In the 1st T20I of the three-match series between Sri Lanka and India on Saturday (July 27) at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele, India put up a formidable score of 213/7 in their 20 overs.

India’s strong batting display 

Yashasvi Jaiswal led the charge with a dynamic 40 off 21 balls, showcasing his aggressive stroke play. Shubman Gill also made a notable contribution with a brisk 34 from just 16 balls. Captain Suryakumar Yadav anchored the innings with a commanding 58 off 26 balls, demonstrating his explosive batting style. Rishabh Pant provided a crucial boost with 49 from 33 balls, including several boundaries.

Hardik Pandya, Riyan Parag and Axar Patel made valuable lower-order contributions, with Pandya scoring 9, Parag adding 7, and Patel finishing unbeaten with 10. Despite a series of wickets falling at key moments, the Indian batting line-up’s depth and aggressive intent ensured they set a daunting target for Sri Lanka.

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Matheesha Pathirana’s memorable delivery to Hardik Pandya

One of the standout moments of the innings came from Sri Lanka’s Matheesha Pathirana. His delivery on the 4th ball of the 17th over was a jaw-dropping inswinging yorker delivered at a searing pace of 151 km/h. Pandya, trying to create room by stepping away from his leg stump, was left stranded. The pace and movement of Pathirana’s delivery crashed into Pandya’s pads and deflected onto the stumps, resulting in a spectacular dismissal that had the crowd roaring in appreciation.

Here’s the video:

Sri Lankan bowling performance

Sri Lanka’s bowlers faced a tough challenge against India’s aggressive batting. Dilshan Madushanka and Asitha Fernando struggled, with both giving away significant runs. Maheesh Theekshana also found it challenging to contain the Indian batters. Wanindu Hasaranga was relatively more economical, taking a wicket and conceding fewer runs. However, the highlight of the Sri Lankan bowling effort was Pathirana’s spell, where he claimed 4 wickets for 40 runs, proving to be the standout performer in an otherwise tough day for the bowlers.

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