India ushered in a new era under the leadership of captain Suryakumar Yadav and coach with an emphatic victory in Pallekele. This debut for the new captain-coach combination saw India securing a 43-run win over Sri Lanka in the opening T20I, significantly bolstered by a blistering 22-ball fifty from Yadav.
Despite posting a hefty 213 runs, the Indian bowlers initially appeared to be struggling, particularly with Pathum Nissanka’s aggressive play. However, an astonishing collapse from Sri Lanka, losing nine wickets for just 30 runs, handed the visitors a comfortable win. Riyan Parag, utilized as India’s sixth bowler, delivered a standout performance by taking three wickets for five runs in just eight balls.
The critical factor that determined the game was India’s relentless attacking approach with the bat. Openers Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal set the tone by maintaining a strike rate of 200, laying a robust platform for the innings. Their cameo performances epitomized modern T20 cricket’s dynamic demands and provided India the solid start it needed.
After the solid start from the openers, it was the newly appointed captain Suryakumar Yadav who took charge. Yadav’s 22-ball fifty ensured India capitalized on the favorable start, effectively countering Matheesha Pathirana’s four-wicket burst in the death overs. Meanwhile, a host of fielding missteps from Sri Lanka gave India critical reprieves anytime the pressure mounted.
**INDIA**
**PowerPlay: A Roaring Start**
Score: 74/1 [13x4s, 3x6s]
India, the reigning T20 World Cup champions, commenced their new cycle with gusto. Despite having an opener in Yashasvi Jaiswal who watched the last World Cup from the sidelines and another in Shubman Gill who didn’t make the squad, the duo exuded confidence. Adding 74 runs in the first six overs, this became India’s highest PowerPlay score of the year and the highest ever against Sri Lanka. Jaiswal’s boundary off the first ball signaled India’s aggressive intent. Both openers were in superb form, matching each other shot for shot until Gill fell to a slower ball. Nonetheless, the groundwork was already laid.
**Middle Overs: Surya Shines Bright**
Score: 85/1 [9x4s, 2x6s]
Suryakumar Yadav, in his first innings as India’s full-time T20I captain, showcased the style and finesse that have become his hallmark. His 22-ball fifty, marked by exquisite sweeps and shuffles, was a masterclass in modern T20 batting. Despite his dismissal to Pathirana’s full, fast delivery, Yadav had already inflicted significant damage with his 26-ball 58. His timely innings mitigated the impact of Yashasvi Jaiswal’s early exit after the PowerPlay, bowled by Wanindu Hasaranga’s clever googly.
. Hasaranga was Sri Lanka’s standout bowler in this phase, giving away only 28 runs in his four overs in a high-scoring match.
**Death Overs: Overcoming Pathirana’s Onslaught**
Score: 54/4 [7x4s, 2x6s]
Despite formidable death bowling from Matheesha Pathirana, including a 151 km/hr yorker that dismissed Hardik Pandya and another that bowled Rishabh Pant, India managed to surpass 200 runs. Rishabh Pant, having initially struggled, found some rhythm but was eventually halted by Pathirana’s varied pace. Pathirana’s yorkers also trapped Riyan Parag and Rinku Singh. However, Axar Patel’s six off the final delivery lifted India to a total of 213, a commendable score given the conditions.
**SRI LANKA**
**PowerPlay: Swift Response**
Score: 55/0 [7x4s, 2x6s]
Sri Lanka began their innings robustly, with Pathum Nissanka leading the charge. Unfazed by early pressure, Nissanka’s consecutive boundaries set the tone. He later attacked Mohammed Siraj, hitting two sixes in three balls. Despite contributions from Axar Patel and Ravi Bishnoi, India struggled to find the early breakthrough that Hasaranga had provided earlier in the game.
**Middle Overs: Nissanka’s Command**
Score: 94/3 [10x4s, 3x6s]
Even after losing three wickets, Sri Lanka dominated the middle overs, largely thanks to Nissanka. Despite India expending both their primary spinners early in the PowerPlay, Hardik Pandya faced challenges, finishing with figures of 4-0-41-0. Arshdeep Singh finally broke the opening partnership by deceiving Kusal Mendis. Nonetheless, another swift 46-run stand between Nissanka and Mendis put Sri Lanka in a strong position. At 140/1 after 14 overs, Sri Lanka seemed in control before a double strike from Axar Patel shifted momentum.
**Death Overs: A Dramatic Downfall**
Score: 21/7 [3x4s, 0x6s]
Sri Lanka’s collapse from 140/1 to 170 all out was rapid and dramatic. Contributions from Ravi Bishnoi and Riyan Parag, who took vital wickets, further compounded the hosts’ problems. Charith Asalanka was bowled by a Bishnoi googly, while Dasun Shanaka was run out without facing a ball. Kamindu Mendis and Hasaranga were also dismissed quickly. Parag’s impressive figures of 3 for 5 encapsulated Sri Lanka’s downfall, as they were bowled out with four balls to spare.
**Brief Scores:**
– India: 213/7 (Suryakumar Yadav 58, Pant 49; Pathirana 4-40)
– Sri Lanka: 170 all out in 19.2 overs (Nissanka 79, Kusal 45; Parag 3-5, Arshdeep 2-24, Patel 2-38)
India’s convincing 43-run victory sets a promising tone for the remaining T20I series.