Ravi Bishnoi Dismisses Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga In Consecutive Balls

India’s leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi delivered a stellar performance in the second T20I of the three-match series against Sri Lanka at Dambulla on Sunday (July 28). His spell of 3/26 in four overs was crucial in restricting the hosts to a total of 161/9, a target that looked much more manageable for India after Sri Lanka had been poised for a massive score. Bishnoi’s disciplined bowling and strategic variations broke crucial partnerships and turned the momentum in favor of the visitors, securing a commanding seven-wicket victory and an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

Sri Lanka’s Strong Start

The match began with Sri Lanka winning the toss and opting to bat first. Their openers, Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka, launched an aggressive assault from the get-go, reaching 55/0 within the powerplay. Mendis, known for his quick scoring, was particularly severe on the Indian bowlers, punishing any loose deliveries. The Indian pacers, Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj, struggled to find their rhythm and make early breakthroughs, allowing Sri Lanka to build a solid foundation.

Despite the strong start, Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav made tactical changes to stem the flow of runs. He introduced Arshdeep Singh back into the attack in the ninth over, a move that paid off when Arshdeep dismissed the dangerous Mendis, who had been scoring freely. This breakthrough was critical in slowing down the Sri Lankan innings, providing the Indian bowlers with a much-needed respite.

Bishnoi Turns the Tide

Sri Lanka seemed to be in control at 130/2, with Nissanka continuing his aggressive innings and Kusal Perera providing valuable support. However, the introduction of Ravi Bishnoi in the 10th over changed the course of the game. Bishnoi immediately made an impact by breaking a crucial 54-run partnership, dismissing Pathum Nissanka for 32. This wicket proved to be a pivotal moment, as Bishnoi maintained relentless pressure with his precise lines and smart variations.

Bishnoi’s bowling not only stemmed the flow of runs but also created opportunities for wickets. His ability to vary his pace and flight kept the Sri Lankan batsmen guessing, leading to several close calls and dot balls. The momentum of the match shifted dramatically in favor of India as Bishnoi continued to weave his magic.

Decisive 17th Over

The game-changing moment came in the 17th over when Bishnoi dismissed two former Sri Lankan captains, Dasun Shanaka and Wanindu Hasaranga, both for golden ducks. Shanaka was undone by a brilliantly executed googly, managing only an inside edge that shattered his stumps. Hasaranga, attempting a slog sweep, was also deceived by a googly, resulting in his stumps being sent cartwheeling. These twin strikes left Sri Lanka in disarray, significantly disrupting their momentum and derailing their innings.

Following these key dismissals, Sri Lanka struggled to recover and managed only 31 runs in the final five overs. The late-order batsmen found it difficult to cope with the disciplined Indian bowling and the pressure of mounting a competitive total. Bishnoi’s exceptional spell and the timely breakthroughs by the other Indian bowlers ensured that Sri Lanka’s innings ended at 161/9.

India’s Clinical Chase

The rain-affected match saw India’s target revised to 78 runs in eight overs under the DLS method. Despite the challenging conditions, India approached the chase with confidence and aggression. However, the start was rocky, with Sanju Samson falling for a golden duck to a superb delivery from Maheesh Theekshana.

Despite the early setback, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Suryakumar Yadav stabilized the innings. Their aggressive batting ensured that India stayed ahead of the required run rate. Suryakumar’s quickfire 26 off 12 balls included some exquisite shots, while Jaiswal’s 30 off 15 balls provided a solid foundation for the chase.

Pandya’s Finishing Touch

Hardik Pandya took charge of the chase after the dismissal of Suryakumar. His powerful hitting, scoring 22 not out off nine balls, ensured that there were no further hiccups. Pandya’s boundary off Pathirana sealed the match for India, securing the series victory with an emphatic performance.

Pandya’s leadership and strategic decisions were instrumental in India’s success. His ability to remain calm under pressure and make crucial plays highlighted his growth as a leader. The victory was a testament to India’s all-round performance, with each player contributing to the win and showcasing India’s depth and versatility in T20 cricket.

Looking Ahead

With the series already secured, India will look to complete a clean sweep in the final T20I. The performance in the second match will serve as a confidence booster, and the team will aim to maintain their winning momentum. For Sri Lanka, the final match presents an opportunity to salvage some pride and avoid a whitewash.

India’s commanding seven-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the second T20I demonstrated their dominance and strategic brilliance. The win, achieved under challenging conditions and the DLS method, highlighted the team’s resilience and adaptability. As India takes an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, the final match promises to be another exciting contest, with both teams eager to end the series on a high note.

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