WATCH: Ravi Bishnoi dismisses Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga in consecutive balls | SL vs IND, 2nd T20I

Star Indian leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi showed a good bowling performance in the second T20I of three game series against Sri Lanka in Dambulla on Sunday (July 28). Bishnoi’s 3/26 in his four overs was crucial in holding the hosts to 161/9 after they looked to have settled for a massive one-run total. His methodical bowling broke important partnerships and set Sri Lanka’s innings back.

To change the situation

Sri Lanka appeared to be 130/2, but Bishnoi’s introduction in the 10th over changed the momentum of the game. He immediately made an impact by breaking a crucial partnership of 54 runs, which he dismissed Pathum Nissanka at 32. This wicket was a pivotal moment, as Bishnoi kept up the pressure with his straight lines and brilliant variations, turning the tide in his team’s favour.

Picked 17th over by Ravi Bishnoi

In the game-changing 17th over, Bishnoi dismissed two Sri Lankan captains, Dasun Shanaka again Wanindu Hasaranga, both golden ducks. Shanaka was undone by a brilliantly executed googly, with only an inside edge smashing his stumps. Hasaranga, trying to sweep the wicket, was also cheated by a googly, which resulted in his stumps being sent to the cart. These two strikes left Sri Lanka in disarray, and its momentum was severely disrupted. Struggling to build momentum, they managed to add just 31 runs in the last five overs, falling well short of the competitive total.

Here is the video:

You will never see Ravi Bishnoi not playing for Team India.

It will be unfair if he misses the upcoming T20 World Cup again to delay others. He had already missed back to back WCs even after becoming the star of India 2-3 years ago.pic.twitter.com/0aY1uZnF4V

– Sujeet Suman (@sujeetsuman1991) July 28, 2024

ALSO READ: SL vs IND: This is why Shubman Gill is not playing today’s match | 2 in T20Is

An early attack by the Sri Lankan openers and a strong comeback by India

Earlier in the innings, Indian bowlers Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj he tried to make changes at first. Sri Lankan openers, Kusal Mendis and Nissanka, launched an aggressive attack, reaching 55/0 within the powerplay. Their relentless attacks forced the Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav making strategic changes.

In the 9th over, Arshdeep came back into the attack and managed to dismiss the dangerous Mendis who was going strong. This success was crucial in slowing down Sri Lanka’s scoring rate. Despite the departure of Mendis, Nissanka continued to put in his aggressive innings, with Kusal Perera providing support. Hardik PandyaThe 16th interception was another important moment in the game. Pandya managed to chase Kusal Perera, who was strengthening the Sri Lankan innings with a brilliant half-century. Perera’s wicket created a collapse, and Sri Lanka’s innings slumped from 130/2 to 161/9, thanks in large part to Bishnoi’s exceptional spell and Pandya’s timely success.

ALSO READ: ECB chief gives final decision on Pakistan to host Champions Trophy 2025 amid India uncertainty