India defeated Sri Lanka by 43 runs in the first T20I, marking a strong start in the three-match series.
The host nation kept the game competitive for a long time, but the regular fall of wickets in the final phase of their chase led to their defeat. Chasing a challenging target of 214 runs, Sri Lanka was restricted to 170 runs in 19.2 overs.
Match Highlights
- Key Performances
- Pathum Nissanka (79) and Kusal Mendis (45) were performing excellently, putting Sri Lanka in a promising position. However, their dismissals turned the tide in favor of India, putting Lanka on the back foot.
- Riyan Parag’s remarkable bowling performance, taking three crucial wickets, was instrumental in India’s victory.
- India’s Innings
- The Men in Blue set an impressive total of 213/7. The Indian captain led by example, scoring a crucial fifty.
- Rishabh Pant came close to his half-century with a well-played 49 runs.
- Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal had a good start, scoring 74 runs together in the opening partnership.
- Suryakumar Yadav’s Blitz
- Suryakumar Yadav, the Indian skipper, was all smiles as he was adjudged the Player of the Match for his explosive 58 off just 26 deliveries. His innings included 8 fours and 2 towering sixes, setting the tone for India’s formidable total.
- Sri Lanka’s Chase
- Sri Lanka got the strong start they needed. The opening stand between Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis laid a strong foundation.
- The duo played percentage cricket, taking their chances on poor deliveries while rotating the strike effectively.
- Dramatic Collapse
- Sri Lanka was scoring quickly with their openers until the 15th over, going at over 10 runs per over.
- The introduction of spinners Axar Patel and Ravi Bishnoi brought in a squeeze. Patel’s crucial wickets of Nissanka and Mendis turned the game on its head.
- Riyan Parag struck immediately and ran through the tail with three wickets, sealing a dramatic collapse for Sri Lanka.
Player Comments
Suryakumar Yadav (India Captain)
“Sri Lanka played a good brand of cricket and credits them for batting aggressively even when wickets were falling regularly. We practiced here three days back so we knew how it would play. We took inspiration from the World Cup, and it’s not over until it is over.”
Charith Asalanka (Sri Lanka Captain)
“We were not up to the mark in the Powerplay but came back strongly with the ball. At one stage, we felt India might get to 240, but our bowlers did well to restrict them. It was disappointing with the way the middle order batted and could have done better.”
Series Lead
With this victory, India has taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka. The upcoming games will decide if India keeps winning or if Sri Lanka bounces back in the series. The second T20I starts at 7 pm IST (1.30 pm GMT) on Sunday, July 28th.
Take a look at the India vs Sri Lanka scoreboard on the Official ICC Website.
Q: What was the result of the India vs Sri Lanka first T20I?
A: India won the first T20I against Sri Lanka by 43 runs.
Q: Who was the Player of the Match in the India vs Sri Lanka first T20I?
A: Suryakumar Yadav was adjudged the Player of the Match for his explosive 58 off 26 deliveries.
Q: What was the total score set by India in the first T20I against Sri Lanka?
 A: India set a total of 213/7 in the first T20I.
Q: Who were the top performers for Sri Lanka in their chase?
A: Pathum Nissanka (79) and Kusal Mendis (45) were the top performers for Sri Lanka in their chase.
Q: What led to Sri Lanka’s dramatic collapse in the first T20I?
A: The introduction of spinners Axar Patel and Ravi Bishnoi brought in a squeeze, and Riyan Parag’s three-wicket haul led to Sri Lanka’s dramatic collapse.
