So that is it from this game. India take an unassailable lead in this 3-match series. They have started the year on a very positive note. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, have a lot to think about. They will hope that Isuru Udana is not seriously hurt. We now move to Pune for the third and final game of the series. The final ODI will be played on Friday, 10th January. The match will begin at 1900 local (1330 GMT). Join us for that one. Till then, cheers!
For his brilliant bowling performance, Navdeep Saini is named as the Man of the Match. He says that he was practicing well and played some T20 games so he was confident. Tells a bowler must be confident and should use his variations. On which wicket made him more happy, Saini admits that it was the yorker that made him happier. On how he rates himself with white and red balls, Saini tells he is confident with both the balls as he he playing a lot more cricket. Tells that when he made his debut, he thought pace was everything but then he slowly realized that variations are very important.
Indian skipper, Virat Kohli says he is happy with the performance as it was a clinical one. Tells it is all about ticking those boxes and being clinical. Feels it is a good sign as they did not have Rohit Sharma but they still managed to win. Says Saini is gaining more and more confidence. States he is happy to have Bumrah back and is happy to see him having the same pace. Tells it is a great luxury to have such good options in fast bowling. Adds there will be one surprise bowler who can bounce people out in the World Cup squad. Shares that Prasidh Krishna has done well in the domestic circuit and tells even he has a chance. On the surface, Kohli says it was a good wicket and says they bowled well. Kohli says they kept picking wickets regularly which restricted them from getting to 175 which he feels was a par score. Tells they try to give youngsters a chance and want them to finish the game off. Adds he is flexible and is happy to bat at either number 3 or 4.
Sri Lankan skipper, Lasith Malinga admits that they did not have enough runs especially against a side that has experience of playing here. Feels they were 30-40 runs short. Tells they were looking to get to 150-160. Feels that they bowled well. On Udana, he says he is an experienced player in T20s and they missed him. Hopes that he is well. Malinga tells they will look to win the next game as they are a young side and they need to get a momentum of winning.
KL Rahul is caught down for a quick chat with Murali Kartik. Rahul says that he and Dhawan tried to finish the game off themselves. Adds that they wanted to spend some time out in the middle after being out of cricket for a while. Credits his bowlers for restricting Sri Lanka to 140 and reckons it was a 180 pitch. Tells that he spent time in the middle, got runs and that helped him to score in white-ball cricket. Adds that spending time away from international cricket also helped him to think about his game. On what is the difference opening with Rohit and Dhawan, Rahul mentions that there is no change in dynamics as they all look to go out there and win the game for the country. Adds that it is easy to bat with Rohit as he makes it looks easy and reminds that he opened with Dhawan in Tests, so even they share a good camaraderie.
For Sri Lanka, they needed early wickets to make a match out of this but they were pounded in the Powerplay. It got worse for them when Isuru Udana got injured without bowling a ball. They did fare decently in the middle overs when Hasaranga managed to take two wickets, however, they did not have enough runs on the board to play with.
Easy-peasy! India have made a mockery of the run chase. That was never in doubt though after their bowlers restricted the Lankans to a modest total. Their openers then got them off to a perfect start as they added 71 runs. The hosts did lose their openers in quick succession but Kohli and Iyer did well to form another partnership and took India to the brink of victory. Iyer perished but Kohli and Pant ensured there were no more wickets to fall and helped India take a 1-0 lead.
17.3
6
SIX! Kohli finishes the game with a bang! Back of a length on off, Kohli gets on his back foot and whacks it over the square leg fence for a firecracker six to end the over. INDIA WIN BY 7 WICKETS!
17.2
1
Pant is off the mark. Back of a length on off, Rishabh pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one.
Rishabh Pant walks out to bat now.
17.1
W
OUT! Caught! Iyer departs. He'd be disappointed not to see the game off for his side. Lahiru steams in and bowls a bouncer. Shreyas looks to pull but finds the man at fine leg to perfection. Dasun Shanaka at fine leg takes an easy catch.
Lahiru Kumara is back!
In over# 1
1
1
2
6
2
4
Lasith Malinga 41/0(4)
16.6
1
Slower ball on off, Iyer tucks it to mid-wicket and keeps the strike. Just 6 needed off the last 3 overs!
16.5
1
Very full on middle, Kohli glances it to deep mid-wicket and gets a single. Brings up his 1000 T20I runs as captain.
16.4
2
Full on off, Kohli looks to flick but it goes off the inner half once again but he still gets a couple.
16.3
6
SIX! No fielder can stop that. Kohli did not time it well but when Kohli hits they stay hit. Bouncer on off, Kohli hooks it but it goes off the upper half of his bat for a biggie.
16.2
2
Good fielding there from Gunathilaka. Back of a length on off, Kohli whacks his pull but Gunathilaka at deep mid-wicket divies to his left and saves a certain boundary. The batters take two.
16.1
4
FOUR! Malinga misses his line with the slower one. It is on a length and down the leg side. Kohli mistimes it but gets enough bat on it to send it fine down the leg side for a boundary.
Malinga to bowl out.
In over# 1
6
4
1
1
4
1
Wanindu Hasaranga 30/2(4)
15.6
6
SIX! That is colossal! This over probably turns the tide completely into India's favor. This is floated up on middle, Iyer launches it into the long on stands for a big one. 17 from the over and now 22 needed in 24.
15.5
4
FOUR! Second boundary in the over and only 28 needed now in 25. This is floated up on off, Iyer drags it through wide long on, it is in the gap and it races to the fence.
15.4
1
Floats it up on off, Kohli strokes it down to long off for one.
15.3
1
On the shorter side, it is pulled through mid-wicket for one.
15.2
4
FOUR! One bounce boundary! A little too full this time by Hasaranga, Iyer smashes it downtown for a boundary.
15.1
1
Slows it up around off, Kohli looks to play the slog sweep but it goes off the inner half through mid-wicket for one.
