India vs Sri Lanka, 1st T20I - Talking points and Who Said What?

Hardik Pandya-led team India kick-started their New Year in a stylish manner as the Men in Blue registered a sensational win against neighbours Sri Lanka in the first of the three-match T20I series played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The hosts won the contest by just two runs in a final ball thriller thereby taking a 1-0 lead in the series. 

The Men in Blue were struggling to construct a vital innings when they started with the batting but displayed glimpses of aggressiveness on certain occasions. The much-needed partnership from Deepak Hooda and Axar Patel powered the Indian side to get to a competitive total of 162 runs in their stipulated 20 overs. 

In response, the visitors just could not manage to utilise the batting friendly conditions as they were consistently put in pressure by the Indian side. Eventually the Islanders bowed down to the hosts in the final ball as India clinched a thrilling victory

Before listening to skippers of both sides, we list some of the talking points from the game-

Sri Lankan bowlers showcase unity 

Despite the surface at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai being a batters' paradise, it was the Lankan bowling unit that kept the hosts on the backfoot in the first half of the innings. The spinners worked in tandem to remove the batters at regular intervals and nearly half the side had been dismissed in under 15 overs for a mere score of 94 runs. Kasun Rajitha was the only bowler without a wicket under his name while the rest of the five bowlers racked up one wicket each.

Axar-Hooda, all-rounders' day out

Despite the Islanders relishing a good start in the first innings, it was the middle order batters- Axar Patel and Deepak Hooda’s innings that helped the hosts put up a decent total on the board. Hooda and Axar accelerated with the bat as their fireworks led India past 160. Axar added 31 runs from just 20 deliveries at a strike rate of 155 whereas the right hander amassed 41 runs from 23 balls which included four maximums at a fiery strike rate of 178.26.

Shanaka-Karunaratne’s cameo goes in vain

Just when India kept mounting the pressure which kept the Asia Cup 2022 winners on the backfoot, skipper Dasun Shanaka and Chamika Karunaratne decided to take matters in their own hands. The skipper dispatched a few into the stands and continued to stay out in the middle helping his side get the vital runs. However, after his dismissal, Karunaratne tried to take his team till the very end but the efforts went in vain as he failed to connect the final ball and eventually handed a win to the hosts. 

Shivam Mavi’s memorable debut

Mavi made his debut in the contest and turned out to be the pick of the bowlers during the second innings. He broke the vital partnership of Hasaranga and Shanaka when the duo began constructing an important innings by removing the former from the equation. The young pacer picked up four crucial wickets and undoubtedly had an evening to remember.

Losing captain, Dasun Shanaka said:

It was (our game to lose). Really disappointing with the way we finished. In Wankhede you need the batsmen to help you cross the line. I use the matchups really well and that's the reason we restricted India to 162. It is still the first game and they (batters) are really good bunch of youngsters, they will come good.

Winning captain, Hardik Pandya said:

Now, yes definitely. It is just cramps. Now i have tendency to scare people. I did not sleep well, did not drink enough water and hence the glutes were stiff. I want to put this team in difficult situations because it will help us in big games. Bilaterals we are very good at and this is how we are going to challenge ourselves. To be honest, all the young guns got us out of the situation today. The conversation was very simple, I have seen him (Mavi) bowl well in the IPL and I know what are his strengths, just back yourself and don't worry about getting hit.

Player of the Match, Deepak Hooda said:

I try my best to practice according to the number I bat. We were discussing it is a matter of 2-3 hits and that we will get with some momentum. I want to contribute in every manner. I am coming on the back of domestice cricket and know how to target the spinners.

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