India opened their three-match T20I series with a victory, beating Sri Lanka by a mere 2 runs in a thrilling encounter. Aiming for a target of 163, Sri Lanka put up a strong fight but were eventually dismissed for 160. The victory was ensured by Axar Patel, who held his nerve to defend 13 runs in the final over. A highlight for India was the impressive debut of Shivam Mavi, who tore through the lineup to take four wickets.
India secured a thrilling 2-run win over Sri Lanka in the first T20I nail-biter to go up 1-0 in the three-match series. Chasing 163, Sri Lankan batters played well to get so close to the target but failed to cross the finish line as they bundled out for 160 in 20 overs. Axar Patel defended 13 runs in the final over to clinch victory for India. For India, debutant pacer Shivam Mavi starred with a four-wicket haul.
India started their batting innings strongly, with Ishan Kishan and debutant Shubman Gill racking up 26 runs in the first two overs. This momentum was halted when Maheesh Theekshana stepped in to dismiss Gill for 7. Sri Lanka's strategic bowling continued to pay off as Chamika Karunaratne took the wicket of the dangerous Suryakumar Yadav for 7, and Sanju Samson soon followed, departing for 5.
The Sri Lankan bowling attack adapted well to the pitch conditions, successfully slowing down India's run rate. Contributions from Ishan Kishan (37) and captain Hardik Pandya (29) kept the scoreboard ticking, but the real impact came from Deepak Hooda (41*) and Axar Patel (31*). The duo shifted into high gear at the end, putting together a rapid 68-run stand in 35 balls to finish with 162/5.
Sri Lanka's pursuit began poorly, as Mavi struck twice in consecutive overs to remove Pathum Nissanka (1) and Dhananjaya de Silva (8). The pressure mounted when Umran Malik dismissed Charith Asalanka (12) and Harshal Patel got rid of Kusal Mendis (28), leaving the visitors reeling at 51/4. However, Captain Dasun Shanaka sparked a comeback with a gritty 45, supported by a quick-fire 21 from Wanindu Hasaranga. Although Karunaratne fought hard with a valiant 23, his efforts weren't enough to secure the win.