New Delhi, 25 July (Agency) Suryakumar Yadav struck a half-century but it was the experienced pros that handed India a 1-0 lead in the T20I series with a 38-run win over Sri Lanka. Shikhar Dhawan made 46 but Yuzvendra Chahal (1-19) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (4-22) were instrumental in India nailing the chase after being put under pressure by Charith Asalanka (44) and to some extent by Avishka Fernando (26). Dhawan and Suryakumar falling in quick succession hurt India’s chances of going big in the final five overs. They managed only 43 in the last five after Hasaranga removed Suryakumar in the 16th over. Hardik Pandya failed to find any rhythm and wanted to slog his way out of trouble. The all-rounder made 10 off 12 as Sri Lanka made a strong comeback. Ishan Kishan made 20 off 14 to push the score past 160 and give the bowlers a fighting score.
The pressure built by Chahal helped Deepak Chahar earn his first wicket. Asalanka was caught in the deep in the 16th for 44 before the pacer removed Hasaranga for a duck. There wasn’t much from the lower order as India came out of the pressure situation in flying colours.
Brief scores: India 164/5 in 20 overs (Suryakumar Yadav 50; Dushmantha Chameera 2-24); Sri Lanka 126 in 18.3 overs (Charith Asalanka 44; Bhuvneshwar Kumar 4-22)