Axar Patel, an all-rounder for India, stated after his team’s victory over Sri Lanka in the third Twenty20 International that he is happiest when his team benefits from his batting, and that his captain, Hardik Pandya, gave him the confidence to play freely. This victory gave India a 91-run lead over Sri Lanka.
A blistering knock of 112 by Suryakumar Yadav and a clinical performance by bowlers helped India register a thumping 91-run win over Sri Lanka in the third and final Twenty20 International match played here at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium on Saturday. With this victory, India won the three-match series 2-1 to take the overall title.
“When my batting helps the team, I have a greater sense of satisfaction (when compared to bowling).
Did not change anything about my game strategy for this series; but, the captain did instil a lot of confidence in me while we were in the dugout. He encourages me to let go and has assured me that he will watch out for my safety at all times.
During team meetings, we do a lot of planning, but things don’t always go as planned, so I simply try to concentrate on carrying out my plans as best I can “explained Axar in the presentation that took place after the match.
Axar Patel was recognised as the “Man of the Series” for his outstanding performance throughout the competition. In three innings, he was responsible for 117 runs scored, with an average of 117.00 and a strike rate of 195.00.
This also contains a valiant knock of 65 runs in the second Twenty20 International, which unfortunately was not enough to win the match. In every game, he used his willow to make key contributions to the victory of his team.
Additionally, he had an average of 24.66 and an economy rate of 7.40 during the course of three matches in which he bowled.
After winning the coin toss, India decided which team would bat first. After losing Ishan Kishan (1) early in the innings, Men in Blue got some of their momentum back thanks to a brief cameo from Rahul Tripathi.
He reached his score of 35 off only 16 balls, with five fours and two sixes among his runs. Throughout it all, Shubman Gill served as the anchor.
After Rahul’s dismissal, India already had more than 50 runs in the powerplay they were allotted. Suryakumar Yadav kept up his scorching form, slamming bowlers from Sri Lanka to all four corners of the pitch. As a result of Gill’s dismissal after scoring 46 runs off of 36 balls, a rapid-fire 111-run stand in only 53 balls came to an end.
Suryakumar reached his third Twenty20 International century in just 45 balls and concluded the innings with a score of 112 not out off 51 balls. He hit seven fours and nine sixes during his innings. Axar Patel (21 not out) also contributed significantly to India’s success in their 20 overs, helping them reach 228/5.
The best bowler for the away team was Dilshan Madushanka, who took two wickets and 55 runs. Chamika Karunaratne, Wanindu Hasaranga, Kasun Rajitha grabbed a wicket apiece.
Kusal Mendis (23) and Pathum Nissanka (15), the openers for the team that was chasing 229, got off to a fantastic start for the visitors. Together, they scored 44 runs in 4.5 overs before Axar caught Kusal.
After this dismissal, Lanka was unable to get back into the game and continued to lose wickets throughout the rest of the match. Two players, Dhananjay de Silva (22) and Dasun Shanaka (23), were the only ones to reach the 20-run mark.
In 16.4 overs, Lanka only managed to score 137 runs before being bowled out. After having a less than stellar day at work in the second Twenty20 international, Arshdeep Singh (3/20) showed his dominance with the ball. Pandya, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Umran Malik all grabbed two wickets, and Axar was the only other player to take one.
As a result of Suryakumar’s match-winning century, he was given the “Man of the Match” award.
Beginning on January 10, both teams will compete in a one-day international tournament consisting of three matches.