• Dasun Shanaka hit a half-century.
• He took two wickets as well.
• Sri Lanka beat India by 16 runs.

IND vs SL:  Dasun Shanaka starred as Sri Lanka defeated India by 16 runs in the second T20I to tie the series at 1-1 on Thursday at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium.

Shanka hit a half-century and took two wickets to help his team tie the series.

When Sri Lanka batted first, they set a large goal of 206 runs before limiting India to 190 runs in 20 overs.

In response to the aim, India’s top-order fell short, with all three batters — Ishan Kishan, Shubhman Gill, and Rahul Tripathi — scoring only 12 runs between them.

Yet, all-rounder Axar Patel was the Men in Blue’s breakout player, scoring 65 runs off 31 balls after taking two wickets earlier in the game.

Suryakumar Yadav, a talented batsman, also scored 51 runs off of 36 balls before being bowled out by Dilshan Madushanka.

While partnering with Axar, pacer Shivam Mavi (26), did his best to pursue the target, but it wasn’t enough.

For the visitors, Chamika Karunaratne, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dilshan Madushanka, and captain Shanaka each took two wickets, while Kasun Rajitha and Dilshan Madushanka each took one.

India gave it their all, but Sri Lanka have drawn level in the series with a win in a high-scoring game in Pune 👏#INDvSL | 📝 Scorecard: https://www.bolnews.com/sports/2023/01/ind-vs-sl-dasun-shanaka-half-century-helped-sri-lanka-to-win/amp/ pic.twitter.com/LjeGIagn5f

— ICC (@ICC) January 5, 2023

Kusal Mendis and captain Dasun Shanaka aided Sri Lanka in reaching 206 runs earlier.

Pathum Nissanka (33) and Kusal Mendis (52) scored 80 runs off 54 balls as openers and built a strong opening combination for the first wicket. Mendis was eventually bowled out by Yuzvendra Chahal.

However, Umran Malik dismissed Bhanuka Rajapaksa for just 2 runs.

One of the top players for the Asian champs was Charith Asalanka, who scored 37 runs in just 19 balls.

The match’s best moment, however, was still to come since Dasun Shanaka had something unique with him in the store. The captain led his team to the big goal with a scorching 22-ball 56.

Umran claimed three wickets for India, and Axar Patel claimed two.

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