another key moment in the match. Pandya managed to dismiss Kusal Perera, who was anchoring the Sri Lankan innings with a brilliant half century. Perera’s wicket triggered a collapse, and Sri Lanka’s innings nosedived from 130/2 to 161/9, thanks in large part to Bishnoi’s exceptional spell and Pandya’s timely breakthrough.
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