(Source X)
In the 2nd T20I against Sri Lanka at Pallekele, India legspinner Ravi Bishnoi shone brightly. Coming into the attack during the crucial death overs phase, he executed his plans with precision, claiming two key wickets in quick succession.
His efforts significantly restricted Sri Lanka to a score well below their anticipated total. Bishnoi’s impressive figures of 3-26 in four overs earned him the Player of the Match award.
Ravi Bishnoi speaks out on his brilliant bowling performance against Sri Lanka.
During the post-match presentation, Bishnoi discussed the pitch conditions and his penchant for consistently bowling googlies. He expressed confidence in his abilities and highlighted his enjoyment of delivering googlies at a brisk pace.
“The pitch was a little different from yesterday. It was turning a bit. Today, in the first innings it was helping the spinners. What I bowl, that’s good pace for me. I stick to my plans. I just love bowling the wrong ‘uns. The things which work for me, I try to bowl that and wrong ‘uns work for me against the left-handers,” Bishnoi said.
When questioned about bowling in the death overs, Bishnoi shared that rather than feeling pressured, he relishes the challenge of bowling at that stage of the innings. He expressed his eagerness to continue taking on such responsibilities in future matches.
“It’s a good responsibility to have (to bowl at the death), it means that the management and captain trust in you. I would love to take that responsibility,” said Bishnoi in the post-match presentation,” the 23-year-old added.
After conceding two boundaries early in his first over following the powerplay, Bishnoi bounced back impressively to dismiss the crucial wicket of Pathum Nissanka in his subsequent over. Nissanka, who had been in good form, scoring 32 runs off 24 balls, was Sri Lanka’s highest run-scorer in the previous match with a brilliant 79 off 48 balls.
Sri Lanka posted a below-par score.
Nissanka’s dismissal held immense significance for Sri Lanka, given his pivotal role in anchoring their batting lineup. Subsequently, Ravi Bishnoi returned to bowl the 17th over, facing off against aggressive power hitters. With precision, Bishnoi removed Dasun Shanaka and Wanindu Hasaranga on consecutive deliveries, dealing a severe blow to Sri Lanka’s hopes.
Consequently, Sri Lanka managed only 161-9 in their allotted 20 overs. The match encountered a rain interruption during India’s chase, resulting in a revised target of 78 runs from 8 overs after play resumed. Despite an early setback with Sanju Samson’s dismissal, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Suryakumar Yadav unleashed a barrage of boundaries, easing India towards victory.
Although Jaiswal and Suryakumar were eventually dismissed, Hardik Pandya’s quickfire 22 off 9 balls ensured India successfully crossed the finish line.
