India defeated Sri Lanka in the first T20 international played at Wankhede on January 03, 2023. The match was a nail-biting thriller. The match went on till the last ball of the 40th over and India managed to eke out a 2-run victory. Chasing an average score of 163 in an unusual Wankhede pitch, Sri Lanka made a mess out of the chase and fell short by a couple at the end of the match.
Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bowl first keeping in mind the dew factor here at Wankhede. The Lankan bowlers complimented their skipper’s decision to bowl first by restricting a fresh Indian team to a below-par 162 at the end of 20 overs. The Lankan bowlers reduced India to 94 for 5 in the 15th over. However, a magnificent 6th wicket partnership between Axar Patel and Deepak Hooda saw India finish with some respectability. For Sri Lanka, Madhushanka, Theekshana, Karunaratne, de Silva and Hasaranga ended with a wicket a piece.
In reply, the Sri Lankan innings got derailed as debutant Shivam Mavi removed Nishanka early. Thereafter, the Indian bowlers kept picking up wickets at regular intervals and reduced their opponents to 68 for 5 in the 10th over. However, a brisk 40-run partnership between Hasaranga and Shanaka threatened to take the game away from India.
After Hasaranga’s departure, Shanaka took on the responsibility of chasing down the remaining score but a long DRS break helped India see his back the very next ball. Karunaratne kept the visitors in the game till the final ball but Axar Patel ensured India’s glorious record against the Lankans at home remained pretty. Shivam Mavi finished with 4 for 22 on his debut.
Deepak Hooda was adjudged man of the match for his 23-ball 41 that helped India post a competitive total. The 2nd T20I will be played on January 05 in Pune.
