Suryakumar leads India to victory in 1st T20I against Sri Lanka
In a thrilling start to a new era of T20 cricket for India, newly appointed captain Suryakumar Yadav scored an explosive half-century, propelling his team to a commanding 43-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first of three T20 internationals held on Saturday at Kandy's Pallekele.
Suryakumar, 33, showcased his prowess with a blistering 58 off 26 balls. This match marked his debut as T20 skipper following India's T20 World Cup triumph last month. India posted a formidable total of 213-7 before dismissing the hosts for 170. Spinner Axar Patel was pivotal, taking two crucial wickets in one over, including the prized scalp of Pathum Nissanka, who top-scored for Sri Lanka with 79.
This match also signaled a fresh chapter for India in T20 cricket. Long-time stalwarts Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja retired from the format after their World Cup victory in Barbados. Suryakumar, chosen as captain over Hardik Pandya, who served as Sharma's deputy in the World Cup, formed a significant 76-run partnership with wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant, who contributed a rapid 49.
Despite a commendable effort from Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana, who claimed four wickets, including those of Suryakumar and Pant, India managed to surpass the 200-run mark, capitalizing on a lackluster fielding performance by the home team.
Sri Lanka, led by new T20 skipper Charith Asalanka following their early exit from the T20 World Cup, won the toss and opted to field first. Both teams introduced new coaching staff, with Gautam Gambhir joining India and Sanath Jayasuriya taking an interim role for Sri Lanka.
India's innings was launched with a fiery partnership of 74 runs in the first six overs by openers Yashasvi Jaiswal, who scored 40 off 21 balls, and Shubman Gill, who made 34. Their dismissals in quick succession brought Suryakumar to the crease, who steadied the innings with Pant.
Pathirana, nicknamed "Baby Malinga" for his distinctive bowling style reminiscent of former Sri Lanka great Lasith Malinga, managed to dismiss Suryakumar lbw and later bowled Pandya and Pant.
Chasing 214, Sri Lanka started well with an 84-run stand between Nissanka and Kusal Mendis, who scored 45 off 27 balls. However, Patel's crucial over, where he dismissed both Nissanka and Kusal Perera, triggered a collapse. From a promising 140-1, Sri Lanka crumbled to 163-7 and were all out in 19.2 overs.
The second T20I is scheduled for Sunday at the same venue.