India clinched a commanding seven-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the second T20I, using the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method to seal an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The match, held at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, saw a series of explosive performances that ensured India’s win.
In a rain-affected game, India, chasing a revised target of 78 runs from 8 overs, completed the chase with nine balls to spare. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s aggressive 30 off 15 balls and Hardik Pandya’s electrifying 22 off 9 balls proved crucial in India’s swift triumph.
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Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bat, initially establishing a strong position with 80 runs for the loss of two wickets in the first half of their innings. Kusal Perera led the charge with a brisk 53 from 34 deliveries. However, India’s bowlers mounted a robust comeback, limiting Sri Lanka to a total of 161/9 in their allotted 20 overs. Ravi Bishnoi was particularly impressive, claiming 3 wickets for 26 runs, while Axar Patel, who bowled the final over, finished with 2-30. Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya also contributed with two wickets each, showcasing a well-rounded bowling effort.
Dramatic Shift In The Game
The game saw a dramatic shift when rain halted play after just three balls of India’s innings. Upon resumption, India faced a revised target of 78 runs in 8 overs. Sri Lankan bowlers Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana, and others tried to make inroads, but Suryakumar Yadav’s rapid 26 off 12 balls set the stage for the chase. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s quickfire 30 provided solid support before Hardik Pandya’s late surge ensured the victory.
Despite the best efforts of Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, and Wanindu Hasaranga, who each took a wicket, Sri Lanka could not halt India’s march to victory.
Brief Scores:
Sri Lanka: 161/9 in 20 overs (Kusal Perera 53, Pathum Nissanka 32; Ravi Bishnoi 3-26, Hardik Pandya 2-23, Arshdeep Singh 2-24, Axar Patel 2-30)
India: 81/3 in 6.3 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 30, Suryakumar Yadav 26, Hardik Pandya 22 not out; Maheesh Theekshana 1-16) — India won by seven wickets (DLS method).
