Rahul Chahar takes a fabulous return catch in the third T20I against Sri Lanka. While bowling the last over of the powerplay, the leggie dismissed in-form opener Avishka Fernando to give India a sniff of hope.

Sri Lanka is currently en route to chasing down India’s target of 82 in 20 overs. They got off to a sedate start, meandering along to 22/0 in the first five overs. The sixth over saw skipper Shikhar Dhawan introduce Rahul Chahar into the attack.

The move paid dividends immediately. The leg spinner, who plays for Mumbai Indians, bowled superbly and put pressure on the batsmen. Avishka tried to take him to the cleaners but misread a short delivery. It spun square, and Avishka managed just a leading-edge that sprung towards the bowler.

It was traveling quite quickly but Rahul Chahar composed himself before diving to this left to hold on to the catch in stunning fashion, sending back the Sri Lanka opener. Although India has a long way to go before making a comeback, it’s a start.

Watch the catch here:

Rahul Chahar gets India their first wicket ☝🏽
The in-form Avishka Fernando is gone for 12

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A torrid day at the office for the Indian batsmen

 

Team India won the toss and chose to bat. The decision backfired immediately considering India was forced to field only five specialist batsmen. Half the side was back in the hut with the score reading just 36. Apart from Ruturaj Gaikwad, none of the top 5 put up double-digit scores.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar combined with Kuldeep Yadav to add some respectability to the total. They took India past their lowest ever score, thereby sparing the team’s blushes – of sorts. Going into the chase, India needed quick wickets and Rahul Chahar managed to get one.

However, there is still a long way to go in order to skittle out the Sri Lankan side. The winner of the game also goes on to lift the T20I trophy.

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