IND vs SL: 3rd T20I Review – Surya’s ton seals India’s series victory

India thumped visitors Sri Lanka by 91 runs in the series finale in Rajkot on the back of a sensational century from Suryakumar Yadav. The victory means that India are now undefeated in their last 11 bilateral T20I series, completing their 19th victory against Sri Lanka, the most by any team against an opponent in T20Is.

Hardik Pandya called it right at the toss and decided to bat first in the series decider. His side got off to a rocky start after Ishan Kishan was dismissed in the first over. But the hosts were buoyed by a sensational cameo from Rahul Tripathi, who blazed 35 runs off just 16 deliveries. His dismissal brought the imperious Suryakumar Yadav to the crease in the sixth over of the match.

The no.1 T20I batter in the world put on a show for a full house crowd at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium. The Sri Lankan bowlers had no answers to his innovative shots as he registered his third T20I century in just 45 deliveries. His innings along with a blazing cameo from Axar Patel ensured that India finished with a daunting total of 228 runs.

The Sri Lankan batters made a decent start to the chase, but the pressure told on the batters as the scoring rate kept creeping up. India managed to get rid of the Sri Lankan openers in quick succession, denting the visitors’ hopes. The Indian spinners got in the act too, with the game turning into a one-sided contest.

Top Performers of the match

Suryakumar Yadav

The Indian batting ace is undoubtedly the most entertaining cricketer in the shortest of the game. The innovative batter put on a show in the third T20I, dispatching the Sri Lankan bowlers to unusual parts of the ground, something that the fans have become accustomed to seeing with Yadav batting in the middle. He became only the second Indian cricketer to register three centuries in the shortest format of the game, just behind Rohit Sharma (4). His 51-ball 112 had nine maximums and seven fours.

Arshdeep Singh

The young Indian bolter was taken to the cleaners in the previous match as he dished out one of his worst performances with the ball. But the left-arm pacer showcased why he is one of the most sought-after bowlers in the country. He scalped three wickets in the series decider and helped India seal another bilateral series at home.

What’s next for both sides?

Both sides will be back in action in the ODI series that commences on the 10th of January.