In a match that bore witness to some of the most brutal power-hitting in recent time, Team India beat Sri Lankaby 7 wickets in one of the most destructive batting performances in recent time here at Dharamshala, sealing the match and taking an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the 3-match t20 series. After winning the toss and asking Sri Lanka to bat, the visitors put in a much better performance with the bat this time around, courtesy of a classy 75 by Pathum Nissanka and some extraordinary power-hitting in the death by captain Dasun Shanaka, put on a very competitive 183-5.
In reply, India started off very edgily, with the pace and movement of Lahiru Kumara causing a lot of problems early on, leading to the loss of 2 quick wickets. But then Shreyas Iyer along with Sanju Samson, and later Ravi Jadeja took the Lanka bowlers to the task, hitting the out of the park with a mixture of some huge hits and some classy batting, ensuring that the target was achieved with 17 balls to spare.
Let’s have a look at the talking points of this game that Team India won yet again-
1. Death bowling has a rare off-day
In the last few series, the death bowling for India has been absolutely sensational. They have been a massive influence on the way Team India approaches their games, with every bowler putting their hand up and delivering for the team when it matters the most. They have been the major difference in winning these close games that define t20 cricket.
However, today was one of the rare off days for the death bowling. On a pitch that had a little bit of everything for everyone, coupled with a lightning-quick outfield, none of the Indian bowlers was able to hit the right lengths and resulting in some sensational strokeplay by Nissanka and Shanaka. While this could be considered a rare off-day after a consistent bowling performance over the last few games, India will have to be wary that this does not repeat itself in the future series.
Image Credits: India TV News
2. Sensational Shreyas
Shreyas Iyer continues to put on a string of brilliant performances with the bat in the last few games and staking his claim for that spot in the middle order. Last year he was in the midst of a similar run until a shoulder injury crushed his dream of a spot in the t20 World cup. This time he is determined to get that spot and is taking matters into his own hands.
Right from the onset of his innings, he had only one motive: play positive and assert his dominance over the bowling as early as possible. Apart from a few streaky shots early on, Iyer never put a foot wrong in his innings, playing each ball according to its merit and also making sure that there was not a lot of pressure on his batting partner, be it Samson or Jadeja. If he continues this rich vein of form that he is in, it is almost certain that he will be on the plane to Melbourne and one of the first names in the team come October.
Image Credits: The Financial Express
3. Home domination continues for Team India
This is the 8th straight home series won by India in India. The hosts have been virtually impregnable in their own backyard, constantly pummeling each and everyone into submission, be it batting or bowling. This form also signifies the unbelievable depth and quality of this Indian squad. With players available in plenty for each position, safe to say that this team is as stacked as it can get. The fact that these players are getting exposure and also contributing in their way to the greater cause, the team can only be happy and will be hoping to continue their dominant run at home for many more series to come.
Joy Barma
8 Aug 2022Thank you for this blog. this is a very informative and useful blog about cricket.