Watch: Riyan Parag gives aggressive send-off to Kamindu Mendis after destroying batter's stumps

The move to bring Riyan Parag into the attack during the last phase of the game against the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team in the ongoing T20I worked for India skipper Suryakumar Yadav. Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele is host to the first match of the series on Saturday (27th July).

Suryakumar Yadav trusted Riyan Parag in the death overs, and the all-rounder made sure that he repaid the faith of his captain. The Rajasthan Royals player bowled a sensational 17th over and tilted the game in his team's favour as he chipped in with a crucial wicket for the side.

Riyan Parag removed Kamindu Mendis with a sensational ball. He bowled a slow delivery that gripped and spun from a length. The Sri Lanka National Cricket Team batter rocked back and made room to cut. He didn't connect and the stumps got rattled.

What caught the attention of many was his aggressive celebration. Riyan Parag was extremely pumped up after taking the wicket as he let out a huge roar and gave an aggressive send-off to Kamindu Mendis.

Here's the video:

pic.twitter.com/tyidHBhzQT

— Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka (@Hanji_CricDekho) July 27, 2024

Riyan Parag bowled a sensational 17th over as he gave away 5 runs and picked one crucial wicket. Earlier in that over, India removed Dasun Shanaka as well. The former Sri Lanka captain got run out on the first ball of the over.

Riyan Parag then was asked to bowl the last over of the innings as well. The all-rounder made the most of the opportunity as he picked up two more wickets. He returned with the figures of 3/5 as India bundled out Sri Lanka for just 170 runs to win the game by 43 runs and start the series on high, taking a lead of 1-0.

We spoke about having good communication - Shubman Gill

Indian vice-captain Shubman Gill talked about the win after the match, saying that they didn't panic as they knew that they were one wicket away from tilting the game. He also talked about his partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal and said that they complement each other well. Speaking after the game, he explained:

"Not really (panicked). We spoke about having good communication and we knew we just needed one wicket (when SL were 140/1). It is great batting with him (Jaiswal) and we complement each other.

"Our style is different, our plan is simple - assess the conditions and then take on the bowlers. When you are opening the innings, see how the pitch is behaving and play accordingly (that's the plan)."

The second match of the T20I series between India and Sri Lanka will be played on Sunday (28th July) at the same venue Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele. The Suryakumar Yadav-led side would be keen to win the second game and close the series in the second game itself. Sri Lanka on the other hand would be gutted to lose the first game and would want to make a strong comeback in the second game.