India earned a thumping win in the second T20I which was the first action of the series after rain put paid to the first match in Guwahati.
Sri Lanka’s batting frailties let the side down in the second contest, and they now need to win the final match to avoid a series defeat.
Photo Copyright – Steve Haag Sports
Third T20I | Friday 10 January 2020| The Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune | 15:30
To Win Match
India 21/100
Tie 35/1
Sri Lanka 7/2
India
India threw out a surprise selection with Lokesh Rahul opening the batting with Shikhar Dhawan in the opening match of the series.
One cannot judge the India batting very well from a chase where little pressure was applied, but the men in blue might be a little disappointed at their top batsmen giving their wickets away after getting set.
The bowlers did a great job of keeping Sri Lanka in check but will face a fresh challenge in the final match as the tourists work on their shortcomings.
Navdeep Saini has been quite a find for India and made early inroads into the Sri Lanka batting at Indore. Saini is currently a shoo-in for India’s T20 World Cup squad.
Sri Lanka
Danushka Gunathilaka plays the anchor role well for Sri Lanka but hasn’t been able to accelerate when his team needs him to, a problem the tourists need to address.
The start allowed to India during the chase killed off the match as a contest even after wickets fell in the middle overs and the team will know they need to start better with both bat and ball.
Sri Lanka do not appear interested in deploying Angelo Mathews just yet, but his value to the squad goes beyond what is done on the field.
Lasith Malinga and Lahiru Kumara were too loose to start with against a potent India top order, and that needs to improve or the tourists will need to turn to other options.
Verdict: India 21/100
India to seal the series.
