Highlights, India vs Sri Lanka, 1st T20I, Full Cricket Score: India win by 38 runs to take 1-0 lead

23:50 (IST)

That brings us to the end of the first game of the T20I leg of India’s tour of Sri Lanka. India finished with a total that was slightly under-par, but unlike the third one-dayer in which they ended up on the losing side by three wickets, the bowlers managed to keep the Lankan batsmen in check with regular wickets and it was Asalanka’s wicket that ultimately tilted the game in India’s favour, and they never looked back. Excellent day for Suryakumar and Dhawan among the batsmen, as well as seamers Bhuvi and Chahar and debutant Varun Chakravarthy, who collected his first wicket for India by removing the opposition skipper.

Do join us in our coverage of the second T20I that takes place at the same venue in two days’ time, with India once again favourites to clinch the series with a game to spare. For now, the time has come for us to bid you all good night!

23:49 (IST)

Dhawan: I thought we were 10-15 runs shot. But we knew it was a good fighting total. We lost early wicket then got 50 runs in powerplay. In 13 overs we got to 100. Surya is a great player, we enjoy watching him bat, he was just taking the pressure off the other batsmen. They were playing quite well and we knew that our spinners will turn on that sort of wicket. Everyone stood up on the day and did the job for us. Even Varun did really well, bowled that 17th over. Prithvi is going to bounce back in the next match. It's difficult to pick Varun even I find it difficult in the nets.

23:47 (IST)

Bhuvneshwar: What I wanted to execute happened, that's the most important thing for me. It was a good batting wicket, the seamers got some swing early on and there was some assistance for the bowlers too. I played ODI after a couple of months so it takes time to get into the rhythm. I enjoyed all four wickets.

23:42 (IST)

Dasun Shanaka, Sri Lanka captain: I think 164 is a chaseable in this wicket. Bowlers upfront started really well. I think DDS wicket, Bandara and Asalanka’s wicket cost us. I thought bowlers did an amazing job in this wicket. Right momentum on us. I hope in the next game we come out and do better. I’m really proud of the way they (debutants) played today.

23:29 (IST)

After 18.3 overs,Sri Lanka 126/10 ( Akila Dananjaya 1 , )

Bhuvneshwar takes just three deliveries to wrap up the innings, dismissing Udana and Chameera — both getting caught in the deep while attempting glory shots. Good finish to Bhuvneshwar’s performance with the ball as he walks away with figures of 4/22, as India register a 38-run win to grab the T20I series lead.

23:27 (IST)

OUT! Bhuvneshwar grabs the remaining wicket to finish with figures of 4/22, as Sri Lanka are bowled out for 126. India win by 38 runs and lead the series 1-0!

Chameera c Krunal b Bhuvneshwar 1(3)

23:25 (IST)

OUT! India are one wicket away from victory now! Udana looks to launch the back-of-length ball from Bhuvneshwar over long on, but fails to clear the distance as Suryakumar takes a comfortable catch in front of the boundary. SL 125/9

Udana c Suryakumar b Bhuvneshwar 1(2)

23:24 (IST)

After 18 overs,Sri Lanka 125/8 ( Isuru Udana 1 , Dushmantha Chameera 1)

Chakravarthy into his final over on international debut. Appeal for leg-before against Udana off the second delivery is turned down by the umpire, and this may have hit him outside the line. Two balls later, Shanaka’s given the marching orders after getting stumped, departing for 16, the dismissal burying any remaining Sri Lankan hopes. Chakravarthy signs off with figures of 1/28 on debut, as Sri Lanka are left with 40 runs from two overs with two wickets in hand.

23:22 (IST)

OUT! Maiden international wicket for Varun Chakravarthy as Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka is on his way back after getting stumped, losing his balance while leaning forward, Kishan waits for his backfoot to be airborn before whipping the bails off. That should put paid to Sri Lanka's hopes. SL 124/8

Shanaka st Kishan b Chakravarthy 16(14)

23:19 (IST)

After 17 overs,Sri Lanka 122/7 ( Dasun Shanaka (C) 15 , Isuru Udana 0)

Bhuvneshwar’s a little in his third over as an attempted yorker in the third delivery ends up becoming a juicy full toss that is smacked over wide long on by Shanaka. Bhuvi, though, makes up for it by getting rid of Karunaratne off the last delivery. Nine runs and a wicket from the over, with Sri Lanka needing 43 off 18. Unless Shanaka plays a blinder from here, the game is pretty much set in India’s favour.

