India has successfully won their third consecutive match against Sri Lanka in the ongoing T20I series, with a thrilling encounter at the [venue] on Tuesday night. The home team, led by a remarkable 46 off just 34 balls from Kusal Perera, pushed hard but ultimately fell short of chasing down the target of 138.
The Indian bowlers, led by Maheesh Theekshana and the seamers, derailed Sri Lanka's batting efforts in the early stages. Shubman Gill, who missed the previous game due to neck spasms, started cautiously against debutant Chamindu Wickramasinghe. However, Yashasvi Jaiswal's attempt to take on Theekshana resulted in his lbw, while Sanju Samson and Rinku Singh were dismissed by Theekshana as well.
Asitha Fernando dealt India another blow when Suryakumar Yadav played a sweep shot straight down the throat of fine leg. With India reeling at 30 for 4 inside six overs, Gill and Shivam Dube tried to stabilise the innings but added only 18 runs before Ramesh Mendis had Dube caught behind.
Gill and Riyan Parag then staged a recovery by taking India past 50 in the ninth over. However, Parag's 33-ball boundary drought was ended with a four off Ramesh Mendis, followed by two sixes in three balls against Wanindu Hasaranga. The partnership between Gill and Parag added 54 runs off 40 balls before both were dismissed by Hasaranga.
At 105 for 7 in the 16th over, India were in danger of being bowled out. However, Washington Sundar's late cameo with bat at No. 8, scoring 25 off 18 balls, helped India add 32 runs for the eighth wicket along with Ravi Bishnoi. Thanks to their partnership, India reached a respectable total of 137 for 9.
In response, Sri Lanka opener Charith Asalanka and Kusal Mendis started slowly, scoring just four runs in the first two overs. However, Pathirana's absence allowed the Indian spinners to bowl 14 overs for combined figures of 6 for 107.
Nissanka and Kusal Mendis set the platform for Sri Lanka, with Nissanka breaking the shackles with three fours off Khaleel Ahmed in the third over. The hosts were cruising at 61 for 1 after ten overs, still requiring 77 runs to win. However, Kusal Perera took the aggressive route and hit five fours in the next five overs.
Despite India's best efforts, Sri Lanka were still favourites with only 21 runs needed from 18 balls. Khaleel Ahmed then bowled an 11-ball over, including five wides, which tilted the scale further in Sri Lanka's favour. However, the hosts were left stunned when Perera fell to a cleverly placed delivery from Washington Sundar, which ultimately sealed India's victory.
The win takes India's lead to 2-0 in the series, with the final match scheduled for 2024.