India vs Sri Lanka, 1st T20I: We were really poor in all three departments, says Dasun Shanaka

Dasun Shanaka conceded the fact that his team were really poor in the T20I series opener against India. Electing to bowl first didn't go very well for Sri Lanka as the bowlers were taken for cleaners by India's batters, led by Ishan Kishan (89 off 56 balls) and Shreyas Iyer (57 not out off 28 balls). After being posed a challenging target of 200, Sri Lanka were never in the hunt as they lost Pathum Nissanka on the very first ball and lost half of their side by 12 overs. "We were really poor in all three departments. They batted beautifully, read the game and conditions really well. I could have bowled more," said Shanaka in the post-match presentation ceremony.

Shanaka admitted that spinners Praveen Jayawickrama and Jeffrey Vandersay didn't have much experience as compared to Maheesh Theekshana (nursing hamstring injury) and Wanindu Hasaranga (still in isolation in Australia due to Covid-19). "We are without two frontline spinners, Theekshana and Hasaranga. The replacements aren't really experienced."

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India beat Sri Lanka (SL) in the first T20I of a three match series by 62 runs to extend their winning streak to 10 consecutive matches, which is their longest ever. Put into bat first after losing the toss, India scored 199 for 2, thanks to a blistering 89 off 56 balls by Ishan Kishan with Shreyas

Shanaka was hopeful of top-order batter Charith Asalanka doing well in the series. When other batters fell like nine pins, Asalanka battled through and played some good shots to remain unbeaten at 53 off 47 balls. "Asalanka was a positive from this game. Hopefully, Asalanka carries his form throughout the series."

PIC Credit: @ICC Twitter handleShanaka