Spinner Maheesh Theekshana led Sri Lanka’s inspired bowling to restrict India to 137-9 on Tuesday as the hosts look for a consolation win in the final T20 international of their three-match series.

Sri Lanka, led by Charith Asalanka, won the toss delayed due to rain in Kandy and elected to field first on a new pitch, which has helped spinners.

Theekshana took charge in the second over to send back Yashasvi Jaiswal for 10 and soon India were reduced to 30-4 inside six overs with skipper Suryakumar Yadav back in the dug-out.

Debutant Chamindu Wickramasinghe took his maiden wicket when he dismissed Sanju Samson for a duck.

Shubman Gill, who made 39, and Riyan Parag, who hit 26, attempted to rebuild in a sixth-wicket partnership of 54 after Sri Lanka quick Matheesha Pathirana injured his right shoulder while fielding and left the field.

Pathirana later returned but did not bowl.

Sri Lanka kept chipping away with Theekshana taking three and Wanindu Hasaranga picking two to rattle an Indian team, which won the first two matches with ease to clinch the series.

Number eight Washington Sundar played a cameo of 25 as he added some runs to India’s total before falling to Theekshana.

India have rested top players, including Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant, in four changes to their new-age team, led by Suryakumar and coached by Gautam Gambhir.

India won the T20 World Cup last month and after the final witnessed the retirements of stalwarts Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja from the format.

Sri Lanka also made changes to their set-up after an early exit from the T20’’ World Cup, naming Asalanka captain and Sanath Jayasuriya interim coach.

Source: AFP
--Agencies