Suryakumar, Axar’s effort goes in vain as Sri Lanka beat India by 16 runs to level series 1-1 | INDvsSL

Xtra Time Web Desk: Despite the valiant efforts of Axar Patel (65 off 31) and Suryakumar Yadav (51 off 36), India suffered a 16-run loss in the second T20I against Sri Lanka at the MCA Stadium on Thursday night. The three match T20I series is now level 1-1. Chasing a daunting 207 runs to win, the hosts could only manage 190 runs.

It was a poor day for the Indian pacers with no balls galore. Left arm pacer Arshdeep Singh bowled five no balls and gave away 37 runs in two overs while Umran Malik gave 48 runs in four overs. He, however, took three wickets. Shivam Mavi gave away 53 runs in four overs. 

For the visitors, captain Dasun Shanaka led from the front as he scored a superb unbeaten half-century (56 off 22 balls) before returning to take 2 wickets of the last over of the match, entrusting himself to defend 21 runs off the last over and conceding just 4.

Kusal Mendis’ 52 off 31 is also worth a mention as it led the foundation of a big score even though the islanders lost their way in the middle. Kasun Rajitha was the other star performer for Sri Lanka as he finished with figures of 2 for 22, getting rid of both the Indian openers- Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill- in just the second over of the match. Dilshan Madushanka also scalped 2 wickets.

The deciding match of the T20 series will be played at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot.