Team India registered a seven-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the second T20I in Pallekele on Sunday (July 28) to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
After the series-clinching win, India's newly appointed T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav highlighted the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and a fearless approach.
"We spoke about this before the start of the tournament - what brand of cricket we want to play. This is the template we want to go ahead with," said Suryakumar at the post-match presentation.
The second T20I was marred by rain, which resulted in a reduction of overs. As a consequence, the visitors were set a revised target of 78 runs in 8 overs after Sri Lanka posted 161/9 on the board in their allotted 20 overs.
Riding on dazzling knocks from Yashasvi Jaiswal (30 off 15), Suryakumar Yadav (26 off 12) and Hardik Pandya (22* off 9), India overhauled the target in 6.3 overs.
"With the weather around, anything below 160 would have been nice. Rain helped us. The way the boys batted was wonderful," the Indian captain said.
As the team approaches the dead-rubber final T20I game, a question was posed to Surya regarding the potential inclusion of reserve players in the lineup. To which, he replied: "We'll sit and decide (when asked if they'll test their bench strength). Very happy for the boys. Showed a lot of character in tough situations."
Leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi starred with the ball for India, picking up three wickets by conceding 26 runs in his four overs.
Reflecting on his performance, Bishnoi said: "The pitch was a little different from yesterday. It was turning a bit. Today, in the first innings it was helping the spinners. I stick to my plans.
"I just love bowling the wrong 'uns. It's a good responsibility to have (bowling in the death), as it means the captain and the management trust me."
On the other hand, Sri Lankan skipper Charith Asalanka rued his team’s batting display in the death overs as they hosts managed to score only 31 runs in last five overs.
"I am really disappointed with the way we batted at the death. We must really improve. This pitch, when the ball gets older, it gets tough to bat. As professional cricketers, we have to do better."
"We were behind by 15-18 runs. Weather also played its part. It's not easy to bowl eight overs with a wet outfield," Asalanka said.
(With PTI Inputs)