Wanindu Hasaranga to bowl out.
In over# 1
1
1
1
1
1
0
Dasun Shanaka 26/0(4)
14.6
1
Slower one on middle, it is worked through mid-wicket for another single.
14.5
1
The batsman plays a pull shot to this short delivery. One run added to the total.
14.4
1
Kohli now comes down the track and eases it down to long on for one.
14.3
1
Inside edge but one! Slower one outside off, Iyer looks to go downtown but it goes off the inner half towards short fine leg for one.
14.2
1
A short slower one on middle, Kohli pulls it nicely towards deep square leg for one.
14.1
.
Gets away with one does Shanaka! Short and wide outside off, Kohli slaps it hard to covers.
Dasun Shanaka to try and get one more wicket.
In over# 1
0
4
0
1
1
0
Lahiru Kumara 23/0(3)
13.6
.
A short one on middle, Iyer ducks under it. 44 needed in 36 balls.
13.5
4
FOUR! That should release the pressure that was building. Full and on middle, Iyer shows the full face of the bat and hits it down to the long off fence.
13.4
.
One more dot! On middle, Iyer works it towards mid-wicket. Kohli was backing up a little too much but then gets back in time.
13.3
1
One more short ball outside off, Kohli looks to pull but it goes off the inner half through square leg for one.
13.2
1
On the fuller side and on middle, Iyer hits it down to long on and takes one.
13.1
.
A good short one, gets big on Iyer. He tries to defend but it hits the splice and rolls towards point.
Lahiru Kumara is back on. 2-0-17-0, his numbers so far.
In over# 1
1
0
1
1
1
1
Lasith Malinga 25/0(3)
12.6
1
Length ball around off, SI taps it towards third man and eases to the other end.
12.5
.
A huge cheer in our cabin as Malinga bowls a trademark yorker. It is on middle, Shreyas digs it out.
12.4
1
Back of a length, VK pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one.
12.3
1
Almost chops it on. Slightly fuller on off, Shreyas looks to defend but gets an inside edge. Iyer is lucky that the inside edge hits the pads and they take a single.
12.2
1
Length delivery outside off, Kohli is in no hurry and just taps it towards third man for a single.
12.1
1
Good length ball on off, Iyer dabs it down to third man for one.
Lasith Malinga is back on! 2-0-20-0 his figures till now.
In over# 1
1
0
1
0
0W
1
Wanindu Hasaranga 13/2(3)
11.6
1
Iyer ends the over with a single through covers. Another successful over for Hasaranga.
11.5
.
A dot as this is hit to covers.
11.4
1
Kohli is off the mark and he is also the leading run-scorer in T20Is. He reaches that milestone as he hits it down to long on for one.
11.3
.
On off, blocked.
The Indian skipper, Virat Kohli walks out at number 4!
11.2
W
OUT! It is just pitching in, the impact is just in line and it is hitting the leg pole. Three reds and Dhawan has to take the long walk back. Excellent use of the technology from the Lankans. Hasaranga has revived some hopes of the Lankan fans with two wickets in two overs. Hasaranga bowls the leg spinner around leg, it straightens a touch. Dhawan misses the sweep and is hit on the pads. An appeal but the umpire shakes his head. The bowler likes it and he wants it to be reviewed. Malinga does so. Replays roll in and they show the on-field call has to be overturned. 57 needed in 52.
Howzzat? An appeal for an LBW but the umpire shakes his head. It is reviewed. The pitching can be an issue.
11.1
1
Loopy ball on off, Iyer pushes it through covers and gets to the other end.
In over# 1
4
1
0
1
1
1
Dasun Shanaka 21/0(3)
10.6
4
FOUR! Poor ball and put away! It is short and on the body, Dhawan swivels and pulls it behind square on the leg side and it races away. 8 from the over, 58 needed in 54.
10.5
1
Well fielded! Need such good efforts in a low-scoring games! On the pads, this is worked towards short fine leg. The fielder there dives to his left and makes a half-stop. Saves three for his side.
10.4
.
Another slower one on off, Iyer pushes it back to the bowler.
10.3
1
On the shorter side, this is pulled through square leg and a run is taken.
10.2
1
A slower one and on off, Iyer drops it towards covers for one.
10.1
1
On middle, Dhawan works it through mid-wicket and gets to the other end.
In over# 1
1
1
1
1
2
0W
Wanindu Hasaranga 10/1(2)
9.6
1
Floated well outside off, Shikhar strokes it to sweeper cover and keeps the strike.
9.5
1
Googly once again. It is on middle, Iyer steers it to long on for a run.
9.4
1
On the pads, Dhawan flicks it to the on side for a single.
9.3
1
Floated on middle, Shreyas milks it through mid on for a single.
9.2
2
Iyer is off the mark straightaway. Another googly from Wanindu. It is short around off, Iyer cuts it through backward point and gets a couple.
It is Vrat Kohli who... actually no, wait, it is Shreyas Iyer who comes out to bat. A promotion for the youngster.
9.1
W
OUT! Bowled! The googly does the trick for Hasaranga. Rahul tries to take on the leggie. He comes down the track and look to go over long off. Ends up completely misreading the wrong 'un. He misses the ball completely and the ball goes onto hit the off pole. Rahul departs after getting a start and something for the Sri Lankans to smile about.
In over# 1
0
4
1
1
0
2
Dasun Shanaka 13/0(2)
8.6
.
A dot to end! On the pads, Dhawan looks to whip it but misses. 72 needed in 66 balls.
8.5
4
MISFIELD AND FOUR! Dhawan steps down the track and hits this full ball towards Malinga at mid off. He lets it through and it goes to the fence. Poor from the skipper, he should be leading by example but that is a poor effort.
8.4
1
This is angled into the pads, it is worked through mid-wicket for one.
8.3
1
Pulled hard but only for a run! Short and on the body, this is hit towards deep square leg for a single.
8.2
.
Fuller and on off, this is hit to the man at mid off.
