India emerged victorious by only 2 runs in a thrilling first T20I of the series against Sri Lanka at the Wankhede stadium on Tuesday.
The game involved multiple twists and turns, but Axar Patel kept his cool in the end to defend 13 runs off the last over, which came down to 4 runs off the last ball against the power-hitting Chamika Karunaratne.
It was a great effort by the Indian bowling unit – bar Yuzvendra Chahal who was slammed for 26 runs in 2 wicketless overs – to defend a par – or even below par – total of 162 at the Wankhede where dew makes batting easier in the second innings, a key driving factor in Dasun Shanaka electing to bowl first.
Deepak Hooda was named the Player of the Match for his 41* off 23 balls. Hooda shared a partnership of 68* (35) with Axar Patel, who stroked 31 off 20, after India were down reeling at 94/5, and the pair took the total to 162.
The pace bowlers then came out with great intent, with skipper Hardik Pandya taking the new ball. Pandya bowled three overs on the trot, beat the bat of the batsmen on multiple times, and was unlucky to not have Pathum Nissanka’s wicket as Samson dropped a catch at mid-on.
But, from the other end, making his T20I debut, Shivam Mavi struck twice in the powerplay. Sri Lanka managed only 29/2 in the first five overs; Hardik 0/12 in 3 overs. In his last spell, Mavi took two more wickets. Harshal Patel and Umran Malik also took two wickets each.
Renowned commentator Harsha Bhogle was effusive in praise for the Indian bowling attack.
Bhogle, in particular, praised Pandya and Mavi for their searing new ball spell, which made it possible for India to defend 162 at the Wankhede.
“At a venue that is normally brutal to bowlers, two teams have bowled brilliantly. Mavi and Pandya were superb with the new ball,” Harsha Bhogle tweeted.
At a venue that is normally brutal to bowlers, two teams have bowled brilliantly. Mavi and Pandya were superb with the new ball.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 3, 2023
