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Indian cricket team were defeated by Sri Lanka in the second T20I at Pune on Thursday, 5th January. The game was very thrilling but it ended in the visitors’ favour. This was Hardik Pandya’s first home loss as captain of Indian cricket T20I team.
Indian cricket team lost by 16 runs in the second T20I against Sri Lanka. India could have lost by a huge margin but thanks to Axar Patel and Suryakumar Yadav who played magnificent innings to get India close to the victory. Despite the loss, there were some positives to take for India from the second T20I.
Positives for team India despite losing 2nd T20 match against Sri Lanka:
1. Axar Patel’s back to back top innings: All-rounder Axar Patel is in exceptional run of form not only with bowl but bat as well. He scored 31 off 20 in the first game of the series and scored a magnificent half century in just 20 balls in the second one. The all-rounder is giving tough competition to injured Ravindra Jadeja.
2. Suryakumar is back in touch: Suryakumar Yadav failed to score runs in the first T20I against Sri Lanka but was able to find back his touch in the second one. Suryakumar Yadav made a great partnership with Axar Patel to get India close to the victory.
3. Umran Malik taking wickets: The Indian pacer Umran Malik registered 3 wickets in the second T20I against Sri Lanka. He gave away some runs but the positive thing is he is taking wickets and looking in a good shape in this series so far.
4. Shivam Mavi shows his batting skills: The Indian pacer Shivam Mavi who played his first game for India in the first T20I hit couple of huge sixes in the second T20I. Shivam Mavi showed that he not only can bowl but bat as well. Mavi hit 2 boundaries and 2 sixes.
