• India defeated Sri Lanka by 43 runs in the first T20I of the three-match series.

  • Suryakumar Yadav was named Player of the Match for his splendid batting performance.

Netizens react as Suryakumar Yadav, bowlers shine in India’s emphatic win over Sri Lanka in the 1st T20I
Team India (Image Source: X)

In the first T20I of the three-match series held at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on  Saturday (July 27), India secured a commanding 43-run victory over Sri Lanka.

Suryakumar Yadav’s high-class batting

Batting first, India posted their highest T20I total in Sri Lanka, scoring 213/7 in 20 overs. Captain Suryakumar Yadav led the charge with a brilliant 58 off 26 balls, which included 8 boundaries and 2 sixes. The opening partnership between Shubman Gill (34 off 16) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (40 off 21) set a solid foundation, contributing 74 runs from just 36 balls.

Despite a brief slump where India lost two quick wickets, Yadav’s explosive innings and Rishabh Pant’s vital knock of 49 from 33 balls propelled the total beyond 200. Pant’s innings, which included 6 fours and one solitary six, was crucial in accelerating the scoring rate. Hardik Pandya and Riyan Parag added some valuable lower-order runs, though both were dismissed trying to push the scoring rate in the final overs.

Also WATCH: SL vs IND: Matheesha Pathirana takes out Hardik Pandya with a brilliant 151 kmph yorker in the 1st T20I

Matheesha Pathirana’s impressive spell

Sri Lanka’s Matheesha Pathirana was the standout bowler, claiming 4 wickets for 40 runs. He was particularly impactful with his 151 km/h yorker that dismissed Hardik and his subsequent spell that kept Sri Lanka in the game. Despite Pathirana’s efforts, Sri Lanka struggled to contain the Indian batters and couldn’t stopped them from breaching the 200 runs mark.

Sri Lanka’s fightback and collapse

In response, Sri Lanka started strongly with openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis adding 84 runs for the first wicket. Nissanka, who top-scored with 79 off 48 balls, and Mendis (45 off 27) gave Sri Lanka a strong start. However, the Indian bowlers, particularly Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel, made crucial breakthroughs. Patel dismissed Nissanka and Kusal Perera in quick succession, while Arshdeep and Parag played key roles in restricting Sri Lanka’s chase. Kamindu Mendis showed some resistance with a quick-fire 12, but India’s disciplined bowling and fielding ensured Sri Lanka were bowled out for 170 in 19.2 overs. Parag’s tight final overs and a crucial run-out played pivotal roles in sealing the win for India.

Here’s how Fans reacted:

Also READ: SL vs IND 2024, T20I Series: Broadcast, live streaming details – When and Where to watch in India, US, UK, Pakistan & other countries

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