India defeats Sri Lanka by seven wickets in rain-shortened T20 match to win series

The Indian men’s cricket team defeated Sri Lanka by seven wickets in the second match to clinch the 2024 T20 series at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Gautam Gambhir’s first assignment as head coach proved successful, with the world champions excelling both with the ball and the bat. Suryakumar Yadav, the captain, opted to bowl first after winning the toss. Ravi Bishnoi led the bowling attack with figures of 3/26, while Arshdeep Singh, Axar Patel, and Hardik Pandya each took two wickets, restricting Sri Lanka to 161/9 in 20 overs.

Rain delayed the Indian innings, shortening the match to an eight-over contest. The Men in Blue chased down the revised target of 78 in just 6.3 overs. Yashasvi Jaiswal scored a quick 30, and Suryakumar Yadav added 26, while Hardik Pandya’s unbeaten 22 ensured India’s victory.

Sri Lanka, batting first, lost Kusal Perera early for 10 runs. Pathum Nissanka, who had been impressive in the first match, was dismissed for 32 by Ravi Bishnoi. Kusal Perera top-scored with 53 off 34 balls, sharing a 50-run partnership with Kamindu Mendis, who scored 26. However, regular wickets limited Sri Lanka to 161/9.

India’s chase, adjusted by the DLS method, started shakily with the loss of Sanju Samson for a golden duck. However, Suryakumar Yadav’s explosive 26 off 12 balls, along with Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 30 at a strike rate of 200, and Hardik Pandya’s quick 22 off nine balls ultimately led India to victory and the series win.

India will play the final T20I of the series on Tuesday.

Scores:
Sri Lanka 161/9 in 20 overs (Kusal Perera 53; Ravi Bishnoi 3/26, Axar Patel 2/30) lost to India 81/3 (DLS Target 78) in 6.3 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 30, Suryakumar Yadav 26; Maheesh Theekshana 1/16) by seven wickets.