8.1
2
Goes shorter in length and on the body, Dhawan looks to pull but gets a top edge. It goes down towards the fine leg fence, the fielder at short fine leg chases it down and saves two for his side.
In over# 1
0
1
0
1
1
1
Wanindu Hasaranga 4/0(1)
7.6
.
Shorter and on off, this is pushed back to the bowler. A good start by Hasaranga. Just the two from the over.
7.5
1
Driven through mid off by the batsman. They pick up a single.
7.4
.
OHHH! Dhawan comes down the track but does not get to the pitch of it. He tries to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads. It rolls towards the keeper but by the time the keeper collects it, Dhawan makes it back into the crease.
7.3
1
Slightly shorter and around off, Rahul once again punches it through covers for one.
7.2
1
On the stumps again, this is worked through mid-wicket for another single.
7.1
1
On off, this is pushed through covers for a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga into the attack for the first time.
In over# 1
1
0
2
1
1
0
Dasun Shanaka 5/0(1)
6.6
1
On the pads, Rahul turns it to mid-wicket and keeps the strike.
6.5
.
Length delivery on off, Rahul nudges it to covers.
6.4
2
Full on off, Rahul drives it through mid on. Substitute Kusal Mendis runs to his left from long on and saves a certain boundary with a dive.
6.3
1
Slower delivery, full outside off. Dhawan slams it to deep point for a single.
6.2
1
Fuller on off, Rahul strokes it through covers and gets a single.
6.1
.
A slower one to begin! It is very close to the off pole. Rahul manages to guide it towards point. Shanaka appeals as he feels it is pad but the umpire shakes his head. Replays show it was only bat.
Dasun Shanaka is on now!
In over# 1
1
1
1
0
1b
1
Dhananjaya de Silva 15/0(2)
5.6
1
Misfield and a single! Rahul comes down the track but ends up yorking himself. He jams it out to the right of the bowler who fails to field it. It goes down to long on for one. End of the Powerplay and it is India who has bossed it. They are 54 for 0 and they need another 89 in 84.
5.5
1
A single as Dhawan drags it down to long on.
5.4
1
Played through mid-wicket by the batsman. The batsmen have run through for a single.
5.3
.
Rahul makes room now and DdS fires it on middle, it is cut to point.
5.2
1b
Missed stumping! A tough chance but you could argue that it should have been taken. Dhawan makes room and Dhananjaya fires it towards Shikhar. Dhawan swings but misses. He steps out of the crease as he tries to do so. Perera though fails to collect it and it hits his pad and goes towards fine leg for one. Bye taken.
5.1
1
Fuller and on middle, this is hit down firmly towards long on for one. 50 up for India and it has come up in very quick time.
In over# 1
0
1lb
0
4
4
1
Lahiru Kumara 17/0(2)
4.6
.
Good length delivery outside off, Dhawan looks to defend but misses. India motoring along with ease here. 94 needed off 90!
4.5
1lb
Ouch that must bruise him. Short ball on off, Rahul looks to pull but the ball does not shoot up as much as he expected and it hits him on his mid-riff. They take a leg bye as the ball goes to the off side.
4.4
.
Length ball on off, Rahul looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
4.3
4
FOUR! Now Rahul goes aerial., Full on off, KL lofts his drive over covers with ease to get back-to-back boundaries.
4.2
4
FOUR! Rahul has just walked to his partner to give him a fist bump. He knows it was four the moment he hit it. Good length ball on off, Rahul punches it through covers for a boundary.
4.1
1
Length delivery on middle and off, Dhawan taps it towards third man for one.
Lahiru Kumara replaces Lasith Malinga. Change of ends for the pacer.
In over# 1
1
1
2
2
4
1
Dhananjaya de Silva 11/0(1)
3.6
1
Fuller and on off, Dhawan strokes it down to wide long off and takes one.
3.5
1
Fired into the pads, this is pushed down to long on for one.
3.4
2
Good fielding again! Rahul now brings out the slog sweep but gets a top edge as he tries to drag it from off. It goes towards third man. The fielder from short third man runs after it, slides and pushes it back in. Saves two for his side.
Udana has hurt himself here. This is a terrible news for Sri Lanka. He goes off the field with some support from the physio. By the looks of it, it looks like he won't take the field again.
3.3
2
Deft! Waits for the ball to come to him and then guides it past short third man. Udana there hares after it and then slides, makes a good stop. Saves two. He is in some pain though. While getting up, he twists his hand.
3.2
4
FOUR! Lovely shot! Brilliant placement! This is angled into the batter, also it is an off spinner bowling so you would expect the ball to turn in. Rahul stays leg side and manages to drive it through extra cover for a boundary.
3.1
1
Fuller and on off, this is eased down to long off for one.
Dhananjaya de Silva is on now!
In over# 1
2
1
1
0
4
4
Lasith Malinga 20/0(2)
2.6
2
Another one on the pads, Rahul whips it through mid-wicket and gets a brace.
2.5
1
Good length delivery around off, Dhawan comes down the track and punches it towards cover-point and gets a single. Good shot this from Dhawan. A confident looking stroke.
2.4
1
Good length delivery on off, KL pushes it to point for a single.
2.3
.
Length ball on off, Rahul looks to flick but gets a leading edge towards cover.
2.2
4
FOUR! Excellent effort from Avishka but his foot touches the ropes as the ball touches his hand. Another full ball on off, Rahul drives it through covers once again. Avishka gives it a chase and tries to pull it back before the ropes but his feet come in contact with the rope as he tries to pull back the ball. They check the replays and it has been signaled as a boundary.
2.1
4
FOUR! Exquisite Rahul cover drive on show now! Slightly overpitched on off, Rahul gets on his front foot and drives it right off the meat of the bat through covers for a boundary.
In over# 1
1
4
0
1
1
1
Lahiru Kumara 8/0(1)
1.6
1
Length delivery around off, Rahul runs it down to third man for a single to keep the strike.
