Sri Lanka vs India 2021: 2nd T20I – Who Said What?

The India vs Sri Lanka 2nd T20I was pushed back by a day after Krunal Pandya was tested positive for COVID-19. However, the 2nd T20I match finally started on 28 July. Notably, the India team entered the match with its C team as many first-choice players were absent from the squad. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka defeated India by 4 wickets to level the series 1-1.

Shikhar Dhawan’s toss losing streak continued and he was invited by Sri Lanka to bat first. While batting first India had a poor show. Notably, India only had 5 specialist batsmen in the team, India’s tail started from number 6 where vice-captain Bhuvneshwar Kumar was batting. India was only able to post 132 runs on the board at the loss of 5 wickets. No batsmen from team India managed to play an aggressive inning.

Dhananjaya de Silva hits the winning run to level the series! 🔥

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Opener Shikhar Dhawan scored 40(42) and debutant Ruturaj Gaikwad contributed 21 (18). Also, debutants Devdutt Paddikal and Nitish Rana contributed 29 and 9 runs respectively. However, Sanju Samson once again failed as he scored 7 (13) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar contributed 13(11). Meanwhile, Akila Dananjaya picked 2 wickets for Sri Lanka, and Dushmantha Chameera got 1 wicket in his bag. Also, Wanindu Hasaranga and Dasun Shanaka got one scalp each.

Meanwhile, during the second innings, Sri Lankan batsmen also struggled to score runs against the Indian bowling unit. Star opener Avishka Fernando only managed to score 11 runs, however, opener Minod Bhanuka scored 36 runs. Captain Shanaka had a poor outing once again as he only scored 3 runs for the team in 6 balls. Meanwhile, Dhananjaya de Silva played a match-winning knock of 40* runs. Also, Chamika Karunaratne played a cameo knock of 12 runs.

From the Indian bowling unit, all the bowlers got at least one wicket each. However, Varun Chakravarthy was the most economical bowler and Chinaman Kuldeep Yadav bagged 2 wickets.

In the end, Sri Lanka chased the small target to earn a victory however Indian bowlers did a great job as they managed to take the game till the last over.

Here is what Shikhar Dhawan, Dasun Shanka, and Dhananjaya de Silva said in India vs Sri Lanka 2nd T20I post-match presentation:

Dasun Shanaka: I thought if we can keep them under a low score, we can chase it. Strategy was to go hard in the first six overs. Then I went into the middle but couldn’t do much. But DDS and Hasaranga did well in the middle overs. When it comes to international cricket, different boys are performing. I should thank BCCI and SLC to allow us to showcase our talent during these tough tough times.

Shikhar Dhawan: The surface turned and was a stopping a bit. We knew we were one batter short. We knew we had to construct our innings smartly, were 10-15 runs short. That would have made the difference. I am proud of the boys. Never say die attitude is amazing. Hats off to the boys for taking it into the last over.

Dhananjaya de Silva: We were looking for this win. I am happy to contribute to a win for SL. always thought and knew it was about one big over. I decided to bat till the end. We held our nerves today. It is always tough against India.