In a closely contested match, India emerged victorious against Sri Lanka in a low-scoring thriller at the Wankhede Stadium. Despite being without key players Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Mohammed Shami, India’s seam attack, led by Hardik Pandya, Shivam Mavi, Umran Malik, and Harshal Patel, proved to be too strong for the Sri Lankan batsmen. The Wankhede pitch provided some assistance for the spinners early on, which Sri Lanka made use of, but as the match progressed, it began to provide more assistance for the fast bowlers.
Ishan Kishan got India off to a strong start, but the spinners pulled things back for Sri Lanka. Deepak Hooda and Axar Patel then put on a partnership of 68 runs in 5.5 overs to help lift India to a total of 162. Sri Lanka got off to a rocky start, losing five wickets for 68 runs, but captain Dasun Shanaka led a brief recovery with a score of 45 off 27 balls. However, Axar was able to defend 12 runs in the final over to secure the win for India.
India began their innings with a fiery start, thanks to some excellent seam bowling from Pandya and Mavi. Pandya found movement off the pitch and Mavi, making his international debut, claimed two wickets in his first over. However, Sri Lanka’s spinners, Theekshana and Hasaranga, managed to slow India’s progress and put pressure on their batsmen. Despite a strong start from Kishan, he and Pandya both fell victim to the spin attack, leaving India with half their side out for under 100 runs.
Hooda and Axar provided the finishing kick for India, with Hooda hitting 41 off 23 balls and Axar contributing 31 off 20. Despite some tight bowling from Kasun Rajitha and Dilshan Madushanka, India managed to score 34 runs off the final three overs to secure the win.
Overall, it was a closely contested match with both teams showing their strengths in different areas. India’s seam attack proved to be the difference maker, while Sri Lanka’s spinners were able to put pressure on the Indian batsmen. In the end, it was India who came out on top thanks to some late runs from Hooda and Axar and some excellent bowling from their seam attack.
