Rain once again played a significant role in a cricket series in Sri Lanka, as the second T20I in Pallekele was disrupted by showers. Despite the interruptions, India emerged victorious, securing a 2-0 series win with a comfortable seven-wicket triumph. India’s chase of a revised target of 78 runs was completed in a mere 6.3 overs, showcasing their dominance. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya spearheaded the chase with their aggressive batting. The game, delayed by a wet outfield, faced a further interruption during India’s chase when the skies opened up. However, the Indian openers returned to the crease with renewed determination, Jaiswal launching into the chase with a boundary off the first ball he faced. Sanju Samson, replacing the injured Shubman Gill, fell victim to a quick off-break from Maheesh Theekshana in his first over. Nevertheless, Suryakumar and Jaiswal employed their signature sweeps and reverse sweeps, countering the threat posed by Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga, propelling India closer to victory. Suryakumar’s audacious stroke play included a hat-trick of swept fours off Theekshana, followed by a six off Matheesha Pathirana, further showcasing his dominance. While Sri Lanka managed to dismiss both Jaiswal and Suryakumar, it proved too little too late as India cruised to victory. Earlier in the match, Sri Lanka suffered another middle-order collapse, falling short of a respectable total, ending at 161/9. Kusal Perera’s free-flowing half-century had provided hope for Sri Lanka, placing them well at 130/2 after the 15th over. However, their fortunes turned, mirroring the first T20I where they lost their last nine wickets for just 30 runs. This time, they lost their last seven wickets for a meager 31 runs. Sri Lanka’s downfall began with a strong start courtesy of Mohammed Siraj’s erratic line in the first over. Siraj’s deliveries offered width, allowing Pathum Nissanka to capitalize with a boundary through the covers. Siraj’s inconsistency continued, drifting into Kusal Mendis’ pads, resulting in another boundary. Perera, coming in at number three, also took advantage of Siraj’s wayward bowling, pulling him for a powerful six and following it up with a well-timed boundary. Luck favored Perera as he reached his fifty after pulling a short ball from Hardik Pandya into the hands of Rinku Singh, who, unfortunately, slipped and slid into the boundary rider. Hardik’s bouncer strategy ultimately paid off as he removed both Perera and Kamindu Mendis, caught by Rinku at deep square leg. This triggered a disastrous collapse for Sri Lanka, losing their last seven wickets for a mere 31 runs. Ravi Bishnoi played a crucial role in this collapse, claiming three wickets.
India Wins Rain-Hit 2nd T20I, Clinches Series Against Sri Lanka
