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Iyer stars as India secure T20I series whitewash
Written by Sports Desk. Posted in T20I. | 27 February 2022 | 1511 Views
Tags: Cricket, Data, India, Sri Lanka, Twenty20 Internationals

Shreyas Iyer struck an unbeaten 73 to guide India to a six-wicket victory and T20I series whitewash over Sri Lanka.

Rohit Sharma's side had already secured the series heading into the clash in Dharamsala after dominant victories in the opening two outings.

India carried on their imperious form in the shortest format as they cantered to victory with 19 balls to spare, sealing their 12th straight T20I win – a feat achieved only by Afghanistan among full-member sides.

Sri Lanka struggled after opting to bat first as Avesh Khan (2-23) and Mohammed Siraj (1-22) picked up early wickets to limit the tourists to a meagre 18-3 in the powerplay.

A fightback from Dinesh Chandimal (22) and Dasun Shanaka (74 not out), who captained his country for the 25th time in T20Is, propelled Sri Lanka to 146-5, with the tourists striking 56 off the last four overs.

India lost captain Sharma (five) to Dushmantha Chameera (1-19) in the second over of their response, but Iyer and Sanju Samson led the recovery before the latter fell for 18.

The hosts retain control from then on, as Iyer and Ravindra Jadeja (22 not out) secured the victory in the 17th over.

It marked India's 10th straight T20I victory over Sri Lanka at home – extending their longest such winning run against any country at home.

Impeccable Iyer

Iyer continued his domination of the Sri Lankan bowlers with another masterclass as he mustered 73 off just 45 deliveries, with his knock including nine fours and one six.

He finished the series as the top run-scorer (204), comfortably ahead of second-placed Shanaka (124), and was not dismissed in his three outings.

Shanaka's heroics in vain

Shanaka delivered for his side on a landmark appearance, striking 74 off 38 balls to take Sri Lanka from 29-4 to 146-5, but his efforts proved fruitless.

In T20Is, only Chandimal has captained Sri Lanka more than the all-rounder, who has won 11 of his 25 matches in charge (L13, T1), but Shanaka will be keen to overturn their poor run of form in Asia sooner rather than later, given they have lost six of their last seven T20I matches on the subcontinent.