23:17 (IST)

OUT! Another one bites the dust. Karunaratne, who's handy with the bat down the order, ends up getting a thick inside edge that rattles the leg stump. Wickets tumbling rather quickly at this stage for the Lankans. SL 122/7

Karunaratne b Bhuvneshwar 3(4)

23:16 (IST)

SIX! An attempted yorker from Bhuvneshwar that ends up a juicy full toss, Shanaka makes the most of the opportunity and smacks it over cow corner for a maximum. SL 121/6

23:15 (IST)

After 16 overs,Sri Lanka 113/6 ( Dasun Shanaka (C) 7 , Chamika Karunaratne 2)

Chahar back into the attack as we enter the business end of the match. And he bowls the over that once again puts India in the driver’s seat, dismissing the set batsman Asalanka as well as Hasaranga in a space of three deliveries while giving away just two runs. Sri Lanka need 52 off 24 balls.

23:14 (IST)

OUT! A second wicket for Chahar just two balls after getting rid of Asalanka as Hasaranga departs for a duck. SL 111/6

Hasaranga b Chahar 0(2)

23:10 (IST)

OUT! Chahar gets rid of the dangerman Asalanka, who perishes while looking to bring up a half-century on debut with a bang. Targets his favourite midwicket region once again, this time not getting the connection to clear the distance, and Shaw takes an easy catch. SL 111/5

Asalanka c Shaw b Chahar 44(26)

23:04 (IST)

After 15 overs,Sri Lanka 107/4 ( Charith Asalanka 44 , Dasun Shanaka (C) 4)

Excellent stuff from Chahal in his final over of the day, bringing his variations to the fore to keep the batsmen guessing. Asalanka and Shanaka decide against taking any risks, collecting three singles. Sri Lanka need another 58 from 5 overs. Quite the spell from Chahal, who finishes with figures of 1/19 from four.

23:03 (IST)

After 14 overs,Sri Lanka 104/4 ( Charith Asalanka 43 , Dasun Shanaka (C) 2)

Big over for the Sri Lankans as Asalanka brings the required rate down by smashing a six and a four off Chakravarthy, who’s been expensive after a tidy first over. The hosts are past the 100-mark, with Asalanka batting in the 40s. Sri Lanka need 61 off 36.

23:01 (IST)

FOUR! Swept towards the vacant square leg fence this time by Asalanka off the last delivery of Chakravarthy's third over, as he brings up the 100 for the hosts and also movs into the 40s. SL 104/4

22:59 (IST)

SIX! Another six for Asalanka, who's producing quite the innings today, as he once again clears the midwicket fence off a length carrom ball from Chakravarthy! SL 96/4

22:58 (IST)

After 13 overs,Sri Lanka 90/4 ( Charith Asalanka 31 , Dasun Shanaka (C) 0)

Hardik Pandya returns. Another boundary for Asalanka, carving the ball over extra cover towards the vacant boundary, before the all-rounder gets rid of the struggling Bandara with a slower ball off the last delivery. The dismissal could work to SL’s advantage as Bandara had been hindering the team’s progress. Sri Lanka need 75 off 42.

22:57 (IST)

OUT! Hardik's finally rewarded with a wicket after a testing day as Bandara's struggle finally comes to an end. It's a slower ball that travels under the bat and clips the top of the stumps. SL 90/4

Bandara b Hardik 9(19)

22:56 (IST)

FOUR! Carved over extra cover by Asalanka off Hardik, the ball bouncing a couple of times before going past the boundary. SL 87/3

22:50 (IST)

After 12 overs,Sri Lanka 82/3 ( Charith Asalanka 24 , Ashen Bandara 8)

After a tidy first over, Chakravarthy’s a little expensive this time as Asalanka’s calculated risk pays off with a six over deep midwicket off the second delivery. Nine from the over, and the partnership will have eased some of the tension in the Sri Lankan camp at the moment. SL need 83 off 48.

