Former Pakistan cricketer-turned-commentator Ramiz Raja feels Sri Lanka used the pitch to their advantage very well after the hosts defeated India in the second T20I on Wednesday (July 28). He said the surface matters a lot in making strategy for the match and it can also nullify the opponent's strength.

Sri Lanka defeated India in the second T20I by 4 wickets as they chased down 133 runs in the last over. India were playing with only 5 specialist batsmen and it was always going to be tough for the visitors.

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Raja pointed out that the pitch held the ball and it was slow in nature; ideal for the Sri Lankan bowlers. "I had said before that if Sri Lanka prepare a difficult pitch to bat on, then they can beat India. In English, we call it a tacky surface, where you have to work hard for your runs. I think Sri Lanka prepared a similar pitch for the second T20I, which is why they won in the end,” he said in his YouTube video.

“The surface matters a lot as you can select your team in a better manner and can prepare a sound strategy. You can also nullify the opposition’s strength. This is exactly what Sri Lanka did. The ball wasn’t coming on to the bat, change of pace was the order of the day for bowlers,” he added.

Raja lauded Team India for putting up a good fight despite missing out on their key players due to COVID-19. Krunal Pandya had tested positive for the virus, and eight other players were isolated after being in close contact.

“India fought hard but they had limited options. Because of COVID, most of their key players were not available for selection. Still, they made life tough for Sri Lanka. But a win is a win and Sri Lanka can learn a lot from this victory, on how to play to their strengths and nullify those of the opponent’s,” he further said.

India and Sri Lanka will lock horns in the final T20I on Thursday (July 29). The winner will clinch the three-match T20I series.