Asian champions Sri Lanka would eye to stay alive in the 3-match series as they clash against hosts team India in the 2nd T20I in Pune.
IND vs SL 2nd T20I: Match Preview:
Indian batters were disappointed in the first T20I as the home team managed a small total of 162 runs while batting first at Wankhede. Debutant Shubman Gill scored just 7 runs while opening the innings while #1 T20I batter Suryakumar Yadav had difficulties in middling his shots, getting dismissed for 7 runs off 10 balls. Sanju Samson (5) also failed to make good on the opportunity. Captain Hardik Pandya scored 29 runs at an ordinary strike rate of 107.41. However, Deepak Hooda maintained his good run with an unbeaten 41 runs off 23 balls and etched an unbroken partnership of 68 runs for the 6th wicket along with Axar Patel (31*).
Debutant Shivam Mavi was the star with the ball as he picked up 4 wickets for 22 runs in his overs, recording the 3rd best bowling figures by an Indian on his T20I debut. Umran Malik and Harshal Patel picked up 2 wickets each, but Harshal gave away 41 runs in 4 overs which brought the match too close for India's comfort. Even though Axar Patel managed to successfully defend 12 runs in the last over, the spinners had a below-par outing as Yuzvendra Chahal and Axar went wicketless for a total of 57 runs in 6 overs without a wicket. Captain Hardik Pandya's bowling in the powerplay was a pleasant sight for Indian fans as the all-rounder bowled 3 out of the first 6 overs, giving away just 12 runs along with 13 dot balls.
Sri Lankan batting crumbled in the 1st T20I and despite a below-par total and dew on their side, fell short of their target by just 2 runs. Dasun Shanaka was the top batter as he maintained good form against team India, scoring 45 runs off 27 balls. Opener Kusal Mendis scored 28 runs off 25 balls while none of the other batters crossed the 25-run mark. Chamika Karunaratne brought the match really close with his unbeaten 23 runs off 16 balls but failed to cross the line for his team.
The visitors' bowlers did well to restrict India to a low total at Wankhede. Kasun Rajitha was the only weak link as he went for 47 runs in his 4 overs without picking up a wicket. All the other bowlers - Dilshan Madushanka, Maheesh Theekshana, Chamika Karunratne, Dhananjaya de Silva and Wanindu Hasaranga registered 1 wicket each. Dhananjaya bowled just 1 over and got the wicket of Sanju Samson in the over.
IND vs SL 2nd T20I: Match Details
- Date – Thursday, January 05, 2022
- Time – 07:00 PM IST
- Venue – Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune
