Quick guide:
India v Sri Lanka – 3rd T20I
With the only International T20 game left before the World Cup, the series tied at 1-1, the decider was a disappointing one for the Indian fans instead of a cracking one. With few players available, new ones joining the squad, India found itself in a tough spot where as Sri Lanka aimed for a win in the bilateral series against India.
Decider promised to be a cracking one but deep down every fan knew it was a hard one to win. We expected nothing but a fighting performance and the debutants having a good game time to test themselves in international cricket. Even though the results did not go India’s way, having the depth and continuing the series despite the odds is commendable.
Sri Lanka who looked a bit lost in the series during the start had found their momentum and stepped up to the occasion. They managed to bundle India out for just 81 runs in the series decider. The improvement in the bowling and fielding department will help them boost their confidence before the World Cup.
Walking in with a fresh team, a few experienced players and a lot of hope, India found itself in a fix after Shikhar Dhawan (0) was dismissed early in the game. Soon Devdutt Padikkal (9), Samson (0), Ruturaj (14) and Nitish Rana (6) followed as Sri Lanka picked up quick wickets. The Indian batting line up looked a bit lost in their game.
Sri Lanka’s bowling attack made sure that the key batters were out in the dressing room early in the game. With the challenge now in the hands of the lower order, they managed to push for a few extra runs. Kuldeep’s 23* was the highest score in the Indian team. W Hasaranga’s 4-wicket haul (4-0-9-4) ensured that Sri Lanka was ahead in the game. India were all out for 81 in 20 overs.
Indian bowling unit walked out determined to do their best to defend the total. It would have been unrealistic of the fans to expect a win with such a low score to chase but India’s performance in the past made us believe that there is still hope if someone forces a collapse.
India took the game to 14.3 overs with Rahul Chahar being the only bowler to pick up the wickets and slow down the scoring rate. His spell of 4-0-15-3 ensured that India was in the game to some extent. Sri Lanka did not seem to be in a hurry to win the game which also meant less space for error. They chased the score with ease but also lost 3 wickets. Dhananjaya (23*) and Hasaranga (14*) took the team to a win in the end!
Watch the highlights :
The game left the fans disappointed and there is no doubt in that. This loss also ensured that the winning streak against SL was now over.
Key take-away
The game may have ended on a losing note but there are a few things to take away for the fans in the series.
- Fight the odds. Results may or may not be in your favor but give your best.
- Changes are constant, being able to adapt to it and perform to our best ability is important.
- Our best will look different on different days. Just because you failed to give your best on a particular day does not mean that you do not have the ability/skill to perform.
- The opponents will challenge you to put your best foot forward. If you succeed, you grow and if you fail, you realize the areas to focus on in order to grow and push your limits.
Read : The 2nd and 3rd T20I from a numerical perspective
~Urvi Shah (Author)
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