SKY's fifty & spinners help India beat Sri Lanka by 43 runs in first T20I

Newly appointed captain Suryakumar Yadav led India to a comfortable 43-run victory over Sri Lanka in the opening T20 International on Saturday, marking a successful start to the Gautam Gambhir era. Yadav's explosive 26-ball 58, along with a powerful 74-run opening partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, propelled India to a formidable total of 213 for 7.

Despite a strong batting effort from the Sri Lankans until the 15th over, Indian bowlers capitalized on the slowing track to bowl out the hosts for 170 in 19.2 overs. Spinners Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, and newcomer Riyan Parag claimed six of the ten wickets, effectively turning the tide in India's favor. From a promising 149 for 2, Sri Lanka's batting lineup crumbled, losing seven wickets for just 21 runs.

Arshdeep Singh's dismissal of Kusal Mendis marked a turning point, while Axar Patel's timely breakthroughs shifted the momentum decisively towards India. Ravi Bishnoi's delivery to rival skipper Charith Asalanka further consolidated India's control. Suryakumar's strategic decision to entrust Riyan Parag with the 17th over paid off, as Parag took three crucial wickets, wrapping up the match with Arshdeep Singh.

Earlier, Suryakumar's aggressive captaincy was evident as he smashed eight fours and two sixes in his 20th T20I half-century. Jaiswal (41 off 20 balls) and Gill (34 off 15 balls) laid a solid foundation with their 74-run partnership in the powerplay. Despite initial struggles, Rishabh Pant (49 off 33 balls) finished strong, contributing vital runs in the latter stages.