Saini And Shardul Prove Too Hot For Sri Lanka

The two pacers restrict the visitors to 142; Rahul, Dhawan, Shreyas and Kohli take India past the finish line in style

- Ashwin Achal

India made short work of the insipid Sri Lankans, cruising to a seven-wicket victory in the second T20I at the Holkar Stadium here on Tuesday.

Chasing a sub-par 143-run target, India rode on handy contributions from K.L. Rahul (45, 32b, 6x4), Shikhar Dhawan (32, 29b, 2x4), Shreyas Iyer (34, 26b, 3x4, 1x6) and skipper Virat Kohli (30 not out, 17b, 1x4, 2x6) to get the job done with 15 balls to spare.

Rahul was especially good with the drive, dispatching Lahiru Kumara and Lasith Malinga with a straight bat. A wild slog offspinner Wanindu Hasaranga, however, ended his stay.

Sedate Dhawan

His partner Dhawan, who is fighting to keep his place in the side, was more sedate in his approach. He was not quite fluent, but stuck around long enough to make a mark. The Delhi southpaw moved to 32, before Hasaranga trapped him leg-before on a review.

When the television umpire declared Dhawan out, the crowd cheered, as Virat Kohli, the main attraction, walked in.