NEW DELHI: Suryakumar Yadav struck a fiery 26-ball 58, leading India to a solid 43-run win in his new journey as T20I captain against Sri Lanka in Pallekele on Saturday.
Despite a strong start by the hosts, Suryakumar remained confident as there was little dew to challenge his bowlers. Chasing 214, Sri Lanka collapsed from 149 for 2 to 170 all out, giving India a 1-0 lead in the 3-match series.
“We were fortunate that there was no dew. The way we played in the World Cup, that reminded us that the game was still too far,” Suryakumar, who also won the ‘Player of the Match’ said.
Suryakumar acknowledged the strong batting performance by the Lankans but noted that he was aware the pitch would slow down as the game went on.
“They were playing a good brand of cricket from ball one. They were keeping the tempo, credit goes to them. We know how the wicket plays in the night.”
Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka commented on their bowlers’ performance, acknowledging that they struggled during the Powerplay but managed to restrict India to 213 for 7, a total that could have been higher.
“We were not up to the mark in the powerplay, but in the latter part, we came back pretty strong. Some stage, we thought they might get to 240, we did well,” he said.
About being all out for 170 after being 149 for 2, the Lankan skipper did express his disappoinment.
“Little disappointed with the way the middle-order batted, we could have done better. (On the balance of his side) It’s an experiment, this is the way we should go in the future.”
Despite a strong start by the hosts, Suryakumar remained confident as there was little dew to challenge his bowlers. Chasing 214, Sri Lanka collapsed from 149 for 2 to 170 all out, giving India a 1-0 lead in the 3-match series.
“We were fortunate that there was no dew. The way we played in the World Cup, that reminded us that the game was still too far,” Suryakumar, who also won the ‘Player of the Match’ said.
Suryakumar acknowledged the strong batting performance by the Lankans but noted that he was aware the pitch would slow down as the game went on.
“They were playing a good brand of cricket from ball one. They were keeping the tempo, credit goes to them. We know how the wicket plays in the night.”
Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka commented on their bowlers’ performance, acknowledging that they struggled during the Powerplay but managed to restrict India to 213 for 7, a total that could have been higher.
“We were not up to the mark in the powerplay, but in the latter part, we came back pretty strong. Some stage, we thought they might get to 240, we did well,” he said.
About being all out for 170 after being 149 for 2, the Lankan skipper did express his disappoinment.
“Little disappointed with the way the middle-order batted, we could have done better. (On the balance of his side) It’s an experiment, this is the way we should go in the future.”
