In the Sri Lanka tour of India, the hosts beat the visitors by 62 runs in the first T20I of the three-match bilateral series. Clinical performances from Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer helped India to cruise over the finish line effortlessly.
India had to bat after losing the toss. The Indian openers looked in a rhythm and exploited the powerplay. Ishan Kishan (89) tore apart the Sri Lankan bowling lineup in the first six overs and set up a solid foundation in the first innings. Kishan and Rohit Sharma (44) had a first-wicket stand of 111 runs, the former anchored the partnership while the latter played the supporting role. The threatening partnership was broken when the Indian skipper fell prey to a slow delivery from Lahiru Kumara in the 12th over. Kishan continued his assault while Shreyas Iyer (57*) was the new batsman at number three. The opener and Iyer had a 44-run partnership, which maintained the run rate in the middle overs. While trying to maximise on the short ball, Kishan lost his wicket in the 17th over when he was just 11 runs short of his maiden international century. Iyer was joined by Ravindra Jadeja at the crease and finished the first innings on a higher note for the home team.
India’s bowling unit was on top of the visitors’ batting line-up since ball one. Bhuvneshwar Kumar sent Pathum Nissanka back to the pavilion on the first ball of the second innings. The hosts managed to pocket three wickets inside the powerplay. The Indians kept the run rate in the control and pocketed wickets at regular intervals to restrict the Lankans for 137 in their allotted 20 overs.
Apart from Charith Asalanka (53*) and Dushmantha Chameera (24*), there wasn’t much of a fightback from the tourists.
Kumar and Venkatesh Iyer had pocketed two wickets each while Jadeja and Yuzvendra Chahal had one wicket each. On the other end, Lahiru Kumara and Dasun Shanaka had one scalp each.
Kishan was adjudged Man of the Match for his destructive 89 off 56 balls with 10 fours and three sixes.
Scorecard:
India: 199/2, Overs 20, Ishan Kishan (89), Shreyas Iyer (57*), Dasun Shanaka (1/19)
Sri Lanka: 137/6, Over 20, Charith Asalanka (53*), Dushmantha Chameera (24*), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/9)