The second match of the three-match T20 series between Sri Lanka and India took place on July 28 at Pallekele Stadium, Sri Lanka. Suryakumar Yadav, leading the Indian team, won the toss and opted to bowl first. India made one change to their playing XI, bringing in Sanju Samson in place of Shubman Gill.
Sri Lankan openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis started aggressively, targeting Mohammed Siraj in the first over and scoring 10 runs. Aiming to give Sri Lanka a strong start, they faced an early setback in the fourth over when Kusal Mendis was caught by Ravi Bishnoi off Arshdeep Singh’s delivery, having scored 10 runs off 11 balls.
Following this, Kusal Perera and Pathum Nissanka built a solid 50-run partnership. By the end of the ninth over, Sri Lanka had amassed 77 runs for the loss of just one wicket. However, the start of the 10th over brought an unexpected turn.
WATCH – Mark Wood Unleashes Fire, Bowls Alzarri Joseph Clean Bowled
Ravi Bishnoi came into the attack for Team India and on his very first delivery, Kusal Perera attempted a big shot but only managed to send the ball towards Rinku Singh. Unfortunately for India, Rinku missed this golden opportunity, giving Perera a lifeline at 32 runs.
WTH happened to my bro 😭😭😭#RinkuSingh pic.twitter.com/xaXB3DcaQn
— KKR 𝕏treme (@KKRXtreme) July 28, 2024
Rinku Singh got another chance to redeem himself in the 14th over. Kusal Perera, batting on 45, tried to hit a six off the third ball bowled by Hardik Pandya. Perera played his signature pick-up shot behind the square on the leg side, but the ball didn’t connect well with the bat and headed straight towards Rinku near the boundary.
ALSO READ: “I don’t want to be a captain, I want to be a leader” – Suryakumar Yadav
As Rinku ran to his left to catch the ball, he lost his balance, and despite getting his hands on the ball, he slipped and fell over the boundary rope. This mishap turned what should have been a wicket into a six, allowing Perera to reach his half-century. Kusal Perera, who had been on the verge of getting out, smiled as he acknowledged his fifty, thanks to Rinku’s error.
