On Saturday, July 27, Rejuvenated Team India began an intriguing three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka in their own backyard. Veteran and gifted batsman Suyakumar Yadav took over as captain of the team when veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retired from the game.
Jaiswal-Gill, the openers, gave India a flying start.
The Men in Blue destroyed the Lankan bowling unit from the outset as opener Yashasvi Jaiswal (41 off 20 balls) and vice-captain Shubman Gill (34 off 15 balls) muscled them to give them a flying start, while Suryakumar led in his debut game in Pallekele as India’s captain. 74 runs were scored by the two during the powerplay phase. Following that, Suryakumar came to the crease and proceeded to bat in a strong manner, displaying no fear of leading the group.
In his debut match as India’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav led from the front with his blitzkreig.
The 360-degree player from Mumbai capitalised on the momentum created by the opening pair and struck a brilliant half-century (58 off 28 balls) with two sixes and eight fours in one go. Notably, throughout his innings, he displayed some bold inside-out strokes, which Gautam Gambhir, the new head coach of India, promptly acknowledged. In addition to him, Rishabh Pant filled the anchor position. He needed some time to find his batting groove and executed his conventional shots both in front of and through the square. He did, however, narrowly miss his fifty (49 off 33 balls).
Speaking of Sri Lanka’s bowling, the pacers appeared out of tune and produced some irregular length and line deliveries on a surface that had a lazy air. Wanindu Hasaranga, one of the best bowlers, kept it close(1/18) from one end as the Indian batter was unable to take him on like other bowlers. For the Lankan Lions, Matheesha Pathirana was a standout player with the ball, taking four wickets (4/40). India thus achieved a final score of 213/7 in their 20-over quota.
Teamwork in bowling won India’s first Twenty20 international match.
Axar Patel, a spinner, delivered India a much-needed breakthrough after openers Pathum Nissanka (79 off 48 balls) and Kusal Mendis (45 off 27 balls), chasing a challenging total, got the hosts off to a strong start with their 84-run partnership for the first wicket. The middle order, however, failed to get going under new captain Charith Asalanka, as spinners Ravi Bishnoi and Riyan Parag turned the tide of the match in Team India’s favour. Pacer Arshdeep Singh also chipped in, taking his second wicket of the day to thwart Sri Lanka’s run chase. India took a 1-0 lead against their hosts, Sri Lanka, by winning the opening Twenty20 International of the series by 43 runs.
Also Read: ‘We spoke about having good communication,’ Shubman Gill says of batting with Yashasvi Jaiswal
Fans responded to the inaugural Twenty20 International match between Sri Lanka and India by creating a meme frenzy on social media.
Here are the best memes from Sri Lanka vs India’s first T20I game:
Riyan parag today#SLvIND pic.twitter.com/eam4m6Bdpd
— 𝐅𝐀𝐈𝐙𝐀𝐍
(@Faizanali_152) July 27, 2024
India beat Sri Lanka by 43 runs to give tribute to 43 all out of Pakistan
#SLvIND | #INDvsSL | #INDvSL pic.twitter.com/sq2Jxti5hv
— Kriti Singh
(@kritiitweets) July 27, 2024
The best thing of tonight’s match is Riyan Parag’s bowling ability in international level !
3 wickets in just 1.2 overs by 5 runs !
Best of luck rising star !#RiyanParag the game changer !#SLvIND | #INDvSL | #INDvsSL pic.twitter.com/Ie9cPkV8Zo— CricStrick (@CricStrickAP) July 27, 2024
Cricket
Hockey
जलवा है हमारा #Hockey #INDvNZ #Circket #SLvIND pic.twitter.com/mtZ5XxU0Zo— Vikram choudhary (@Vikramchou71915) July 27, 2024
#SLvInd #INDvSL #teamniella #IndiaAtOlympics #RiyanParag
Surya to Riyan Parag
Do you know the contextpic.twitter.com/NXP28zCnL6
— TwiXter (@ImTwiXter) July 27, 2024
Sad day for brothers from diff mothers and same father !!
#INDvSL #SLvIND#SuryakumarYadav #SKY#Jaiswal #Gill#Pant #Pandya#OlympicGamesParis2024 #ChampionsTrophy2025
India Sri Lanka
BCCI
Riyan Siraj#INDvsNZ pic.twitter.com/mcUnTXoJFx— Goku (@Goku_Legendz) July 27, 2024
Matheesha Pathirana: 4/40 (4)
Riyan Parag: 3/5 (1.2)
#SLvIND pic.twitter.com/Jovn9M5hzi
— Chota Don (@The_ChotaDon) July 27, 2024
India
