India’s batters shine in a convincing victory against their arch-rivals Sri Lanka

India’s batters came out all guns blazing. Flamboyant opener Ishan Kishan smashed 89 runs in 56 balls. His sturdiness at the top made sure that India posted a formidable total of 200 runs for the courageous Sri Lanka. The likes of Shreyas Iyer made sure to give India a late blitz. He scored 57 runs in 28 balls and his stroke-play was classy. At the top, Captain Rohit Sharma played a quick-fire cameo of 44 runs in 32 balls. India’s Head Coach Rahul Dravid would be pleased that the youngsters Ishan Kishan & Shreyas Iyer got valuable runs under belt. India now have taken a 1-0 lead in the 3 Match Series. The next T20I Match is scheduled on 26th March at Dharamsala.

In response to 200 target Sri Lanka lost 2 wickets in power-play overs. Sri Lanka scored 29 runs for the loss of 2 wickets. Sri Lanka’s Charith Asalanka was the only bright spot. He managed to score a fighting knock of 53 runs in 47 balls which included 5 fours. The elegant left-handed batter showcased immense mental application as scoring was not easy. In the end India won the match by 62 runs. India’s left arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja made a comeback in this T20I Series, earlier for West Indies white-ball leg he was sidelined due to an injury. Bhuvneshwar Kumar was economical as he gave away 9 runs in his 2 overs & took 2 wickets. The runs were hard to come as India’s bowlers didn’t give an inch to Sri Lanka’s batters. Venkatesh Iyer the all-rounder took 2 wickets.

Sri Lanka who just were back on a series defeat against Australia by 4-1, now would think that they still have a lot of hard work to do. Sri Lanka’s batters need to showcase their credentials otherwise India would easily white-wash them by 3-0 which currently looks the most favorable outcome. There was absolutely no intent from Sri Lanka’s batters which is not acceptable at this level. The likes of Dinesh Chandimal who has been in and out of the team since a decade isn’t doing justice to his experience & talent. All in all Sri Lanka should not forget that they in 2014 were the T20 World Cup Champions. They undoubtedly have that spirit, it’s only a matter of time for the entire cricketing fraternity to witness it. Sri Lanka need to pull their socks up as one more hiccup would mean that the T20I Series is done and dusted. On the other hand India would hope that they clinch the T20I Series on the 26th of February.