22:48 (IST)

SIX! Hoicked over deep midwicket, just out of reach for the fielder stationed there. Asalanka timed his slog sweep well to get the distance. SL 80/3

22:43 (IST)

After 11 overs,Sri Lanka 73/3 ( Charith Asalanka 17 , Ashen Bandara 6)

Chahal given a third over on the trot. Asalanka, who like Fernando had been one of the standout batsmen in the one-day series, collects a boundary at the start of the over as he sweeps a ball bowled at his pads behind square, with Shaw unable to prevent the boundary despite putting in a dive in front of the rope. The pair then get to nicking singles to keep the scoreboard ticking, with nine coming from the over. Partnership, worth a run-a-ball 23 so far, looking good for the Lankans. Sri Lanka need 92 to win from 54 balls.

22:40 (IST)

FOUR! Good start to the 11th over for Asalanka as he sweeps behind square, with Shaw putting in a dive at deep backward square leg in vain. SL 68/3

22:39 (IST)

After 10 overs,Sri Lanka 64/3 ( Charith Asalanka 11 , Ashen Bandara 4)

After an off day with bat and on the field, Hardik’s extended a rough welcome in his first over of the day as Asalanka smacks a back-of-length delivery over midwicket for a six first ball. Hardik though, keeps it tidy for the remainder of the over, giving away a single next ball and a brace to Bandara off the last delivery. At the halfway stage, India still are ahead thanks to the two quick wickets, with the run rate a touch above six-an-over. Sri Lanka need 101 to win from 10 overs.

22:36 (IST)

SIX! After an average day with the bat and on the field, Hardik is off to a rough start with the ball, as Asalanka smacks the back-of-length ball along leg over the midwicket fence for a maximum. SL 61/1

22:33 (IST)

After 9 overs,Sri Lanka 55/3 ( Charith Asalanka 4 , Ashen Bandara 2)

Chahal continues. Two new faces at the crease, with debutant Charith Asalanka and Ashen Bandara both having got off the mark in the previous over, and quietly rotate the strike in this over without taking any risks. Just three from the over, with Sri Lanka need another 110 from 66 balls.

22:30 (IST)

After 8 overs,Sri Lanka 52/3 ( Charith Asalanka 2 , Ashen Bandara 1)

Bhuvneshwar replaces Chakravarthy, and Sri Lanka are in a spot of bother after the set batsman at the crease departs, with Fernando pulling straight in into Samson’s hands at deep square leg. The two wickets have suddenly put India in the driver’s seat and they now have the opportunity to dictate proceedings. Excellent second over from Bhuvi, just two singles in addition to Fernando’s dismissal. SL need 113 off 72.

22:28 (IST)

OUT! Wickets are starting to come in clusters for the Indians as the set Avishka Fernando holes out to Samson at deep square leg, with Bhuvneshwar striking after returning to the attack post-powerplay. SL 50/3

Fernando c Samson b Bhuvneshwar 26(23)
 

22:26 (IST)

After 7 overs,Sri Lanka 50/2 ( Avishka Fernando 26 , Charith Asalanka 1)

Yuzi Chahal strikes off just his second delivery of the day, as he gets rid of Dhananjaya with a beauty to send him back to the dugout for 10. Four runs and a wicket from the over. Sri Lanka need 115 from 78.

22:24 (IST)

BOWLED! Chahal takes just two balls to make an impact with the game, getting rid of Dhananjaya with a beauty — the ball turning sharply after landing along middle and leg and clipping the bail between off and middle. SL 48/2

Dhananjaya b Chahal 9(10)

22:21 (IST)

After 6 overs,Sri Lanka 46/1 ( Avishka Fernando 25 , Dhananjaya de Silva 7)

Debutant Varun Chakravarthy is brought into the attack for the first time in the final over of the powerplay, and he’s off to a tidy start in international cricket, giving away just two runs in his first over. Sri Lanka are off to a positive start in the chase, but will need to maintain the scoring rate and not lose too many wickets along the way. India after all, were slightly ahead of them at a similar stage, but couldn’t capitalise on it to get a big total on the board.

22:18 (IST)

After 5 overs,Sri Lanka 44/1 ( Avishka Fernando 24 , Dhananjaya de Silva 6)

Another good over for the Sri Lankans as 11 runs are collected in Krunal’s second over, including a boundary to Dhananjaya off the last delivery. The hosts are going at nearly nine-an-over at the moment, just the kind of start Lanka needed.

22:15 (IST)

FOUR! Lofted over mid on by De Silva off Krunal, the first boundary for the No 3 batsman. SL 44/1

22:14 (IST)

After 4 overs,Sri Lanka 33/1 ( Avishka Fernando 20 , Dhananjaya de Silva 1)

Fernando takes the attack to Chahar in this over to bring some of the momentum back in Sri Lanka’s favour after Bhanuka’s exit, slashing the ball hard behind point off the second delivery before hoicking the ball over the bowler’s head three balls later. He moves to 20 in quick time. Eight from the over.

