That brings us to the end of our coverage of the T20I series between India and Sri Lanka, with the Men in Blue once again emerging triumphant by a 3-0 margin. Team India have been a different beast altogether in T20Is since the disappointing World Cup campaign last year, winning 12 games in a row now, and their preparations for this year’s mega event so far appears to very much be on track.
We have the Test series coming up next between these two teams, with the first match at Mohali being a historic occasion — Virat Kohli’s 100th Test appearance. That however, is still a few days away. For now, this is Amit signing off on behalf of my team, bidding you all a good night!
Rohit Sharma, India captain: It’s a factor of everything that comes together. As a team, we play together, and we played very well. Lot of positives came out of this series. We do understand at times we’ve held ourselves back, but it’s important to tell guys not to worry about their positions, tell them they’re here to do their jobs. You come out, bowl two overs, and bowl those overs well and that’s a job done for the team. We want to fill whatever gaps we have. Keeping that in mind, we want to move forward. It’s going to be a big challenge, but it’s always nice to have guys in form rather than not have them in form. Always nice to see that. The way some of these guys have taken their opportunities, they move from strength to strength. Once we reach Mohali, we’re going to start thinking about it.
Shreyas Iyer is the Player of the Match for his unbeaten 73, as well as the Player of the Series for scoring 204 runs in three games!
Shreyas Iyer: All three were special for me, but yesterday’s knock, coming in at a crucial moment and winning the series for the team, that was quite special. You need just one ball to get back in form. I’m really happy with whatever opportunity I’ve got in this series. The wicket was a little two-paced today, compared to yesterday. I also wanted to dominate right from the start. You just have to back your instincts and stay positive. It’s been a rollercoaster journey after my injury. I’m really glad I went through that phase and come out of it and perform at this level.
Dasun Shanaka, Sri Lanka captain: I would like to congratulate Indian team for their wonderful performance throughout this series. Coming to the hand, it is a bit open in the finger. Our batsmen didn’t capitalise in the first six overs so that’s a concern. The pace attack was outstanding throughout. It’s not about the pace, it’s about the control. This is international cricket, we have to adapt, cannot complain about conditions.
Some impressive numbers for Rohit Sharma the captain
India in T20Is with today’s win
– Joint most consecutive wins (12)
– Most wins at home (40)
– Most wins against an opponent (17 v Sri Lanka)
Rohit Sharma’s win% in T20Is is now 85.71%.#INDvSL
After 16.5 overs,India 148/4 ( Shreyas Iyer 73 , Ravindra Jadeja 22)
Kumara starts off with a wide down leg, and follows it up with a similar delivery — this time Jadeja pulling it behind square to collect a boundary and bring the equation down to a single digit. Single off each of the next three deliveries before Shreyas finishes things off with a boundary off the penultimate delivery, remaining not out on 73 to finish unbeaten in this series as India win by six wickets with 19 deliveries to spare. Once again it’s Iyer’s partnership with Jadeja, worth 45 today, that guides India home with ease.
FOUR! Shreyas Iyer finishes off in style with a boundary as India cruise to a six-wicket win with 19 balls to spare to register their 12th win on the trot, as well as their third consecutive T20I series whitewash. IND 148/4
After 16 overs,India 136/4 ( Shreyas Iyer 68 , Ravindra Jadeja 16)
Fernando starts off with a short-of-length ball to Jadeja going down leg, and the all-rounder has no problem dispatching it to the backward square leg boundary. Jaddu follows it up with a pull in front of square, this time collecting a single. Brace to Iyer in the third delivery before he steers a wide yorker towards the wide third man fence, where the fielder running to his left puts in a dive in vain. Single off each of the last two deliveries, leaving India needing just 11 more to win from 24 balls.
After 15 overs,India 123/4 ( Shreyas Iyer 61 , Ravindra Jadeja 10)
Karunaratne returns. Single off each of the first five deliveries before Iyer comes back for a second after flicking towards deep square leg in the final delivery. Seven from the over. India need another 24 to win from 30.
After 14 overs,India 116/4 ( Shreyas Iyer 57 , Ravindra Jadeja 7)
Chameera returns. Jadeja meanwhile, steers a short, wide delivery behind square in the second delivery to collect his first boundary. Nine from the over. India need another 31 to win from the last six overs.