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Pune: Debutant Kasun Rajitha and Shanaka piked up three each helps Sri Lanka beat India by five wickets in first T20 in Pune on Tuesday.
Pune: Debutant Kasun Rajitha and Shanaka piked up three each helps Sri Lanka beat India by five wickets in first T20 in Pune on Tuesday.
Rajitha, making his international debut, dismissed Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane in the first over to give Sri Lanka a perfect start after they chose to bowl first on a green-tinged surface at Pune.
The paceman also sent back Shikhar Dhawan as India, top-ranked in the shortest format, continued losing wickets trying to play high-risk shots.
India failed with the bat against an inexperienced Sri Lanka attack on a green pitch in Pune and managed only 101 runs with R Ashwin top scoring with 31.
In the chase, Sri Lanka did lose some early wickets but Chandimal helped his side reach the target.
In the end, the visitors won the match by 5 wickets and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series.
Sri Lanka's innings appeared to be heading in the same direction at 23 for 2 in the fifth over, but Dinesh Chandimal and Chamara Kapugedera combined for 39 tension-relieving runs. Three late wickets fell, but the target was so small, even this scratchy batting performance was more than good enough.
Shanaka, playing only his second match for Sri Lanka, sent back Suresh Raina and captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni in one over to dent India's chances of posting a competitive total.
Ashish Nehra picked up two early wickets to give India a glimmer of hope but a 39-run stand between captain Dinesh Chandimal (35) and Chamara Kapugedera (25) put the tourists back on course.
Sri Lanka, missing fast bowler and regular captain Lasith Malinga, all-rounder Angelo Mathews and spinner Rangana Herath in the series due to injuries, stuttered once again with off-spinner Ashwin picking up two wickets.
But Milinda Siriwardana hit 21 off 14 balls as Sri Lanka reached their target with two overs to spare.
The second match of the series will be played in the eastern Indian city of Ranchi on Friday.
Brief scores
India - 101 (Ashwin 31*, Shanaka 3-16, Rajitha 3-29)
Sri Lanka - 105 for 5 (Chandimal 35, Ashwin 2-13, Nehra 2-21)
Result - Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets
