India vs Sri Lanka, 2nd T20I - Talking points and Who Said What?

Sri Lanka came out on top by 16 runs in the second T20I at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on Thursday, January 5 to register a series-levelling win. Despite losing the toss, the Lankan batters showed a great intent with Pathum Nissanka (33) and Kusal Mendis (52) adding an 80-run opening stand.

While the Indian bowlers were completely off-colored on the day, the top-order batters also had a day to forget especially for debutant Rahul Tripathi who walked back for just a run-a-ball five against his name.

Suryakumar Yadav-Axar Patel almost give Sri Lanka a scare

With Sri Lanka losing the plot despite a brisk start, skipper Dasun Shanaka added the finishing touches with an unbeaten 22-ball 56 as the visitors posted a mammoth total of 206/6. For India, Umran Malik (3/48) and Axar Patel (2/24) were the picks of the bowlers.

In reply, the hosts lost half their side for just 57 runs on the board in the 10^th over before Suryakumar Yadav and Axar Patel bailed them out of trouble with a superb 91-run stand for the sixth wicket. The duo seemed to be taking India to a famous win before Yadav was dismissed in the 16^th over for a well-made 51 runs off 36 deliveries.

Axar Patel then got some much-needed support from Shivam Mavi (26) as the duo reduced the deficit. Axar was dismissed in the final over for an excellent 31-ball 65 as the Men in Blue were restricted to 190/8. Dasun Shanaka (2/4) was the pick of the Lankan bowlers.

Winning skipper and Player of the Match Dasun Shanaka said:

“We could've done well in the middle part. Game was set by the openers. Need to play well in the middle order to allow finishers to finish well. It's not the dew factor, it's the skill of Indian batters. They took the game away from us but still we managed to hold the nerve. Really good to defend the total especially against India in these conditions.”

Losing skipper Hardik Pandya said:

“Both bowling and batting - powerplay hurt us. We made basic errors which we shouldn't do at this level. Learning should be the basics we can control. You can have a bad day but shouldn't be going away from basics. In this situation it's very difficult. In past as well he's bowled no-balls. It's not about blaming but no ball is a crime. Surya had a fantastic run at four. Anyone who comes into the team - you want to give them a role they are comfortable in (talking about Rahul at three).”

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