22:12 (IST)

FOUR! Second boundary for Fernando in Chahar's second over, this time smacked down the ground, and he's looking solid as ever! SL 33/1

22:10 (IST)

FOUR! Slashed hard over backward point by Fernando off Chahar! SL 29/1
 

22:08 (IST)

After 3 overs,Sri Lanka 25/1 ( Avishka Fernando 12 , Dhananjaya de Silva 1)

Spin introduced early with Krunal Pandya bowling the third over. Fernando lofts the ball high towards wide long off, where his brother is able to cut the ball off to save a couple of runs. Krunal draws first blood for the visitors as Bhanuka drives straight into extra cover’s hands to depart for 10. Dhananjaya de Silva is the new man in for the Lankans and he’s off the mark with a single. Five runs and a wicket from the left-arm spinner’s first over.

22:06 (IST)

OUT! The decision to bring the left-arm spinner into the attack works as Bhanuka smacks the ball straight into extra cover's hands. SL 23/1

Bhanuka c Suryakumar b Krunal 10(7)

22:04 (IST)

After 2 overs,Sri Lanka 20/0 ( Avishka Fernando 8 , Minod Bhanuka (W) 10)

Much like Bhuvneshwar, Deepak Chahar starts off with a boundary as Bhanuka shuffles to his left and works the ball towards the long leg fence to collect his first four of the innings. Hardik Pandya, who looked off colour in his innings earlier today, drops a sitter at cover two balls later. The Indians successfully appeal for caught-behind in the fourth but Fernando, the batsman in question, reviews it right away and overturns it as the ball had brushed against his thigh. Single to Fernando off the penultimate ball, with Bhanuka ending the over with a boundary.

22:03 (IST)

FOUR! Low full toss from Chahar, Bhanuka redirects it towards fine leg where Krunal puts in a slide in vain. SL 20/0

21:58 (IST)

FOUR! Bhanuka works the ball behind square on the leg side as Deepak Chahar, much like Bhuvneshwar in the previous over, starts off his spell with a boundary. SL 14/0

21:58 (IST)

After 1 over,Sri Lanka 10/0 ( Avishka Fernando 7 , Minod Bhanuka (W) 1)

Fernando edges the ball over slip off the very first delivery as Bhuvneshwar starts off with an out swinger, the ball racing away to third man for a boundary. Fernando, whose 76 helped the Lankans chase down 227 in the final ODI, collects a brace two balls later after working the ball towards deep square leg, before bringing partner Bhanuka on strike with a single. Couple of wides in the next three balls, with Bhanuka keeping the strike with a single off the last delivery.10 from the first over.

21:54 (IST)

FOUR! Edged, and safe! Much like Prithvi Shaw earlier today, Avishka Fernando too starts off with an outside edge, only this one to fly over slip and run all the way towards third man. SL 4/0

21:53 (IST)

Right then, Sri Lanka will fancy their chances today after restricting the Indians to 164, and a strong start is what they will be hoping for today. Out walks in-form opener Avishka Fernando alongside Minod Bhanuka, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowing the first over.

21:43 (IST)

A good bowling performance from Sri Lanka to restrict India to 164/5. They studied the pitch well and took the pace off the ball. The Indian batsmen struggled for timing because of the slow nature of the pitch and the bowling. Suryakumar Yadav batted well for his half-century but he too struggled a bit for his timing. It could be a tricky chase for the Lankans because of the slow nature of the pitch.

21:42 (IST)

After 20 overs,India 164/5 ( Ishan Kishan 20 , Krunal Pandya 3)

India post 164/5 from 20 overs! Karunaratne finishes well. Krunal and Ishan tried their best to power the slower balls through to the fence but couldn't get them off the middle. Not a single boundary in the final over. 9 runs off it. 

21:37 (IST)

After 19 overs,India 155/5 ( Ishan Kishan 14 , Krunal Pandya 1)

It's an impressive over from Chameera. He varied his pace nicely bowled those very full deliveries and got the wicket of Pandya. He could have had Kishan as well but Ramesh Mendis dropped his catch at deep square leg. 8 runs and a wicket off the over.