Ha! That was one good series, wasn’t it? Gave a lot of us some meat to chew on, maybe some nails too. Recognize what I’m speaking about? Of course, the recently concluded India – Sri Lanka bilateral T20 Series.
This series was kind of a dress rehearsal for the upcoming World T20 to be held in the Indian sub – continent. It is a good thing that the Indian team is getting quite a few matches to play before the World T20, which of course is a morale – booster. It allows the team management and the captain to decide on the roles of the players in the team, which is ever – important.
Okay, let’s move on to the matches. India carried forward their winning combination from the Australia series. As the squad that was announced was common for the recent series, the Asia Cup as well as the World T20, it was pleasantly surprising to see Pawan Negi in the squad. The squad is a perfect mixture of youth and experience, with the old warhorses Ashish Nehra, Harbhajan Singh and Yuvraj Singh all coming in from the Australia series. Virat Kohli was rested for this series. As for Sri Lanka, it was a very inexperienced side to boot, with Tillakaratne Dilshan, Thisara Perera and Dinesh Chandimal being among the recognized faces. Dilhara Fernando was one of the seniors making a comeback.
Though inexperienced, this side gave a tough fight to Big Brother, defeating India comprehensively in the first match. But thereon, it was India all the way as they cruised to two consecutive wins, the second one being the standout. India restricted Sri Lanka to its lowest T20 total ever, a paltry 82. Obviously, India cruised through the match.
A particular standout from the second match, especially, from Sri Lanka’s perspective, was Thisara Perera’s hat – trick. He got Hardik Pandya, Suresh Raina and Yuvraj Singh off consecutive balls to become the fourth man to achieve this feat in T20Is. Even the youngsters of Sri Lanka such as Dushmantha Chameera and Dasun Shanaka, who created an impression.
Overall, it was a good series for cricket. After suffering a few hiccups in the first game, India backed themselves to clinch the series. This win further consolidates India’s No.1 ranking in T20Is. Now, the next big thing in Indian cricket will be the Asia Cup, again a T20 series. So, revel in the T20 fervour, until the IPL. Cheerio!
This series was kind of a dress rehearsal for the upcoming World T20 to be held in the Indian sub – continent. It is a good thing that the Indian team is getting quite a few matches to play before the World T20, which of course is a morale – booster. It allows the team management and the captain to decide on the roles of the players in the team, which is ever – important.
Okay, let’s move on to the matches. India carried forward their winning combination from the Australia series. As the squad that was announced was common for the recent series, the Asia Cup as well as the World T20, it was pleasantly surprising to see Pawan Negi in the squad. The squad is a perfect mixture of youth and experience, with the old warhorses Ashish Nehra, Harbhajan Singh and Yuvraj Singh all coming in from the Australia series. Virat Kohli was rested for this series. As for Sri Lanka, it was a very inexperienced side to boot, with Tillakaratne Dilshan, Thisara Perera and Dinesh Chandimal being among the recognized faces. Dilhara Fernando was one of the seniors making a comeback.
Though inexperienced, this side gave a tough fight to Big Brother, defeating India comprehensively in the first match. But thereon, it was India all the way as they cruised to two consecutive wins, the second one being the standout. India restricted Sri Lanka to its lowest T20 total ever, a paltry 82. Obviously, India cruised through the match.
A particular standout from the second match, especially, from Sri Lanka’s perspective, was Thisara Perera’s hat – trick. He got Hardik Pandya, Suresh Raina and Yuvraj Singh off consecutive balls to become the fourth man to achieve this feat in T20Is. Even the youngsters of Sri Lanka such as Dushmantha Chameera and Dasun Shanaka, who created an impression.
Overall, it was a good series for cricket. After suffering a few hiccups in the first game, India backed themselves to clinch the series. This win further consolidates India’s No.1 ranking in T20Is. Now, the next big thing in Indian cricket will be the Asia Cup, again a T20 series. So, revel in the T20 fervour, until the IPL. Cheerio!
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