Ranchi: India have posted a daunting 197 run-target for Sri Lanka in the second Twenty20 international of the three-match series in Ranchi on Friday.
Put in to bat first, India got off to a blistering start as Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma (43) made a brisk 75-run partnership for the opening wicket. Dhawan also notched up his highest score in this format before departing for 51.
Ajinkya Rahane (25) and Suresh Raina (30) continued to accelerate the innings before all-rounder Hardik Pandya bludgeoned some meaty blows towards the end of the innings. Pandya smashed 27 off just 12 balls, including two sixes and one four.
However, Sri Lanka halted India’s late push when Thisara Perara claimed his first hat-trick by dismissing Pandya, Raina and Yuvraj Singh (0) in three consecutive deliveries.
Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni remained unbeaten on nine with Ravindra Jadeja (one) at the crease.
India are aiming to bounce back in the series after suffering a surprising five-wicket defeat against the touristsin the opening game in Pune. (ANI)