India produced a dominant all-round performance to defeat Sri Lanka by seven wickets in the second T20 International at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on Thursday. With this commanding victory, the Men in Blue took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Bowlers Set the Stage for Victory
The foundation of India's win was laid by a disciplined and penetrative bowling attack. After being asked to field first, the Indian bowlers never allowed the Sri Lankan batters to settle into any rhythm. The visitors were restricted to a below-par total of 128 runs for the loss of nine wickets in their allotted 20 overs.
Leading the charge was the returning pace spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah. The ace pacer, playing his first T20I since September 2022, was exceptional with his line and length. He finished with figures of 1 for 22 in his four overs, but more importantly, applied relentless pressure from the start. He was ably supported by the young Arshdeep Singh, who also claimed a wicket while conceding just 24 runs.
The spin duo of Axar Patel and Yuzvendra Chahal proved to be highly effective in the middle overs. Axar was the pick of the bowlers, delivering a miserly spell. He took two crucial wickets for just 24 runs in his four overs, breaking key partnerships. Chahal provided control from the other end, taking one wicket for 26 runs.
Shivam Dube Shines Again in Chase
Chasing a modest target of 129, India's innings began on a shaky note. The explosive Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed for just 5 runs. However, any hopes Sri Lanka had of creating early pressure were quickly extinguished by a solid partnership between skipper Rohit Sharma and the in-form Suryakumar Yadav.
Rohit played a steady hand, scoring 27 runs off 28 balls before getting out. Suryakumar looked dangerous during his brief stay, smashing 26 runs from just 21 deliveries. The real hero of the chase, however, was Shivam Dube. Continuing his rich vein of form from the first match, Dube played a powerful and unbeaten innings to guide India home.
The tall left-hander remained not out on 34 runs from 28 balls, an innings that included two fours and two sixes. He displayed great composure and finishing ability. He found a reliable partner in wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma, who scored a quickfire 14 not out from just 6 balls, hitting two fours and a six to seal the victory in style.
India reached the target of 129 with 27 balls to spare, underlining their complete dominance in the contest. For Sri Lanka, the only wicket-takers were Dilshan Madushanka, who took two wickets, and Matheesha Pathirana, who claimed one.
Series Sealed and Eyes on the Clean Sweep
This comprehensive win ensures that India cannot lose the series, having now won the first two matches. The victory was built on a complete team performance where the bowlers set up the game and the batters completed the job with clinical efficiency.
The focus now shifts to the third and final T20I, which will be played at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot on Saturday, January 7. While the series is already in the bag, the Indian team will be aiming for a clean sweep (3-0) to build further momentum. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will be playing for pride and to salvage a win from what has been a disappointing series so far.
