India started aggressively chasing the target of 216 runs. Rohit (17), Gill 21) added 33 runs for the first wicket in five overs. But the Lankan bowlers immediately took wickets. As a result, India lost 4 wickets for 84 runs. The Sri Lankan bowlers bowled tightly and made the match interesting. With this, Hardik and Rahul played with each other. Rahul, who played very patiently against his natural style, completed his half century in 93 balls.
Sri Lanka, who won the toss and elected to bat, were limited to 215 runs in 39.4 overs. Sri Lanka, who stood at 102/1 at one stage, lost the remaining 9 wickets in the span of 113 runs as the Bhatara bowlers exploded. Siraj gave India a break by dismissing Avishka Fernando (20) at the team’s score of 29 runs. Nuwanidu Fernando (50 off 63 balls) and Kushal Mendis (34 off 34 balls), who made his debut in place of the injured Nissanka, added 73 runs for the second wicket.
Kuldeep Yadav gave India a break when he LB’d Mendis as the pair were heading towards a century partnership. Dhananjaya De Silva was dismissed by Akshar Patel in the very next over. Gill and Rahul ran out Fernando who completed his half century shortly after. Kuldeep Yadav bowled Shanaka who was playing brilliantly against India. At one stage, Sri Lanka lost 7 wickets for 157 runs. But in the end Hasaranga (21), Vellalaghe (32), Karuna Ratne (17) and Rajitha (17 not out) excelled. Similarly, Rajitha added 38 runs for the 9th wicket. With this, Sri Lanka managed to score 215 runs. Among the Indian bowlers, Siraj and Kuldeep Yadav took 3 wickets each.
