Colombo, July 25: Suryakumar Yadav’s golden run with the bat was beautifully complemented by the Indian bowling unit led by Bhuvneshar Kumar as the visitors outclassed Sri Lanka by 38 runs in the first T20 International here on Sunday.
If Surya’s second T20 International half-century – an attractive 50 off 34 balls – ensured a decent total of 164 for 5, Yuzvendra Chahal (1/19) oozed class while Deepak Chahar (2/24) and Bhuvneshwar (4/22) picked up wickets when it mattered most, bowling the hosts out for 126 in 18.3 overs.
In fact, from 111/4 in the 16th over, Sri Lanka lost their last six wickets for only 15 runs.
In what will be the final international audition before T20 World Cup, Chahal gave his all in the presence of IPL star and debutant mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who as per grapevine could be the Indian team management’s choice for the marquee event.
Chahal not only bowled 10 dots apart from the ‘jaffa delivery’ to dislodge Dhanajaya de Silva but also bowled a superb 15th over that turned the course for India with only three runs conceded.
After a whirlwind start in the first two overs, Dhawan introduced Krunal Pandya, who quickly removed Minod Bhanuka.
Chahal arguably bowled the delivery of the match – a flighted delivery foxing Dhananjaya de Silva to play inside the line to get castled.
However, debutant Charith Asalanka (44 off 26 balls) had other ideas as he launched into opposition rookie Chakravarthy (1/28 in 4 overs), smoking him for two sixes into the cow corner.
Earlier, Suryakumar continued his rich vein of form with a knock of 50 and was supported by useful contributions from skipper Shikhar Dhawan (46).
Skipper Dhawan added 62 with Surya in eight overs to provide a solid launch-pad. a chance to score 175 plus.
Brief Scores:
India 164/5 (20 overs)
(S Yadav 50, S Dhawan 46; D Chameera 2/24)
Sri Lanka 126 (18.3 overs)
(C Asalanka 44, A Fernando 26; B Kumar 4/22). (PTI)
