India showcased their dominance with a stunning whitewash of Sri Lanka in the recently concluded three-match T20I series in Pallekele. Despite rain interruptions throughout the series, India emerged victorious in all three matches.
In the first T20I, India posted a formidable 213/7 in 20 overs and bowled out Sri Lanka for 170. The second game saw India clinch a win by seven wickets via the D/L method. In the third match, India made a remarkable comeback to defend a 138-run target, winning via a Super Over.
Cricket experts have been full of praise for India’s performance. Here are the top three expert reactions:
#1 Mohammad Kaif Thinks Suryakumar Yadav Has Proven Himself as a Leader
Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif praised Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership after he successfully defended nine runs off the final two overs in the last T20I. Notably, Yadav handed the 19th over to Rinku Singh and then bowled the last over himself, leading to a tie and eventually winning the match in the Super Over.
“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 strategic thinking to secure the victory.
#2 Wasim Jaffer Uses a ‘Kandy’ Pun to Praise Team India and Suryakumar Yadav
The series was held at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy. Former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer humorously praised India’s win in the third T20I with a witty pun:
“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 garnered over 12,000 likes, with a picture of Yadav after the match headed into the Super Over.
#3 Russel Arnold Shocked After Sri Lanka’s Embarrassing Batting Collapse
Sri Lankan commentator Russel Arnold expressed his shock at Sri Lanka’s repeated batting collapses. The island nation faltered in all three T20Is during the final overs.
“Jeez… 27/7 again. OMG what’s going on guys #SLvIND ..4 wickets for Rinku and Surya .. this is shocking,” Arnold tweeted after the third T20I. Sri Lanka collapsed from 149/3 to 170 all out in the first match, from 130/2 to 161/9 in the second, and from 108/1 to 137/8 in the third.
As Sri Lanka aims for redemption, their upcoming ODI series against India provides an opportunity to bounce back. The first ODI is set for Friday, August 2, in Colombo.