1.5
4
FOUR! First boundary of the innings. Full on off, Rahul whips it but it goes off the inner half of his bat but he has managed to hit it well enough to send it to the mid-wicket fence.
1.4
.
Good length delivery on off, Rahul looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
1.3
1
Full on middle and off, Dhawan looks to drive but it goes off the outer half of his bat towards third man for a single.
1.2
1
Good length ball angling in to the batsman. Rahul tucks it to the leg side and gets to the other end.
1.1
1
Lahiru starts with a full length delivery on middle, Dhawan drives it behind square on the off side for a single.
Lahiru Kumara to bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
5
0
2
0
0
1
Lasith Malinga 8/0(1)
0.6
5
FOUR OVERTHROWS! Needless runs! You can't afford to give such gifts with a low total to defend. Dhawan comes down the track but Malinga bowls another very full inswinging delivery on middle, it is jammed out towards mid off and the batters take off. The fielder there picks the ball up and has a needless shy at the bowler's end but misses. No one backing up and it goes to the square leg fence. The last ball spoils the over completely. 8 from it in the end.
0.5
.
One more yorker but once again it is a little too leg side. Dhawan looks to jam it out but gets hit on the boot first and then it hits the bat.
0.4
2
Well played! Takes a few steps down the track and Malinga bowls a slower one. Dhawan adjusts and guides it past the diving point fielder for two.
0.3
.
An inswinging yorker this time and on middle, Dhawan jams it out towards mid off.
0.2
.
Good delivery! Full and tailing back in. It is a little too straight. Dhawan squeezes it out towards mid on.
0.1
1
Shorter and outside off, this is guided down to third man for one. India are underway straightaway!
We are back for the chase! The Indian openers, KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan are out in the middle. Lasith Malinga has the new ball in his hand. Here we go...
Shardul Thakur says he is happy with the team's effort. Further adds the pitch is a good one to bat on, they tried a lot of shots but it did not come off. States all the bowlers bowled well and all the plans were executed. States they were swinging the bat and they could not just bowl one length and hence, he had to change it continuously. Informs the knuckle ball is a good variation but he puts in a lot of thought about when to bowl it. Ends by saying you need to be ready at all the time to bowl.
So 143 is the target for India to get on a wicket that has looked good for batting. Sri Lanka will have to bowl out of their skin if they are to upset the Indians. What do we have in store for the final innings? Join us after the break to find out but before that one of the star performers with the ball, Shardul Thakur is caught down for a quick chat.
It was a sorry showing from the Sri Lankan batters. They started off well with Avishka Fernando on the attacking note. Only him and Kusal Perera showed some fight with the willow. Dhananjaya de Silva towards the end tried to provide the much-needed impetus but it was too late and he could not last long. The only positive for the visitors is that the hat-trick of boundaries towards then end and they might feel they have some momentum with them.
What a brilliant bowling performance by India. In a pitch which has always been a paradise for batting, they have showed their class in bowling and proved why the Indian bowling line-up is so talked about. They were excellent with their lines and lengths. They did not just save runs but managed to pick wickets at regular intervals. All the bowlers were good with the white leather in hand. Shardul Thakur was economical and picked up 3 wickets. Saini and Kuldeep had two apiece. Though the latter was expensive, he chipped in with wickets. The returning Bumrah and Washington Sundar had one wicket each. All-in-all it was a very good bowling show put up by the hosts.
19.6
4
FOUR! Oh yes, he does! This is not as good as the last two but Sri Lanka won't care. It is off the top edge. Bumrah changes his length and bangs it short. Malinga looks to pull but gets a top edge which goes over the keeper and down to the third man fence. 12 from the final over, those decisions to not run a single pays off. SRI LANKA END WITH 142/9!
19.5
4
FOUR! Two-in-two! This is even better than the last boundary. It is a seam-up delivery, full and on off. Hasaranga creams it through covers and it races to the fence. Can he make it three in three?
19.4
4
FOUR! Gets one away finally! Clever placement! It is shorter and outside off, it is a slower ball. Hasaranga waits for it and then guides it past backward point for a boundary. Need a couple more here.
19.3
.
One more dot! Very full and on off, Hasaranga hits it straight to covers. He opts not to run again.
19.2
.
On the shorter side and on middle, the batter looks to pull but mistimes it back to the bowler.
19.1
.
On the fuller side, this is hit to covers.
Lahiru Kumara walks out at number 11!
In over# 1
0W
0W
1
1
0W
1
Shardul Thakur 23/3(4)
18.6
W
OUT! Number nine goes down! Third wicket in the over for Thakur! Malinga makes room and Shardul bowls it short and on Lasith's body. Malinga looks to pull but is cramped for room. He ends up miscuing it towards square leg where Yadav makes no mistake. What an outstanding penultimate over, 3 runs and a wicket.
Lasith Malinga is the new man in.
18.5
W
OUT! TAKEN! Number 8 goes down! Udana was done in completely by the slowness of the delivery. It is a knuckle delivery and it is outside off. Fuller in length. Udana looks to go inside out but is way too early in the shot. It goes off the toe-end towards cover where Saini takes it. Sri Lanka are in danger of not playing their 20 overs here.
18.4
1
On the fuller side again, difficult to get under those. It is hit towards mid off for one. Singles are something India won't mind.
18.3
1
On off, this is pushed towards cover for one.
Isuru Udana walks out to bat. He can hit the long ball, can he do it again? His side desperately need some runs and momentum heading into the break.
18.2
W
OUT! Another one bites the dust! The last recognized batter is out of here. Now even 145 looks farfetched. It is a cross-seam delivery, fuller in length and on off. Dhananjaya looks to chip it over the mid off fielder but does not get enough power behind it. It ends up being an easy catch for Dube at mid off. First wicket for Shardul Thakur.
18.1
1
On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for a single.
