The new era in Indian cricket has begun on a massive note, with Team India kickstarting their white-ball series against Sri Lanka with a 43-run win. With Gautam Gambhir and Suryakumar Yadav taking the reigns, this match was always going to be crucial. While it the win wasn’t as commanding as the team hoped for, Men in Blue are in a transition phase and will have many takeaways from the win.
Jaiswal, Gill with explosive start
India made a blistering start to their innings with openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill laying waste to the Lankan bowlers. Jaiswal was particularly brutal, finding the boundary with ease. While Gill’s innings (34) was cut short, the platform was set for a massive total. Jaiswal, meanwhile, struck 40 runs in just 21 balls.
SKY with captain’s knock
Suryakumar Yadav, the new Indian captain, continued the onslaught. Despite losing Jaiswal early in his innings, he anchored the innings and reached his fifty in a matter of 22 balls. He was simply sumptuous, giving a great account that his style of play won’t change irrespective he is captain or not. Rishabh Pant, despite a sluggish start, exploded towards the end, adding 49 runs at the end.
However, India’s momentum was curtailed in the latter stages as Hardik Pandya and Riyan Parag departed cheaply. Pant’s dismissal in the 19th over further hampered their scoring rate. In fact, the visitors made just 54 runs in the last five overs. Despite a stuttering finish, India managed to post a formidable total of 213/7, their highest on Sri Lankan soil.
Nissanka the only star for SL
Sri Lanka’s bowlers struggled to contain the Indian batters, with only Pathirana posing major threat, taking 4 wickets. The fielding was sloppy, with several chances being dropped, most notably that of Suryakumar Yadav.
Sri Lanka had a dream start to their run-chase. In fact, they looked relentless in their approach, with both Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka taking the Indian pacers down. Even Axar Patel couldn’t contain them. It was Arshdeep Singh, who came in his second spell to dismiss Mendis. Nissanka, on the other hand, continued his onslaught and made 79 runs before getting outclassed by Axar.
Axar the best bowler for IND
The left-arm spinner, who took two wickets, turned the game upside down with his 15th over. He sent back Kusal Perera and Nissanka, starting a major collapse for the hosts. Next over, Bishnoi took the wicket, despite getting hit on his face. Even SKY’s decision to bowl with Riyan Parag paid off as he sent back Kamindu Mendis, who previously struck two great boundaries.
Arshdeep came back to hand the killer blow, dismissing former skipper Wanindu Hasaranga. A notable mention to Riyan Parag as well, who ended up with as many as three wickets.
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