India and Sri Lanka played at Rajkot in what was the series decider for the 3 match T20I series. India won the 1st game in Mumbai by 2 runs, before Sri Lanka came back to win at Pune by 16 runs.
Sri Lanka were looking to end Indiaβs run of wins in bilateral series streak in the T20 format. This was a huge test for Hardik Pandya and his men after their display during the Pune T20 on Thursday where they conceded over 200 runs with the ball.
The story so far β
India won the toss and elected to bat first, this was what the fans and experts wanted India to do at Pune. Both the team went in with the same team which meant, Ruturaj Gaikwad wasnβt given any game time. Arshdeep Singh too was persisted with despite his horror game at Pune.
Surya Kumar Yadav flexes his arms to score his 3rd T20 ton β
It was an amazing 2022 for Surya Kumar Yadav with the bat in the T20 format. Yadav scored 2 centuries last year and the 32 year old began the year just the way he finished the last. Yadav displayed his full might with the bat as he scored his 3rd T20I ton for India.
Yadav scored 112 off 51 balls, reaching his century in just 45 balls. Yadavβs innings contained 7 fours and 9 sixes. The sixes were typical Yadavβs school of batting with scoops and flicks being employed to clear the ropes as it left the visiting bowlers helpless.
Rahul Tripathi starts the fight back β
India lost the wicket of Ishan Kishan for 2 when he was caught by Dhananjaya De Silva off Madushanka for 2. It was 49 run stand between Rahul Tripathi and Shubman Gill which got India back into the contest. Tripathi, scored 35 off 16 balls with 5 fours and 2 back to back sixes to give India the impetus. After hitting Karunaratne for 2 sixes, the Sri Lankan bowler had Tripathi caught at wide slip by Madushanka.
Yadav holds fort as India lose wickets before scoring 228-
Gill and Yadav then added 11 runs in under 10 overs with the two batters leaving the Sri Lankans clueless. Gill on 46 gave Hasaranga the charge before he was beaten in the flight and was out for 46. Hardik Pandya and Deep Hooda both scored 4 before falling in a bid to score quick runs. Axar Patel fresh of his amazing knock at Pune scored 21 not out off 9 balls with 4 fours to help India reach 228.
Twitter reacts β
Harsha Bhogle led the charge when he came out to congratulate Surya Kumar Yadav for his amazing knock. You can read all the tweets by fans below.
Only @surya_14kumar can do this. That is why @surya_14kumar is the no1 T20 batsman in the world.#SuryakumarYadav #INDvSL pic.twitter.com/S7SIHnQrsi
β The Real Cricket (@TheRealCricket_) January 7, 2023
I mean it's not everyone's cup of tea πβ₯οΈ #SuryakumarYadav pic.twitter.com/GGmBjmxuSi
β Sam (@Samridhiii_) January 7, 2023
I mean it's not everyone's cup of tea πβ₯οΈ #SuryakumarYadav pic.twitter.com/GGmBjmxuSi
β Sam (@Samridhiii_) January 7, 2023
Not many people have batted as well as this in their dreams. #SuryakumarYadav
β Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 7, 2023
Not many people have batted as well as this in their dreams. #SuryakumarYadav
β Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 7, 2023
That's the face of opponents when Suryakumar Yadav bats. #SuryakumarYadav #INDvSL pic.twitter.com/7yeXYTo5t2
β Akshat (@AkshatOM10) January 7, 2023
When Surya Playsss π₯π₯#INDvSL #SuryakumarYadav #suryakumar pic.twitter.com/lQcgyXqLKy
β Tanay (@tanay_chawda1) January 7, 2023
Mr. 360 for a reason, pray for 100.π#SuryakumarYadav #INDvSL pic.twitter.com/TZhGnVJujv
β Rashmi Pandey (@ra89235257) January 7, 2023
#SuryakumarYadav Right now...
β PRATIK KUMAR SWAIN (@itspratik007) January 7, 2023
Absolutely stunning...Unbelievable... pic.twitter.com/Pi1kP1ZMsF
Surya haters right now π€£#SuryakumarYadav pic.twitter.com/yAzp36Yxzc
β Sonu Kumar Yadav (SKY) (@SonuYadav409) January 7, 2023
Indian cricket fans watching Suryakumar Yadav carrying Indian T20 team since last 1 year!
β Vishal Verma (@VishalVerma_9) January 7, 2023
Rahul Tripathi innings > Shubman Gill!#SuryakumarYadav #INDvSL pic.twitter.com/ypOEuQw0V5