India defeated Sri Lanka by seven wickets using the DLS method to clinch an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20 series. This victory marks India’s record 21st T20I win against Sri Lanka, the most against any team. Sri Lanka posted 161/9 in 20 overs, and India chased the revised target of 78 runs in 6.3 overs after rain interruptions.
Wrist spinner Ravi Bishnoi claimed 3-26, with support from left-arm spinner Axar Patel (2-30), pacers Hardik Pandya and Arshdeep Singh took four wickets, restricting Sri Lanka to 161-9. Rain delayed the game twice, first by 45 minutes and then for 70 minutes, with India at 6-0. The match resumed with India needing 72 runs off 45 balls. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal scored 30 off 15 balls, while skipper Suryakumar Yadav hit 26 off 12 balls. Hardik Pandya added 22 not out off nine balls, leading India to 81-3 in 6.3 overs.
Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka scored 32 off 24, while Kusal Perera hit 53 off 34. Bishnoi’s crucial breakthroughs, including dismissing Dasun Shanaka for a golden duck, halted Sri Lanka’s momentum. Despite losing early wickets, India powered through, with Jaiswal and Yadav contributing to a quick 39-run partnership. The final T20 will be played on Tuesday in Pallekele.
