Sri Lanka tour of India 2016, 2nd T20I: India v Sri Lanka at Ranchi, Feb 12, 2016
Toss: Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bat first
India 196/6 (20)
Sri Lanka 127/9 (20 ov)
India won by 69 runs
A high utility game for India. MSD was able to audition several of his bowling options in a few key scenarios (e.g. Ashwin opening, Bumrah at the death).
The series has been squared. This is India's third biggest win in T20Is in terms of run-margin. MS Dhoni resisted the temptation to experiment, and the move has helped them discover the batting prowess of Hardik Pandya among other things. Sri Lanka were never really in the hunt and kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Ashish Nehra and Ashwin did the damage upfront, but the highlight of India's effort on the field was Dhoni's lightning quick stumpings and Bumrah's bowling at the death. Not to forget Pandya's work in the field.
MS Dhoni: Almost 200 runs were scored, but there was something for everyone. Experimenting is a word banned from Indian cricket, but yes we're trying different things. Our top order has done well, so we're trying to give everyone an opportunity whenever possible. Most of our fielders are above average.
Pitch Report:
Fours and sixes were predicted in Pune, but the grass cover had the fast bowlers licking their lips. Looks like you would be stuck in Ranchi for the next week or so if you start counting the cracks on this pitch. A few big ones at that. "Batting wont' be easy," says Sunil Gavaskar. Could be a 'win the toss and bat' pitch then.
India Playing XI
RG Sharma, S Dhawan, AM Rahane, SK Raina, Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni(c)(wk), HH Pandya, RA Jadeja, R Ashwin, JJ Bumrah, A Nehra
Sri Lanka Playing XI
TM Dilshan, MD Gunathilaka, LD Chandimal(c)(wk), CK Kapugedera, TAM Siriwardana, MD Shanaka, S Prasanna, NLTC Perera, SMSM Senanayake, CAK Rajitha, PVD Chameera
