India vs Sri Lanka, 3rd T20I Stats Preview: Players records and approaching milestones

Skipper Dasun Shanaka’s all-round brilliance of 56* off just 22 and 2/4 (1) helped Sri Lanka defeat India by 16 runs in the second T20 international in Pune. Shanaka led his side from the front to level the series 1-1 going into the third and final match January 7, at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot.

Speaking in about the Pune match, the visitors batted first and posted a massive total of 206/6. Wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis struck a well-made 52 off 31 with three fours and four maximums while Charith Asalanka played a blitz of 37 off 19, which included four sixes. Shanaka, batting at No. 6, smashed a whirlwind half-century in just 20 deliveries, the fastest-ever by a Sri Lankan in the format. Arshdeep Singh had a forgettable outing as he leaked 37 runs off just two overs, which included five no-balls.

Suryakumar Yadav continued his rich vein of form as he slammed 51 off just 36. But the surprise package was Axar Patel, who hammered 65 off 31 with three fours and six maximums. The all-rounder tried his best but failed to seal the deal for his side as the tourists survived. Hardik Pandya and Shanaka would look to grab the series for their respective teams before both contests in a three-match one-day international series.

Meanwhile, here are some of the important stats and numbers ahead of the 3^rd T20I between India and Sri Lanka:

Head-to-Head: India and Sri Lanka have clashed in 28 T20Is so far, with the Men in Blue winning on 18 occasions. The Lankan Lions have won nine times while one game had no result. In India, both have met each other 16 times with the home side snatching wins in 12 encounters and Sri Lanka in three.

7 – Dasun Shanaka (93) needs seven fours to complete 100 fours in T20Is.

7 – Pathum Nissanka (93) requires seven fours to reach 100 fours in T20 internationals.

34 – Suryakumar Yadav (1466) needs 34 runs to complete 1500 runs in the shortest international format.

3 – Yuzvendra Chahal (88) is three scalps away from surpassing Bhuvneshwar Kumar (90) and becoming the highest wicket-taker for India in T20Is.

5 – Ishan Kishan (45) needs five sixes to reach 50 maximums in international cricket.

1 – India (18 against Sri Lanka) is one win away from equaling England’s record (19 against Pakistan) for the most victories against an opponent in the T20I format.