NEW DELHI: Team India kicked off a new chapter under the leadership of captain Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir with an emphatic 43-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first T20I of the three-match series in Pallekele on Saturday.
Batting first, India posted a formidable total of 213 for 7, with Suryakumar Yadav leading from the front with a blistering 58 off 26 balls.
Sri Lanka, chasing 214, appeared to be in control at 140 for 1 after 14 overs, with opener Pathum Nissanka anchoring the innings with a brilliant 79 off 48 balls. Kusal Perera, contributing 20 off 14 balls, provided solid support. However, Axar Patel shifted the momentum in India’s favor in the 15th over by removing both set batters. Soon Sri Lanka were reeling at 158 for 4 after 16 overs.Suryakumar then handed the ball to all-rounder Riyan Parag. Playing only his fourth game for the national team, Parag made an immediate impact. He started his spell with a run-out off the first delivery and then took his maiden international wicket three balls later, cleaning up Kamindu Mendis.
WATCH:
Batting first, India posted a formidable total of 213 for 7, with Suryakumar Yadav leading from the front with a blistering 58 off 26 balls.
Sri Lanka, chasing 214, appeared to be in control at 140 for 1 after 14 overs, with opener Pathum Nissanka anchoring the innings with a brilliant 79 off 48 balls. Kusal Perera, contributing 20 off 14 balls, provided solid support. However, Axar Patel shifted the momentum in India’s favor in the 15th over by removing both set batters. Soon Sri Lanka were reeling at 158 for 4 after 16 overs.Suryakumar then handed the ball to all-rounder Riyan Parag. Playing only his fourth game for the national team, Parag made an immediate impact. He started his spell with a run-out off the first delivery and then took his maiden international wicket three balls later, cleaning up Kamindu Mendis.
WATCH:
Parag continued his impressive performance, returning in the final over to dismantle the Sri Lankan lower order. He struck in consecutive balls, bundling out the hosts for 170 in 19.2 overs and finishing with remarkable figures of 3 for 5 in 1.2 overs.
The win gives India a 1-0 lead in the series and marks a promising start to the new era under Yadav and Gambhir. The team’s all-round performance, highlighted by Parag’s game-changing spell, showcased their potential and set a positive tone for the remaining matches.