Shardul Thakur to bowl the penultimate over. 3-0-20-0, his numbers so far.
In over# 1
1
1
4
2
1
1
Kuldeep Yadav 38/2(4)
17.6
1
The googly outside off, Hasaranga guides it down to third man. He takes one and wants a second but is sent back.
17.5
1
Now smartly works it through mid-wicket for one.
17.4
4
FOUR! Powerful shot! It is floated up on middle, Dhananjaya de Silva smashes it back over the bowler and bags a boundary. A welcome boundary this for the visitors.
17.3
2
The batsman has punched that ball through the offside. Two runs added to the total.
17.2
1
DROPPED! A sharp chance that! Virat Kohli the culprit. This is tossed up outside off, Hasaranga goes after it. The ball flies off the outside edge to the left of Kohli who dives with one hand stretched out but fails to hang on. It goes behind for a single.
17.1
1
On middle, it is chipped towards long on for a single.
Wanindu Hasaranga walks out to bat now.
In over# 1
0W
1
1
1
0
1
Jasprit Bumrah 20/1(3)
16.6
W
OUT! Bowled! The Bumrah special delivers the tasty treat for Virat Kohli and India once again. Who would believe that this man was out with an injury for moths? He looks like he never left. Bumrah comes steaming in and bowls a slower delivery on middle. Shanaka makes room and looks to hit it on the off side but he misses it completely. The ball clips the top of middle and Bumrah gets his first wicket of the game.
16.5
1
Length delivery outside off, Dhananjaya runs it down to third man and gets to the other end. Sri Lanka are happy to see off Bumrah but they have not managed to score much from the other bowlers as well.
16.4
1
Good length delivery which comes in with the angle. Shanaka glances it through mid-wicket for one. Good over so far, just 3 off it.
16.3
1
Short ball around off, Dhananjaya half commits into the pull and somehow manages to hit towards fine leg for one.
16.2
.
Full on middle and leg, de Silva taps it to the leg side.
16.1
1
On the pads, Shanaka glances it to the on side and gets one.
Bumrah is back for another burst.
In over# 1
4
2
1
1
0
1
Kuldeep Yadav 28/2(3)
15.6
4
FOUR! Googly and it goes for four. It is short around off, Dhananjaya cuts it against the spin through point. Dhawan runs from sweeper cover and puts in a dive but fails to stop it cleanly.
15.5
2
Flighted on off, Dhananjaya sweeps it between mid-wicket and square leg and gets a couple.
15.4
1
Tossed up on off, Shanaka drives it to the right of cover. Kohli runs to that side and tries to stop it with a dive but he fails to do so allowing them to take one.
15.3
1
Tossed up on off, de Silva flicks it through mid-wicket and looks for two but Saini gets to the ball quickly and restricts them to one.
15.2
.
Flighted on off, Dhananjaya pushes it to cover.
15.1
1
Kuldeep bowls it short and spinning in. Shanka whips it to long on and gets to the other end.
In over# 1
0
0W
0
0
1
1
Navdeep Saini 18/2(4)
14.6
.
A dot to end! A yorker on middle, this is jammed out towards mid-wicket. End of another brilliant over, actually a tremendous spell. He bowled with pace and real fire. His figures. 4-0-18-2.
Dhananjaya de Silva is the new man in.
14.5
W
OUT! CAUGHT! That is a nasty, nasty delivery. Wow! He got one wicket of a pacey yorker and now one of a sharp short one. It is on the body, Rajapaksa looks to fend but is in no position to do so. It kisses the glove and goes to Pant who takes a nice catch. End of BR's struggle and Sri Lanka are losing their way here.
14.4
.
Another dot! Outside off, Rajapaksa looks to guide it down to third man but misses.
14.3
.
Very well bowled! A slower one on middle, Rajapaksa initially looks to flick but then is done in by the pace of the delivery. He defends it towards cover. The fielder there has a need less shy at the stumps at the bowler's end. He hits the stumps but the batter is well in. No extra run conceded.
14.2
1
Shorter and around off, this is pushed to covers.
14.1
1
BR steps out and it ends up being a very full ball outside off, Rajapaksa squeezes it out through covers. Dhawan in the deep gets around, he fumbles but no extra run conceded.
Navdeep Saini to bowl out! 16/1 in his 3 overs. Can he end it well?
In over# 1
0
2
1
2
0W
6
Kuldeep Yadav 19/2(2)
13.6
.
Floated on off, Dasun pushes it to cover to get through the over. 11 runs off the over but more importantly, the big wicket of Kusal Perera.
13.5
2
Googly from Kuldeep. It is outside off, Shanaka premeditates his sweep and hits it towards backward square leg and gets a couple as the fielder from deep square leg cleans it up.
13.4
1
Shorter on off, Bhanuka punches it through cover-point for a single. Brings up the 100 for Sri Lanka.
13.3
2
Floated on off, Rajapaksa drives it through mid off and gets a couple.
Dasun Shanaka is the new man in.
13.2
W
OUT! Perera holes out! Kuldeep has the last laugh. Very smart bowling this from Kuldeep. He sees Perera coming down the track so he bowls it away from the off pole. Perera tries to fetch it away from his body but ends up hitting it off the upper half of his bat. It goes to the right of long on. Shikhar Dhawan there moves to that side and takes a very good catch. It almost pops out of his hand but he somehow manages to hold onto it.
13.1
6
SIX! Wow! What an innovative stroke from Kusal Perera. Once again Kuldeep is welcomed with a biggie. Flighted outside off, Perera brings out the reverse sweep and smashes it over the backward point fence for a biggie.
In over# 1
1
1
4
0
0
1
Shardul Thakur 20/0(3)
12.6
1
On the bounce! This shorter delivery is pulled fiercely towards deep mid-wicket for just a single. So despite the boundary, just the 7 from it.
12.5
1
On the shorter side, this is pulled down to fine leg for one.
