India Clinches Series with Seven-Wicket Win in Rain-Affected 2nd T20I Against Sri Lanka
Yashasvi Jaiswal's explosive 30 off 15 balls and Hardik Pandya's quick 22 off 9 deliveries helped India secure a seven-wicket victory via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method in the second T20I against Sri Lanka. This win, achieved at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, gave India an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Chasing a revised target of 78 runs in 8 overs, India reached the goal with nine balls to spare, ensuring a straightforward triumph.
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, India allowed Sri Lanka to initially gain the upper hand, with the hosts scoring 80 runs for the loss of two wickets in the first half of their innings.
However, Indian bowlers staged a strong comeback, restricting Sri Lanka to a total of 161/9 in their 20 overs. Kusal Perera was the top scorer for Sri Lanka, with a quick 53 off 34 balls.
Ravi Bishnoi was the standout bowler for India, claiming three wickets for 26 runs. Axar Patel, who bowled the final over, ended with figures of 2-30, while Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya each took two wickets, showcasing a comprehensive bowling performance.
Rain dramatically interrupted India's chase after just three balls. When play resumed, India faced a revised target of 78 runs from 8 overs.
Sri Lanka's Dasun Shanaka opened the bowling in the shortened match, giving away 10 runs in his first over. Maheesh Theekshana secured an early breakthrough by dismissing Sanju Samson, who replaced the injured Shubman Gill, for a golden duck. Nonetheless, skipper Suryakumar Yadav quickly took charge, attacking Theekshana and hitting three boundaries in his second over.
Suryakumar scored a swift 26 off 12 balls, setting the pace for the chase. Yashasvi Jaiswal supported with a solid 30 off 15 deliveries before getting out. Hardik Pandya then finished the match, hitting the winning runs for India. Despite Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, and Wanindu Hasaranga each taking a wicket, it wasn't enough to prevent India's 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) lost to India: 81/3 in 6.3 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 30, Suryakumar Yadav 26, Hardik Pandya 22 not out; Maheesh Theekshana 1-16) by seven wickets (DLS method).
