India took a 1-0 lead in the 3-match T20I series with a comfortable 38-run win over Sri Lanka. Chasing a competitive 175, Sri Lanka lost wickets at regular intervals. A disciplined bowling performance, led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s 4-wicket haul helped India stifle the Lankan chase. Earlier, Suryakumar Yadav top scored for India with 50 off 34 balls while skipper Shikhar Dhawan scored 46 runs off 36 deliveries. India ended up with 164 for 5 after their quota of 20 overs.

For Sri Lanka, Dushmantha Chameera and Wanindu Hasaranga were the pick of the bowlers getting two wickets each. However, Suryakumar Yadav’s classy innings provided the boost to India’s innings in the middle overs. In reply, Sri Lanka put up a good fight courtesy of Charith Asalanka’s 26-ball 44 but they faltered after Asalanka’s dismissal. While defending the total, Indian bowlers bowled a tight line and length, bundling the hosts out for 126 in 18.3 overs. Notably, Sri Lanka lost their last six wickets for only 15 runs and fell 39 runs short of the target.

Netizens hailed the duo of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Suryakumar Yadav for their pivotal contribution in India’s handsome victory. Both the players played a crucial role in their their respective departments. Bhuvneshwar picked the wicket of in-form Avishka Fernando to help India bounce back in the game after Lanka’s steady start. In the penultimate over of the match, the vice-captain of the Indian team scalped 2 wickets off 3 balls to finish the game.

Here is how Twitter reacted to the match:

https://twitter.com/kingashu_786/status/1419357239962263552