India v Sri Lanka, 2015-16
Wisden's review of the first Twenty20 International, India v Sri Lanka, 2015-16
15-Apr-2017
At Gahunje, February 9, 2016 (floodlit). Sri Lanka won by five wickets. Toss: Sri Lanka. Twenty20 international debuts: D. P. D. N. Dickwella, C. A. K. Rajitha.
Two Sri Lankan seamers, with just one Twenty20 international between them, stunned a star studded Indian batting line-up to set up a thumping win. After Sri Lanka opted to field on a surprisingly verdant track, 22-year-old Kasun Rajitha made a dream start to his international career, dismissing Sharma and Rahane in his first over, and adding Dhawan in his third. Dasun Shanaka - a veteran of one cap - followed suit, rattling off Raina (playing his 50th T20I), Dhoni and Pandya in 11 balls to leave India tottering at 58 for seven. Ashwin made an unbeaten 31, but they were shot out for 101, their third lowest total in the format. India paid the price for being over-aggressive in conditions demanding patience; No. 10 Nehra faced more deliveries than seven of the top eight. Sri Lanka lost their openers cheaply, but the paltry target meant they needed only one decent partnership, and Chandimal and Kapugedera provided it.
Man of the Match: C. A. K. Rajitha.
Two Sri Lankan seamers, with just one Twenty20 international between them, stunned a star studded Indian batting line-up to set up a thumping win. After Sri Lanka opted to field on a surprisingly verdant track, 22-year-old Kasun Rajitha made a dream start to his international career, dismissing Sharma and Rahane in his first over, and adding Dhawan in his third. Dasun Shanaka - a veteran of one cap - followed suit, rattling off Raina (playing his 50th T20I), Dhoni and Pandya in 11 balls to leave India tottering at 58 for seven. Ashwin made an unbeaten 31, but they were shot out for 101, their third lowest total in the format. India paid the price for being over-aggressive in conditions demanding patience; No. 10 Nehra faced more deliveries than seven of the top eight. Sri Lanka lost their openers cheaply, but the paltry target meant they needed only one decent partnership, and Chandimal and Kapugedera provided it.
Man of the Match: C. A. K. Rajitha.