After clean sweep victory in Australia, many thought India are heading for another clean sweep against Sri Lanka. The young Sri Lanka team had others plans. After winning the toss and rightly electing to field on a surprising green Pune track, Sri Lanka dismissed the powerful India batting line up for just 101.

Man of the Match: CAK Rajitha

Bowling first Sri Lanka bowlers started off innings in brilliant fashion. Playing only his first T20I, Man of the Match CAK Rajitha (3/29) struck in his second bowl sending Rohit Sharma back and followed by Rahane’s wicket leaving India 5 for 2 in very first over. Dhawan played a rash shot and was caught in third man for 9 runs giving debutant his third wicket

A lot was expected from Raina and Yuvraj but both of them didn’t bat according to expectation, they were troubled by Seam bowling continuously and never looked comfortable. Raina (20), Yuvraj (10) and Dhoni (2) all fell in quick succession leaving India in all sought of trouble at 53 for 6 at half way stage of the innings.

India never recovered Ashwin top scored for India making 31 not out and looked best batsman by far. Ashwin was well supported by Nehra as the both struck a partnership of 28 runs helping India reach 100.

Sri Lanka didn’t started well with the bat Nehra struck in his first over sending another debutant Dickwella back to the pavilion for just 4 runs. The young sensation of India Jasprit Bumrah bowled a brilliant second over. Both Nehra and Bumrah troubled Lankan batsman and reduced them to 28 for 2 in power play. Two of the most experience Lankan batsman Chandimal and Kapugedera struck a crucial 39 run partnership for third wicket. Both of them played few shots and attacked Indian bowlers. India came back into the game through Ashwin, Kapugedra (25 of 25) was struck in pad in front of the wicket. India kept fighting till the end Raina took the crucial wicket of captain Chandimal leaving Sri Lanka 4 for 84 in 15 overs. Finally Siriwardana (21 of 14) scored 10 runs of Bumrah last over and made sure Sri Lanka go one up in the series.

Brief Score:
Sri Lanka 105 for 5 (Chandimal 35, Nehra 2-21, Ashwin 2-13) beat India 101 (Ashwin 31, Rajitha 3-29, Shanaka 3-16) by five wickets.

Tags: CAK Rajitha, Cricket, India, Sri Lanka, T20