12.4
4
FOUR! That is a nice shot! Rajapaksa is a good player of his pads and that was evident there. It is full and on the leg pole. BR flicks it over the mid-wicket fielder and it just about trickles into the ropes. The long on fielder did put in a valiant effort but it all goes in vain.
12.3
.
On a length and around off, Rajapaksa guides it towards point and takes off but is sent back in time.
12.2
.
On the shorter side and on middle, Rajapaksa hops and keeps it out.
12.1
1
Perera comes down the track and drags this ball around middle to long on for one.
Shardul Thakur is back on!
In over# 1
1
1b
0
0W
1
6
Kuldeep Yadav 8/1(1)
11.6
1
Floated on off, KP milks it towards long off and keeps the strike. Good comeback from Kuldeep after being hit for a six off the first ball. Just three runs and a wicket from the remaining 5, including a bye.
11.5
1b
Smart bowling this from Kuldeep. He is giving the ball a lot of air and that is troubling the batters here. It is just over the leg pole. Rajapaksa looks to paddle it but misses. Pant also fails to gather it. The ball hits his waist and goes to the leg side allowing them to steal a bye.
11.4
.
Floated on off, Rajapaksa looks to defend but does so off the inner half of his bat.
Bhanuka Rajapaksa is the new man in!
11.3
W
OUT! Stumped! The ploy to attack Kuldeep has failed here. Smart, smart bowling this from Kuldeep. He keeps his calm and gives this one a lot of air. Fernando comes down the track and looks to go over the top of the bowler. The ball just goes away with the angle. Oshada is too far down the track and Rishabh Pant does the easy job of disturbing the stumps. This will give Kuldeep a lot of confidence as he did not start the over well.
11.2
1
Kuldeep goes wide of the stumps now, Perera strokes it towards cover for a run.
11.1
6
SIX! Kuldeep comes and he is straightaway deposited into the stands! Not a welcome the left-arm leg spinner would have been looking for. Floated on leg, Perera comes down the track and smashes it over the mid-wicket fence for a massive six.
Kuldeep Yadav is into the attack for the first time tonight.
In over# 1
1
0
1
1
1
4
Washington Sundar 29/1(4)
10.6
1
A single to end the over! It is on middle, it is eased towards long off for one. So a good comeback from the bowler after going for a boundary on the first ball.
10.5
.
A dot! Nicely bowled! Sundar slows it up and lands it on middle, Perera goes too hard at it as he tries to slog sweep. He ends up getting an inside edge onto the pads.
10.4
1
A single now as this is worked through mid-wicket.
10.3
1
Perera misses out on one! It is short and on middle, Perera pulls it hard but straight towards the man at deep mid-wicket for one.
10.2
1
Now he looks to play the reverse sweep but ends up getting a top edge. It lands safe in the short third man region for a run.
10.1
4
FOUR! Clever shot! Fernando plays it nicely with the turn! Oshado goes down on one knee and Sundar helps him by bowling it on middle, Fernando sweeps it behind square on the leg side and it goes away for a much-needed boundary.
In over# 1
1
1
0
0
1
0
Navdeep Saini 16/1(3)
9.6
1
Another yorker on off, it is jammed out towards mid off for one more run. One more good over from Saini comes to an end. He is bowling with a lot of steam.
9.5
1
On the shorter side and on the body, this is pulled down to fine leg for a single.
9.4
.
Good bowling! Perera again makes room and Saini follows him with a very full ball. KP swings but gets an inside edge onto the pads. This is turning out to be another top over from Saini.
9.3
.
A full toss, Saini followed the batter as Perera made room. Too quick as all Perera could do is jam it out on the off side.
9.2
1
This is on a length and around off, this is pushed to covers for one.
9.1
.
A loud shout but not given! Looked close, maybe sliding down leg. This is angled into the pads, Fernando plants his front foot across and tries to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. A huge shout but not given. Hawk Eye shows it to be clipping the leg pole.
In over# 1
0
6
1
1
0
0
Washington Sundar 21/1(3)
8.6
.
Very good fielding from the Indian skipper. Flighted on off, Kusal drives it with power to the left of cover but Kohli there gets down on that side quickly and saves runs for his side.
8.5
6
SIX! That has been demolished by Perera. Floated on off, Kusal gets down on one knee and slogs it with power and timing over the mid-wicket fence for the first maximum of the evening.
8.4
1
Flighted on off, Oshada milks it to long on for a run.
8.3
1
Tossed up around the pads, Kusal whips it through mid-wicket and gets to the other end. Good over so for from Washington. Just a single off the first half of this over.
8.2
.
Gives this air on off, Kusal strokes it to backward point.m He looks for a single bu Oshada sends him back.
8.1
.
Short around middle and leg, Kusal makes room but hits it straight towards mid off.
In over# 1
1
1
0W
0
1
0
Navdeep Saini 13/1(2)
7.6
1
A single to end a quick and a successful over from Saini. Shorter and on middle, it is worked towards mid-wicket for one.
7.5
1
Chance of a run out but missed! Iyer just picked the wrong end. Yes, even the non-striker would have been out but at the striker's end, it would have been an easier chance. It is on a length and around off, OF taps it towards point and takes off. Perera is not sure whether the run is on so he stops. Fernando though continues to run towards him. Perera then goes after it. Iyer should probably be having a look but instead he takes a decision a little too quickly and has a shy at the non-striker's end and misses. He actually could have taken his own time there and had a shy at the striker's end or even lobbed it to the bowler who showed great awareness to run towards the stumps at the keeper's end but rush of blood got the better of the youngster.
Oshada Fernando replaces Danushka Gunathilaka out in the middle.
7.4
W
OUT! KABOOM! That is a corker of a yorker! Too quick, just too quick for the batter. Also, this was brilliantly set-up. He bowled three short balls but this time bowls a yorker at 147.5 KPH. Gunathilaka looked to make room and go big but he fails to get his bat down in time and the stumps are shattered. Gunathilaka hopes to have some luck as the umpires tell him to wait as they check for the no ball. But no such luck is to be found for him as Saini is good with his stepping. Both the Sri Lankan openers back in the hut here and India right on top at the moment. A good passage of play this for them after the Powerplay.
