IND vs SL: Shanaka shines as Sri Lanka beat India to level series

Skipper Dasun Shanaka shined as Sri Lanka beat India by 16 runs in the second T20I to level the series at 1-1 at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium on Thursday.

Shanka smashed a half-century and claimed two wickets to help his side level the series.

Put to bat first, Sri Lanka posted a big target of 206 runs on the scoreboard before restricting India to 190 runs in 20 overs.

In reply to the target, India's top-order failed as all three batters — Ishan Kishan, Shubhman Gill, and Rahul Tripathi — could score 12 runs between them.

However, unexpectedly all-rounder Axar Patel was the star performer for the Men in Blue as he smashed a quickfire 65 runs off just 31 balls after taking two wickets earlier in the match.

Versatile batter Suryakumar Yadav also hit 51 runs from 36 balls before falling to Dilshan Madushanka.

Pacer Shivam Mavi (26) tried his best to chase the target down as he partnered with Axar but it wasn't enough.

For the visitors, Kasun Rajitha, Dilshan Madushanka, and skipper Shanaka secured two wickets each, while Chamika Karunaratne and Wanindu Hasaranga bagged a wicket each.

Earlier, Kusal Mendis and skipper Dasun Shanaka helped Sri Lanka reach 206 runs.

Openers Pathum Nissanka (33) and Kusal Mendis (52) build a great opening partnership for the first wicket, as they amassed 80 runs off 54 balls before Mendis fell to Yuzvendra Chahal.

However, Bhanuka Rajapaksa was bowled out for 2 runs by Umran Malik.

Charith Asalanka was one of the best performers for the Asian champions as he gathered 37 runs in 19 balls.

But the best of the match was yet to come as Dasun Shanaka kept something special in the store with him. The skipper scored a blistering 22-ball 56 to lead his side to reach the big target.

For India, Umran claimed three wickets, while Axar Patel took two wickets.