India vs Sri Lanka: Virat Kohli Hails Bowlers After Win In Indore T20I

Virat Kohli-led Team India started 2020 on a perfect note by dismantling Sri Lanka by wickets in the second T20I at Indore’s Holkar Stadium. With the first match abandoned without a ball being bowled, India also took an unassailable lead in the three-match series with an impressive seven-wicket win.

Virat Kohli’s decision to bowl first was totally justified by his bowlers as India restricted Sri Lanka to 142 for 9. The Islanders started well with their openers Danushka Gunathilaka and Avishka Fernando adding 38 runs for the first wicket in less than five overs.

But after the powerplay, Sri Lanka’s innings never got the impetus as they kept losing wickets at regular intervals. In an attempt to up the scoring rate, their batsmen played some rash shots and thus they eventually ended on 142 for 9. Kusal Perera was the top-scorer for his side, scoring 34 while Shardul Thakur was the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 23.

That's that from Indore.#TeamIndia win by 7 wickets. Lead the three-match series 1-0.#INDvSL pic.twitter.com/5mtCxcHFHr

— BCCI (@BCCI) January 7, 2020

In reply, India chased down the total inside 18 overs and with seven wickets in hand. In-form KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan laid the foundation for the easy chase by adding 71 runs for the first wicket before the former departed for 45. Dhawan departed soon too after scoring 32 before Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer added 51 runs to all but seal the win.

Speaking after the game, Virat Kohli expressed his delight over the performance. He pointed out the performance of the bowlers especially Navdeep Saini as he said that the team has gone from strength to strength.

“Very happy. It was a clinical performance. We have gone from strength to strength. It’s a very good sign for the team. Navdeep has come into the ODI circuit as well, he gaining more confidence. You can really seem letting himself go. It’s great to see getting him take wickets with yorkers and bouncers.

“Good to see Burmah back too. I think one guy will be surprise package going to Australia. Kuldeep takes the ball away so does Washington. As a captain, you need more than five bowlers. Beautiful surface, we bowled beautifully well. As a bowler, no one like bowling here. You want to see guys stepping up,” he added.

Also Read: Scott Styris Taunts Virat Kohli For Picking Three RCB Bowlers In Playing XI For Indore T20I