7.3
.
A short and outside off, Gunathilaka looks to cut but misses. Saini is getting the ball to really skid through here. The batters are struggling to adjust to the pace.
7.2
1
Bangs it short again, Perera is once again hurried into the pull, he mistimes it towards mid on for a single.
7.1
.
Good pace! Completely beaten for speed there! Fractionally short and around leg. Perera looks to pull but the ball passes him before he could get his bat down in time.
Navdeep Saini is back on! Just the one over for him before this one, he gave away 10 in that.
In over# 1
1
1
1
1
0
1
Washington Sundar 13/1(2)
6.6
1
Another single to end! This is on middle, it is worked towards mid-wicket for one.
6.5
1
The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball. One run added to the total.
6.4
1
Well fielded! Perera brings out the reverse sweep to this delivery on off, he hits it well but a little too close to short third man. Kuldeep slides to his right and stops it.
6.3
1
Gunathilaka makes room and Sundar fires it on middle, it is hit down to long off for one.
6.2
.
Flatter and on middle, it is pushed to the man at covers.
6.1
1
On the off pole, Perera pushes it through covers and gets to the other end.
In over# 1
1
0
1lb
2
4
1
Shardul Thakur 13/0(2)
5.6
1
Length delivery around the pads, Perera flicks it towards deep square leg and keeps the strike. Solid start for Sri Lanka. They are 48/1 at the end of Powerplay.
5.5
.
Once again on the pads, Perera flicks it but straight to mid-wicket.
5.4
1lb
Good length ball on the pads, DG looks to slash it on the leg side but misses. The ball hits his pads and goes to the on side. They steal a leg bye.
5.3
2
Powerful shot but well fielded by Sundar. Shardul pulls his length back outside off. Danushka comes down the track and punches it with power. Sundar at cover-point dives to his right and saves a certain boundary. He cannot gather it cleanly so two taken.
5.2
4
FOUR! Don't bother running that was four the moment he hit that. Slightly overpitched around off, Gunathilaka latches onto it and drives it with power through mid off for a boundary.
5.1
1
On the pads, this is worked behind square on the leg side for another single.
Shardul Thakur to finish off the Powerplay!
In over# 1
1
0W
1
1
1
4
Washington Sundar 8/1(1)
4.6
1
On the pads, this is worked behind square on the leg side for one. Perera is off the mark. A successful over for the hosts comes to an end.
Kusal Perera walks out at number 3.
4.5
W
OUT! TAKEN! There goes Fernando and it is a much-needed breakthrough for the hosts as the partnership between the two was starting to get going. The ploy to get on a spinner has worked. Fernando comes down the track but gets a little too close to the pitch of the delivery. Due to that, he fails to get the elevation he would've wanted as he tries to go over mid off. Holes out to Saini there who takes a decent catch.
4.4
1
The batsman works it down the leg side. One run added to the total.
4.3
1
On the middle stump, Fernando goes back and works it through mid-wicket. Gunathilaka wanted a second but is sent back.
4.2
1
This one grips on the surface a touch! Shorter and around off, spins away. Gunathilaka manages to get it down to long off for one.
4.1
4
FOUR! Welcome into the attack, Sundar! That is an excellent piece of innovation. Gunathilaka straightaway brings the reverse sweep out and hits this delivery around off through third man for a boundary.
Spin into the attack for the first time this evening. Washington Sundar is introduced into the attack. He normally opens with the new ball in T20Is but today he comes in as a second change.
In over# 1
4
0
1
0
0
4
Jasprit Bumrah 16/0(2)
3.6
4
FOUR! The last ball spoils the over! 9 from it. Bumrah did so very well to keep it down to five from five balls after going for a boundary on the very first but in the end, slips one on the pads. It is hit over mid-wicket and another boundary results. The Lankans are off to a good start here.
3.5
.
Bumrah bringing all his variations into play here! After a bumper, he bowls a wide yorker outside off. Fernando looks to jam it out but fails to do so.
3.4
1
This time he is late onto the shot! That is an excellent bumper, it is well-directed. Gunathilaka is taken by surprise. He tries to pull but is late on it. It hits the glove and rolls on the leg side for one.
3.3
.
One more slower one! It picthes and then angles away from Gunathilaka. He fails to pick it again, slightly early in his shot as he tries to guide it. Gets beaten. Two dots after the boundary.
3.2
.
A good comeback! Bowls a slower one outside off, Danushka does not pick it. He is a touch early in the shot as he tries to guide it down to third man but misses.
3.1
4
FOUR! Gunathilaka joins the party now! It is slightly fuller and just outside off, Danushka opens the face of the bat and then drives it square on the off side, past the diving point fielder for a boundary.
Change of ends for Jasprit Bumrah!
In over# 1
4
0
4
1
0
0
1wd
Navdeep Saini 10/0(1)
2.6
4
FOUR! Up and over! Fernando is dealing in boundaries! An expensive start from Saini. 10 from his first. Short and on middle, Fernando stands tall and pulls it over the mid-wicket fence.
2.5
.
Back of a length and on middle, kept out.
2.4
4
FOUR! Another one on the up! Fernando looks really good when he plays such strokes. It is slightly fuller, Avishka strokes it through extra cover, past diving Bumrah at mid off. He gets some bad bounce and hence he fails to stop it. Avishka bags another boundary. He also holds his pose for the camera.
2.3
1
A risky run but they make it in the end! On a length and around off, this is defended on the off side. The batters go for one and complete it in the end.
2.2
.
A good delivery! On a length and around off, Gunathilaka opens the face of the bat and guides it to point.
Change of bat for Danushka Gunathilaka.
2.1
.
