India lost the second match of the T20 series against Sri Lanka by 16 runs to level the 3-match T20 series 1-1 at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium on Thursday. After losing the toss and batting first, Sri Lanka has raised a target of 207 runs with an amazing batting line-up.
While chasing the target, India only scored 190 runs for 8 wickets in the allotted 20 overs. Akshar Patel (65), Suryakumar Yadav (51), and Shivam Mavi (16) tried hard to achieve the winning target but could not reach the victory.
While India won the first match by 2 runs, Sri Lanka came back strong with a win in the second match. With this, the third match will become the series decider. It will surely be a big shame for India if they lose the series against Sri Lanka, who embarrassed India in the Asia Cup earlier.
Earlier in the game, Dasun Shanaka-led the Lankan team exhibited an outstanding performance with a team full of all-rounders. Openers Pathum Nissanka (33 of 35) and Kusal Mendis (52 of 31) have given a good start for the side. Skipper Dasun Shanaka also scored a half-century. Dilshan Madushanka and Kasun Rajitha were exceptional with the new ball.
India has got many reasons for the failure in the match.
The first one is, Sri Lanka’s strong start in Pune has become a strength for their side. They created a partnership of 80 runs for the first wicket.
India’s bowling in Powerplay can be said to be one of the main reasons for the defeat. India’s bowling line, including Arshadeep Singh’s hat-trick no-ball in the powerplay, lead to the failure.
India conceded 55 runs in the Powerplay without being able to take a single wicket. India’s bowling line-up in the power play needs improvement. It can be said that India will not be able to contain Sri Lanka without allowing them to score runs at a fast pace.
Another major reason is the not-so-effective top-order batting. The sudden exit of India’s top three can be said to be the main reason for India’s defeat. Ishan Kishan (2), Shubman Gill (5), and Rahul Tripathi (5) failed to shine. Hardik Pandya (12) also did not do much in the match.
Four of India’s batsmen pitched the tent during the Powerplay. Chasing such a huge target, the team lost four leading batsmen in the powerplay and was certain to lose.
It is a big relief that India reached the level of 190 for eight wickets from where they collapsed to the level of five wickets for 57 runs.
Even in defeat, India can be proud of Akshar Patel’s batting. It was Akshar’s fireworks that took India to a good level of 190, which seemed to be limited to 100. Akshar completed his fifty in 20 balls and scored 65 runs in 31 balls including 3 fours and 6 sixes. His strike rate is 209.67.
The star also shined with the ball. He conceded 24 runs in four overs and took two wickets.
India’s bowling performance in the crucial final overs was disappointing. Attacked India’s bowlers including Sri Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka. Shanaka hit six sixes and two fours in the death overs. Shivam Mavi, who took four wickets in the first match, conceded 53 runs without taking a wicket in four overs.
Arshadeep Singh conceded 37 runs in 2 overs while Umran Malik took three wickets by conceding 48 runs in four overs.
If India’s bowlers are not smart enough to stop the flow of runs, the loss is not surprising. It is sure to say that India’s pace line, which lacks experience, was a disaster in Pune.
