After scoring a 1-0 lead in the first T20I with a 2-run win over Sri Lanka in Mumbai, Team India has landed in Pune for the 2nd match, which will take place on Thursday (January 5).
Skipper Hardik Pandya led the way as he get down the team bus primary and he was followed by his deputy Suryakumar Yadav as the group verified into the team hotel.
The Men in Blue triumphed over the Lankan Lions at the Wankhede Stadium in the final over of the initial match of the series, defending 162 on a batting-friendly track. However, the visitors released a sensational bowling performance, they couldn’t get down the total as the Indian bowlers delivered.
Put in to bat primarily, the home side lost 3 wickets within 7 overs, losing Shubman Gill, Suryakumar, and Sanju Samson stingily.
We have arrived here in Pune ahead of the second #INDvSL T20I 🚐😎#TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/QBA7PamXze
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 4, 2023
Sri Lanka also worried Ishan Kishan and the skipper for 37 and 29, individually, in the middle overs to tighten their screws. Although, Deepak Hooda and Axar Patel assured India didn’t lose their way, needlework together a continuous stand of 68 off 35 deliveries propelled the hosts to a reasonable hotel.
Leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga was the most cost-efficient bowler for the Lankans, securing this figure of 4-0-22-1.
The tourists also fight in the unpretentious run-chase, sliding to 68-5 under 11 overs. All-rounder Dasun Shanaka tested his best and top run with 45 off 27 balls but his leaving dashed Sri Lanka’s desire. They still stood an opportunity until the final over with 13 runs necessary before Axar closed out the match.
“I want to put the squad in hard situations because it’s going to assist us in big games” – India skipper
After the match presentation at the Wankhede, Pandya told that he wants the side to face difficult challenges, keeping in mind the munch games in World Cups. Throughout the toss, he had said he would have batted on primarily.
“How I am looking at all these games is, I want to put the team in difficult situations because it’s going to help us in big games. Bilaterals are something which we are very good at but this is how we are going to keep challenging ourselves.
“Yes, we might lose a game here and there, which is fine, I am okay with that because in the long term, it’s going to help us to be ready for the big games whenever the opportunity comes.”
That’s that from the 1st T20I.#TeamIndia win by 2 runs and take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Scorecard – https://t.co/uth38CaxaP #INDvSL @mastercardindia pic.twitter.com/BEU4ICTc3Y
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 3, 2023
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