CRICKET
Follow highlights of India vs Sri Lanka 1st T20I here.
Team India's new head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has established himself as a reputable coach in the competitive world of the IPL, having led the Kolkata Knight Riders to three title wins - twice as captain and once as a mentor. Gambhir now steps into the shoes of the immensely popular Rahul Dravid, with a challenging task ahead of him. Under Dravid's guidance, the team reached the final in each of the ICC events in their respective last editions, setting a high standard for Gambhir to maintain and build upon.
In a surprising turn of events, 33-year-old Suryakumar was appointed as India's T20 captain last week, with his tenure commencing with a three-match series in Sri Lanka on Saturday. Suryakumar's promotion came as a shock to many, as he surpassed Hardik Pandya for the role despite his limited experience as a captain. However, the selectors have shown confidence in his abilities to lead the team.
Looking ahead to the next T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka in 2026, the selectors have ample time to revamp the team following the recent World Cup victory and the retirements of key players such as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja. The team is facing a talent drain, but with strategic planning and development, they aim to build a competitive squad for the upcoming tournament.
Parag takes two wickets in two balls, securing India's 43-run victory after a challenging first half of the match. India was able to turn the tide and emerge victorious despite facing difficulties early on.
IND 213/7 (20)
SL 170 (19.2)
WICKET!! Shanaka is caught short of his crease while attempting a risky third run, following a clever paddle shot by Mendis. And WICKET!! Mendis falls victim to a sharp turn, as he tries to play back and punch the ball, only to see his stumps shattered.
Out! The bowler appeals for lbw and the umpire raises the finger. The ball was full and straight, catching Parag off guard as he missed the flick. Another wicket falls! The bowler delivers a full and straight ball once again, leaving Rishabh too late to his lofted shot and the stumps are disturbed.
Surya smashes a trademark flick over fine leg for a massive six! He follows it up with a clever paddle over fine leg for a boundary. Missed opportunity as the fielder at fine leg couldn't hold on to a tough catch, and the ball trickles away for another boundary.
Four runs! Gill smacks a length ball straight over mid off for a boundary. Another four! Gill repeats the shot, this time sending the ball through midwicket for another boundary. And a six! Gill pulls a short delivery through midwicket for a big six. But then, a wicket! Gill tries to hit another big shot, but doesn't quite connect and is caught by mid on.
Four runs! Gill expertly guides a back-of-length delivery through third man for a boundary. Another four runs! Short on the body, Gill effortlessly guides the pull shot through square leg for another boundary. And a six! Jaiswal smashes a short-of-a-length delivery on the stumps over midwicket for a massive six!
Four runs! A short ball on the hips, Jaiswal takes advantage and sends it over short fine leg. He then taps one to mid-on for a single. An over-pitched ball on off, Gill drives it straight to extra cover. Another four runs! A shorter ball outside off, Gill cuts it through backward point for a boundary.
India (Playing XI): Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Rishabh Pant(w), Riyan Parag, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj
Sri Lanka (Playing XI): Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(w), Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka(c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Dasun Shanaka, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka
Charith Asalanka: We are going to bowl first. It looks like a pretty good pitch and we want to see how it goes. We are going with 6-5 combination. I want to give every player a specific roles and that;s why we are going with 5 bowlers.
Suryakumar Yadav: It looks good and it is fine to bat first. The brand of cricket remains the same. The relationship me and him have had for so many years is special. That is history, we start from scratch and it is a new challenge.
Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara have been sidelined for the series, prompting Sri Lanka to call up Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madhushanka as replacements. Binura Fernando was hospitalized just before the game due to a chest infection, leading to Ramesh Mendis being added to the squad as a reserve player. Additionally, the hosts have opted to bring back the experienced pair of Dinesh Chandimal and Kusal Perera, following their impressive showings in the recently concluded Lanka Premier League.
India has decided to rest Jasprit Bumrah and exclude Yuzvendra Chahal from the squad, both of whom were part of the World Cup-winning team. Neither player was included in the recent tour of Zimbabwe with the second-string side. Washington Sundar may be brought in to face Kusal Perera. Sundar has proven to be effective against the aggressive left-handed batsman, dismissing him three times in just 30 balls while maintaining a low run rate.
India: Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh/Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk), Charith Asalanka (c), Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana, Binura Fernando
Nearly a month after securing victory in the T20 World Cup and successfully completing a triumphant tour of Zimbabwe, India is set to embark on a new journey under the leadership of a new captain and head coach. The team will kick off their tour with the first T20I match on Saturday.
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis(w), Charith Asalanka(c), Dasun Shanaka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Matheesha Pathirana, Binura Fernando, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Perera, Asitha Fernando, Dunith Wellalage, Chamindu Wickramasinghe
India: Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Rishabh Pant(w), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Sanju Samson, Riyan Parag, Khaleel Ahmed, Shivam Dube
Welcome to our live blog covering the exciting T20I series between India and Sri Lanka, kicking off in Pallekele. This match marks the beginning of a new era for both teams as they prepare for the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup under new leadership. Stay tuned for live updates and analysis as these two cricketing powerhouses go head-to-head in what promises to be a thrilling series.
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