India kick-starts the year 2023 with a fabulous win as they beat Sri Lanka by 2 runs in the 1st T20I of the 3-match T20I series between the two nations. Shivam Mavi hit the ground running in international cricket as he bagged 4 wickets. On the other hand, a very handy and important partnership of 68 runs between Deepak Hooda and Axar Patel in the back-end of India’s innings helped India put up 162 runs on the board.
Shubman Gill and Shivam Mavi were handed their T20I maiden caps as India went with a young but energetic squad. However, it wasn’t Gill’s day as he managed to muster only 7 runs before being caught leg before by Maheesh Theekshana. Ishan Kishan looked positive with his knock of 37 runs in 29 balls. Skipper Hardik Pandya too got into the scheme of runs with 29 runs.
Deepak Hooda bagged the player of the match award for his crucial knock
The standout performance of the 1st innings was Deepak Hooda’s quick-fire knock of 41*(23). It was packed with 4 sixes and 1 four. Axar Patel too contributed with the bat as he scored 31* runs in just 20 deliveries.
Deepak Hooda deservedly bagged the player of the match award for his blistering knock as it helped India post a defendable total.
Shivam Mavi and Umran Malik shone with the ball
As expected, the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai assisted the pacers. Shivam Mavi hogged the limelight with his stupendous bowling display as he notched up 4 wickets. His scalps included Pathum Nissanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana. Umran Malik once again impressed everyone with his fiery pace and his 155 KMPH delivery to get rid of Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka was the cherry on the cake. Shanaka was well set on 45 and at one point it looked like he would take the island nation over the line.
The last over was bowled by Axar Patel as Hardik Pandya admitted to having a few cramps. 13 runs were needed off the last over and even though Patel was smashed for a six, he held his nerves and made sure India win the game.
Nevertheless, it was an enticing game of cricket and one that went right down to the wire.
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