Sri Lankan seamers produced a stupendous performance on a green-tinged surface before batsmen steered their side to a comfortable five-wicket win over India in the opening Twenty20 international of the three-match series in Pune on Tuesday.
A second-string Sri Lankan side chased down India's 102-run target after losing five wickets and with two overs remaining as stand-in skipper Dinesh Chandimal top scored with run-a-ball 35.
India failed to create pressure despite getting a good start with pace spearhead Ashish Nehra scalping two wickets in quick succession. However, Chamara Kapugedera (25) and Milinda Siriwardana (21 not out) provided stability in the innings to easily achieve the target.
Debutant seamer Kasun Rajitha, who was adjudged the Player of the Match, made a sensational start to his T20 career as he ripped apart Indian top-order line-up with triple strikes. Meanwhile, fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera and all-rounder Dasun Shanaka also provided substantial support by sharing five wickets between them.
For India, off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin top scored with 31 not out, while Suresh Raina made 20 as the hosts were bundled out inside 19 overs after being sent in to bat first at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium.
With the win, Sri Lanka took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The second match will be played in Ranchi on Friday before the third and final T20 in Visakhapatnam on February 14.
