India defeat Sri Lanka by 93 runs in 1st T20

Cuttack (Odisha): India defeated Sri Lanka by 93 runs in Cuttack on Wednesday to take 1-0 lead in the three-match T20 International series.

Chasing 181, visiting Sri Lanka were bowled out for 87 runs with Yuzvendra Chahal picking up four wickets.

Earlier, Sri Lanka had won the toss and asked India to bat first.

While batting, the duo of MS Dhoni and Manish Pandey, after initial hiccups, took India to a satisfactory total of 180 at loss of three wickets at the Barabati Stadium.

Stand-in-skipper and opener Rohit Sharma could not accumulate runs for the side and departed for just 17. It was KL Rahul, who then gave India a good start and contributed significant 61, the highest score from the Indian side.

After departure of Rahul, it appeared that India would not be able to cross the 150-mark, but Dhoni and Pandey’s fireworks brought 61 runs in the last four overs to give the hosts a good total.

Dhoni scored unbeaten 39, while Pandey contributed 32 at the crucial time.

Chahal was declared the Man of the Match. (ANI)