IND vs SL | New look bowling attack run riot against visitors

India’s new look bowling attack ran circles around the Sri Lanka top order in the third T20I in Dharamshala on Sunday evening. With the series already wrapped up, India rested Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal and Bhuvneshwar Kumar to make way for Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav and Avesh Khan. Mohammad Siraj was brought in as well to spearhead the attack in place of Ishan Kishan, who was ruled out after getting hit by a bouncer in the last game.

After an initial burst from Mohammad Siraj and Avesh Khan in the powerplay, the visitors were reduced to 29/4 inside the first 9 overs, leaving them reeling in the final T20I of the series. Both bowlers troubled the opening batters with their zip of the pitch. Both the opening bowlers are known for their ability to hit the deck and the energy in their run up was infectious.

Avesh Khan was the pick among the bowlers, bowling one maiden and picking 2 wickets from his first three overs, while Siraj and Bishnoi took one each. Kuldeep Yadav, who has been in and out of the team, bowled some gems as well, but his inconsistency in lines made him a little easier to play.

However, to be fair to Kuldeep, he showed clear signs of development in his bowling, getting much flatter than he usually bowls and introducing a new slider against the right handers. The latter troubled the Sri Lankan batters and on at least three occasions he came very close to picking up their wicket.

At the time of writing, Sri Lanka were 52/4 from 11 overs with Dinesh Chandimal and Dasun Shanaka in the crease.

India are looking for their 12th straight T20I win having won the series already. If they do manage to win the game, they will be level against Afghanistan who are at the top of the table.

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