India dominated Sri Lanka in the recently concluded three-match T20I series in Pallekele. Despite rain interruptions, all games produced results, with India emerging victorious in each.
The first T20I was a high-scoring affair, with India posting 213/7 in 20 overs and bowling out Sri Lanka for 170. The second match saw India win by seven wickets via the D/L method. In the third game, India made a stunning comeback to defend a 138-run target and won in the Super Over.
Cricket experts showered praise on India after their series win. Here are the top three expert reactions.
#1 Mohammad Kaif Praises Suryakumar Yadav’s Leadership
Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif lauded new captain Suryakumar Yadav for proving himself as a capable leader by defending nine runs off the final two overs in the last T20I. Yadav’s decision to hand the ball to Rinku Singh for the 19th over and then bowl the last over himself to tie the match showcased his strategic acumen.
“Bhai Rohit Sharma ka chela hai Surya.. 19th over Rinku se, 20th over khud SKY and won the game. What else one needs to be a great leader?” Kaif tweeted, highlighting how Yadav emulated Rohit Sharma’s leadership style and successfully defended a low total with an innovative approach.
#2 Wasim Jaffer Uses a ‘Kandy’ Pun to Praise Team India and Suryakumar Yadav
Former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer brought his wit to the table, using a clever pun to describe India’s win in the third T20I at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy. Jaffer wrote on X:
“Made it look like stealing Kandy from a baby. SL needed 9 off 12, then death bowlers Rinku and SKY took the game to super over in which Washi gave just 2 runs and India won with ease. Very well played and congratulations on 3-0.”
Jaffer’s tweet, which included an image of Yadav after the match entered the Super Over, received over 12,000 likes on X. His humorous take highlighted the ease with which India handled the pressure.
#3 Russel Arnold Shocked by Sri Lanka’s Batting Collapse
Sri Lankan commentator Russel Arnold was left stunned by Sri Lanka’s repeated batting collapses in the final overs across all three T20Is. After the third T20I, where Sri Lanka failed to chase down nine runs in two overs with six wickets in hand, Arnold tweeted:
“Jeez… 27/7 again. OMG what’s going on guys #SLvIND ..4 wickets for Rinku and Surya .. this is shocking.”
Notably, in the first T20I, Sri Lanka collapsed from 149/3 to 170 all out, and in the second game, they finished with 161/9 after being 130/2 at one point. The third game saw them collapse from 108/1 to 137/8. Arnold’s reaction underscored the extent of Sri Lanka’s struggles under pressure.
Sri Lanka will be looking to bounce back in the upcoming ODI series against India, starting in Colombo on Friday, August 2.
