Rajkot, Jan 7 (Agency) An exquisite Suryakumar Yadav’s third T20I century helped India clinch three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka in the decider at Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium here on Saturday. Batting first India posted mammoth 228/5, riding high on SKY’s 51-ball 112 runs unbeaten knock. In reply, Sri Lanka could manage only 137 runs, losing the match by 91 runs. SKY wreaked havoc on Sri Lankan bowlers by raining fours and sixes.
He was on song, completing his first half century in 26 balls and the next half in just 19 balls by smoking 9 sixes and 7 boundaries in the process. In the process, SKY became the first batsman in the world to score a T20I century in one calendar year. His other two tons came against England (117 off 55) and New Zealand (111 off 51) at Mount Maunganui. Shubman Gill scored 46 off 36 balls after stitching a stupendous 111 runs partnership for the third wicket with SKY. Opener Ishan Kishan (1) departed early, while Gill was at his unusual stuff as he opened his account after facing 10 balls, but it was Rahul Tripathi who made India proud in the powerplay. The Indian No.3 perished in the final over of the powerplay after scoring a lusty 35 off 16 balls with 5 boundaries and 2 sixes. After Tripathi’s departure, in came SKY with India’s score at 52/2. In no time, the Indian star batsman got into the act and began bombarding shots all around the park, showing least respect for Sri Lankan bowlers, who were reduced to mere spectators. The Lankans managed to remove his batting partners but it did not have any major impact on India’s run rate. Axar Patel (21 no off 9) continued from where he left in the previous game and played a little cameo towards the end.
For Sri Lanka, Dilshan Madushanka scalped two wickets, while Kasun Rajitha, Chamika Karunaratne and Wanindu Hasaranga bagged a wicket each. Chasing 229 runs target was always going to be an herculean task as they succumbed to the tremendous pressure which was too much for a young Sri Lankan side. Kusal Mendis (23 off 15) started well with a flurry of strokes, but once Indian bowlers found their rhythm, the Sri Lankan batsmen fell flat. Dhananjay de Silva and skipper Dasun Shanaka made 22 and 23 respectively. Charith Asalanka made 19. Pacer Arshdeep Singh bagged three wickets, Hardik Pandya, Umran Malik and Yuzvendra Chahal claimed two wickets each. Axar scalped one from three overs. Earlier, India captain Hardik Pandya had won the toss and opted to bat first. The teams will next meet in three one-day internationals, with the first game scheduled for Tuesday in Guwahati. Brief scores: India: 228/5 in 20 overs (Suryakumar Yadav 112 not out, Shubman Gill 46, Rahul Tripathi 35). Sri Lanka: 137 all out in 16.4 overs (Kusal Mendis 23, Dasun Shanaka 23; Arshdeep Singh 3/20).