SL VS IND T20I

Right then, Hardik Pandya picks up the series trophy and celebrates with his team. The Indian team poses for a group photo and that will be it from this game and the T20I series as well. It was well-contested but in the end, the home side had that extra bit of quality to clinch it 2-1. The focus now shifts to Guwahati as the two sides are all set to face-off in a three-game ODI series as well. The first game will be played on Tuesday, the 10th of January and will begin at 1.30 pm IST (8 am GMT). You can join us in advance for the early build-up though. Till then, take care and goodbye!

The Indian skipper, Hardik Pandya says that Suryakumar Yadav has been surprising everyone and the way he is batting is unreal, and if he were bowling to him, he would be disheartened and applauds Rahul Tripathi's efforts at the top that changed the momentum and allowed Yadav to play freely. Adds that Suryakumar Yadav is much more experienced now and is capable enough to do things on his own. On Axar Patel, he says that he is proud of his batting, and looking ahead, this series will give him a lot of confidence as well. Mentions that his motto as a captain is to back his batters and bowlers and that the reason these players are here is that they are the best in the country. Says that the way they played because even when not playing at their best, they were able to pull back things and win the series.

Axar Patel is the PLAYER OF THE SERIES for his all-round showing with both bat and ball. He says that it makes him happier when he contributes with the bat in a winning cause. Adds that the skipper motivates him and they plan before the game on what lengths to bowl on a given surface. Ends by saying that when he bowls, his mindset is always to take wickets.

Suryakumar Yadav (112* off 51 balls) is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his sensational match-winning innings. Yadav says that it's really important to put pressure on yourself in the practice sessions and that makes it a little easier. Adds that a lot of hard work is involved but one should focus on some quality practice sessions. Mentions that the boundaries behind the wicket are smaller and hence he targets them. Mentions that there are a few shots that are pre-determined but one needs to have something more up his sleeve. Jokes and says that Rahul Dravid lets him enjoy his batting.

Dasun Shanaka, the skipper of Sri Lanka says that he is happy with his performance in the series. Adds that the team is batting well but it is a bit disappointing with the ball. Says that he hasn't done any bowling in this series due to a finger injury but he will look to bowl in the ODI's. Says that he is relaxed to keep the team calm and they discuss the strategies before the game. Ends by applauding Suryakumar Yadav and mentions that he outclassed them in this game.

The Presentation ceremony...

Yuzvendra Chahal is in for a quick chat. He says that he discussed with the coaches about his lengths and the pace and bowls it that way. Adds that what Suryakumar Yadav does is on a different level and he is happy to play with him. Says that Axar Patel is perfect in his batting and bowling. Ends by saying that Dasun Shanaka bats well and they had discussed how to bowl at him in the team meeting.

Earlier in the game, Hardik Pandya won the toss and opted to put runs on the board in the decider and after a sedate start, Rahul Tripathi took on the Lankan bowling to lead the charge for India. Shubman Gill hung around but then came the magnificent knock from Suryakumar Yadav, who scored his third T20I century to propel India to a massive score of 228 runs. The Lankan spinners were ineffective and apart from Kasun Rajitha and Wanindu Hasaranga everyone else went for at least 2 runs-a-ball which is unforgivable. Coming to the chase, Sri Lanka got off to a good start but once the wickets started to tumble, the inexperience showed and they were soon bundled out for 137 runs, losing the game by a big margin of 91 runs.

India had a few hiccups throughout this series but managed to win the first game which helped them come into this game on level terms. Right when the pressure was high, their batters as well as bowlers stepped up and put on a clinical show to round off an easy victory. Their pacers didn't have the bests of starts but they were able to control the middle phase as the spinners dictated terms. Umran Malik got a couple of wickets in the middle phase and Arshdeep Singh who had a forgetful outing last time around cleaned up the opposition tail and finished with three wickets. All in all, a brilliant performance from a mostly inexperienced international group of players and the coaching staff will be delighted with it.

Sri Lanka had a daunting task on their hands at they had to chase down 229 runs for victory. It was never going to be easy but Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka got them off to a decent start. Mendis looked in control but once he fell, the Lankans lost their next few wickets at regular intervals. While chasing such a total, partnerships are key but the visitors weren't able to build up a single solid stand. There were a few contributions in the middle order but with the highest individual score in the line up being that of 23 runs, it was never going the way of the touring side. They played really well in the first two games but faltered at the final hurdle.

A comprehensive win then for India and they have sealed the series in style. The home side has outclassed Sri Lanka in all aspects of the game here and keep their record of winning every bilateral T20I series against the Lankans intact.

OUT! TIMBER! A yorker and on leg, Dilshan Madushanka looks to loft it but misses it completely. The ball knocks over the leg pole and Arshdeep Singh redeems himself with a three-wicket haul. India beat Sri Lanka by 91 runs and seal the series 2-1!

Fuller and on off, Kasun Rajitha lofts it to mid on for one.

A full toss on off, Dilshan Madushanka eases it to covers for one.

Dilshan Madushanka is the last man in for Sri Lanka.

OUT! TAKEN! Arshdeep Singh strikes and the skipper departs. A length and on off, Dasun Shanaka moves forward to heave it but gets the toe end of his bat. It goes high up in te air towards wide long on. Axar Patel settles under it and pouches it comfortably. There are chants of 'India, India,' all over the stadium now!

Slightly shorter and on off, Kasun Rajitha looks to loft it but misses. Ends with a dot.