Farveez Maharoof reveals main reason behind India’s loss in second T20I against Sri Lanka

Former Sri Lankan all-rounder Farveez Maharoof feels India lost the second T20I against Sri Lanka in Pune due to their poor display in the powerplay both while batting and bowling. Maharoof stated that India gave too many freebies with the ball and did not show patience during their chase.

Sri Lanka posted a mammoth 206/6 in the first innings after being put in to bat by Indian captain Hardik Pandya. Sri Lankan openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis added 80 runs for the first wicket in 8.2 overs. Kusal Mendis scored a brilliant 52 off 31 as he smashed Arshdeep Singh for 19 runs in the second over who bowled three no balls.

While chasing the target, India lost wickets in quick succession and were 34/4 after 4.4 overs. They further lost half their side on the score of 57. Their innings was rescued by Axar Patel and Suryakumar Yadav who added 90 runs for the sixth wicket in just 40 balls. However, their efforts couldn’t take India home as they lost by 16 runs.

“India lost the game in the powerplay. When they were bowling, they were giving so many no-balls and free hits. Sri Lanka were off the hook when the ball was moving around. When India came into bat, they did not respect the conditions. They did not respect the swinging ball and the two opening bowlers of Sri Lanka. That’s where India lost the game for me,” Maharoof told ESPNCricinfo.

Indian batters went too hard too early: Wasim Jaffer

Sharing his thoughts on India’s batting performance, Wasim Jaffer agreed with Maharoof’s statements. He opined that the Men in Blue could have chased down the target had they kept wickets in hand.

“Indian batters went too hard too early. If India would have been 45/1, things would have been different. 70-80 off the last five-six overs is pretty gettable here. Sri Lanka don’t have the bowlers – the experience of bowling at the death. If India had the batters, it would have been an easy chase,” the former opener said.

“Shubman’s (Gill) was a pretty soft dismissal, Ishan Kishan as well. Rahul Tripathi, even though he was playing his first game, tried too many things too early. Had he given himself a little bit more time, things would have been different,” he added.