Good fielding! Shorter in length and on middle, Gunathilaka pulls towards square leg. Sundar dives to his left and makes a good stop.
2.1
1wd
Another wide! Starts off with a delivery down the leg side, Gunathilaka looks to flick but misses. Pant looks to distract the umpire with an appeal but the umpire already has his hands raised sideways.
Navdeep Saini is introduced into the attack in the third over itself. So just a solitary over for Bumrah first up on his return.
In over# 1
0
0
1wd
4
0
0
0
Shardul Thakur 5/0(1)
1.6
.
In the air... short! A short one outside off, Fernando is way too early in the pull. It goes off the toe-end but lands safe in the mid on region. A good over from Thakur this.
1.5
.
Does not hit it well this time! Looks to stroke it on the up through the covers but mistimes it towards that position.
1.5
1wd
WIDE! Errs in line and bowls it down the leg side, Fernando looks to flick but misses. Wided.
1.4
4
FOUR! A lovely punch this! Made use of the pace of the bowler and this shot also shows how good the wicket is. It is a length ball on middle, Avishka pushes it straight down the ground and it races away to the fence.
1.3
.
Another back of a length delivery around off, Fernando stands tall and guides it to point.
1.2
.
On the off pole again, this time Avishka keeps his shape and then guides it to point.
1.1
.
That is a gem to begin with! It has moved away a long way. It initially angles into the off pole but then moves away. Fernando is drawn into playing at it. He does so away from the body and gets beaten. The Indian bowlers are getting good movement up front.
Shardul Thakur to partner Bumrah from the other end.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
4
2wd
Jasprit Bumrah 7/0(1)
0.6
.
A good nut to end too! It is on a length, it lands around off and then goes away with the angle. Gunathilaka has a tentative push at it but gets beaten. So a good comeback by the bowler after going for 6 off the first ball.
0.5
.
On the fuller side and on middle, Gunathilaka works it to mid on. Bumrah is slowly getting into his groove here, the last two deliveries have been good.
0.4
.
Gets this one right. It is on middle, DG keeps it out.
0.3
1
Not such a great delivery that by Bumrah! He looks like a bowler at the moment who is coming back after a period. It is short and outside off, Fernando reaches out for it, he guides it down to third man for one.
0.2
.
Cracker of a comeback! Also good keeping from Pant. This is shorter and around off, it jags back in sharply. Cuts Fernando into half as he tries to put bat on ball. It keeps moving away as it passes the batter. Pant dives to his left and stops it with one hand.
0.1
4
FOUR! That has been creamed! Fernando is off the mark with a delightful stroke. It is fuller and on off, Fernando just leans into it and caresses it through covers. You need not run for those.
0.1
2wd
Sri Lanka are underway straightaway courtesy an extra! Bumrah does gets some swing into the left-hander but the line is down the leg side. The batter misses the flick. Pant dives to his right and gets a hand to it. It goes towards fine leg for one.
Done and dusted with the national anthems and we are all set to begin! The Indian players are in a huddle, with skipper Virat Kohli having a word with his troops before they take on the field. Danushka Gunathilaka and Avishka Fernando walk out to open the innings for Sri Lanka. The former will take the strike. The returning Jasprit Bumrah to start the proceedings with the new ball for India. How will Bumrah fare on his comeback from his injury?
Both set of players walk out to the middle along with the two match umpires for their respective national anthems. We are not far away from the start of action.
Shreyas Iyer is up for an interview with Laxman Sivaramakrishnan. He says they did not expect rain in the last game but before that they had a good chat about how to go about in the series. Mentions there are two games left now and it is important to go in with an important mind-set. States it is important to not feel lethargic during the game and they need to be at their best. Also tells, He has played quite a few games here and it is important to not be complacent and you need to pace your innings nicely and be the best version of yourself. Ends by saying they have prepared well for the game, the opposition bowlers are really good and they know what they need to do.
India (Playing XI) (Unchanged) - Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli (C), Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (WK), Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Shardul Thakur, Navdeep Saini and Jasprit Bumrah.
Sri Lanka skipper, Lasith Malinga, says they would have bowled first too but the toss can't be controlled, they would now look to put good amount of runs on the board. States he concentrated on white-ball cricket last year and he kept on trying to improve on his skills and he hopes he can do well here. States they did not have a lot of time to give opportunities to a lot of players and they would look to give quite a few opportunities to the players before the T20I World Cup.
Indian skipper, Virat Kohli, says it is a pretty good wicket to bat on, it would remain the same but there could be some assistance for the pacers early on. Further adds it is a good chasing ground. States the plans for the T20I World Cup is pretty much on track but the main focus is observing how the youngsters perform under pressure, who takes the onus onto themselves and deliver when it matters. Mentions there is healthy competition in the side and that is a good thing, it is a good situation for Rahul and Dhawan to be in as both are fighting for the one spot in the side. Ends by saying they are playing the same team as announced in the last game.
TOSS - We are all in readiness for the spin of coin. Indian skipper, Virat Kohli has the coin in hand. Up it goes and it comes down in the favour of the hosts' skipper. INDIA OPT TO FIELD!
Pitch Report - Murali Karthik and Sunil Gavaskar are doing the pitch report. The latter starts by saying it seems a belter, there is some grass on top but there would only be a little movement at the start but it should then be a belter. Murali Kartik then says the boundaries are small and it is always the batters who dominate here. Gavaskar ends by saying the captain winning the toss should chase.
Hello and welcome to the coverage of the 2nd T20I between India and Sri Lanka. Rain played spoilsport in the year's first T20I but the weather looks much better here in Indore. With the T20 World Cup just 10 months away, both the sides will look to get their combination ready for the show-piece event. India will look to start the decade with a win and put out a statement. Sri Lanka will look to prove that they are no walkovers and after whitewashing world's no.1 T20I team at their own backyard, they'll look to repeat the same. Can the Lankan Lions upset the mighty Indians or will India continue their dominance against Sri Lanka?