A forgettable batting performance from India saw them limp to 81 for 8 in 20 overs, their third-lowest total in this format after electing to bat first in the third and final T20I at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.
Kuldeep Yadav top-scored with 23 not out while Wanindu Hasaranga picked up a 4-wicket haul. He got good support from captain Dasun Shanaka, who bagged 2 wickets and took 2 outstanding catches.
Shikhar Dhawan’s decision to win the toss and opt to bat in the series decider against Sri Lanka backfired as the visitors could manage a meagre 81/8 in allotted 20 overs.
Shikhar Dhawan departed for duck while the likes of Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devdutt Padikkal, Sanju Samson, and Nitish Rana disappointed. Kuldeep Yadav helped India get past their lowest total.
India’s lowest total in T20Is is 74 which came against Australia in 2008.
In the match, Sandeep Warrier received his maiden T20 cap for India. Sri Lanka did not choose any debutants for the fixture but brought in Pathum Nissanka over Isuru Udana.
-Agencies
