Yashasvi Jaiswal and captain Surya Kumar Yadav showcased their wide array of strokes in a tricky chase of 78 runs in 8 overs after rain forced a shortened game.
The Indian team, led by the new head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav, excelled in all the departments in the second game.
Despite missing Shubman Gill due to a neck spasm and another low score from Sanju SamsonJaiswal and Suryakumar led India’s batting.
Jaiswal scored 30 runs off 15 balls, while Suryakumar contributed 26 runs off 12 balls. They overcame the challenges put forth by Sri Lankan bowlers Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga using sweep shots and quick decisions.
The strategy was to not allow Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga’s deliveries to deviate off the surface and create confusion. the India batters used their reach to good effect and smother the turn.
As It Happened
In their brief innings, Jaiswal and Suryakumar hit seven boundaries and three sixes, adding 39 runs in just over three overs. Their quick runs made it easier for Hardik Pandya (22 not out off 9 balls) and Rishabh Pant (2 not out) to finish the match in 6.3 overs.
Earlier, captain Suryakumar had a successful day with his bowlers.
Sri Lanka, who were at 130 for 2 in 15 overs, collapsed, losing seven wickets for just 31 runs in their last 30 balls. Pandya’s (2/23 in 2 overs) pace variations and Ravi Bishnoi‘s (3/26 in 4 overs) fast googlies were instrumental in restricting Sri Lanka to 161 for 9.
From 130 for 2, Sri Lanka suddenly had a middle-order collapse, second in as many days, where they lost four wickets in a space of 10 deliveries and never recovered.
Sri Lanka began well with Pathum Nissanka (32 off 24 balls) and Kusal Perera (53 off 34 balls) adding 54 runs for the second wicket in six overs. However, the following batsmen could not capitalize, and the Indian bowlers tightened their grip on the match.
Dasun Shanaka and Hasaranga got out for zero, which reflected the mounting pressure and their hasty shot selection.
The Indian bowling plans demonstrated effective coordination between Suryakumar and coach Gambhir. Bishnoi, who struggled initially against Sri Lanka’s top-order, showed significant improvement.
Bishnoi began his spell effectively after Riyan Parag (0/30 in 4 overs) and Axar Patel (2/30 in 4 overs) had held things steady. Bishnoi adjusted the pace of his googlies, which proved to be a game-changer.
The ball gripped off the surface while travelling at a decent pace leaving batters confused whether to come forward or stay put on their stance.
Once Bishnoi came in, the change he made from the previous night of varying the pace of his googlies — fastest for Nissanka, slightly slower for Shanaka and flat and low for Hasaranga – was quite effective.
India’s comprehensive performance in both batting and bowling has left the final match of the series on Tuesday inconsequential.
