Pallekele: India defeated Sri Lanka by 39 runs in the only T20 match played at Pallekele and the hero for India was once again Irfan Pathan. Pathan took three early wickets to set the match for the visiting side.

Pathan for his efforts got the man of the match award for the second consecutive time. He was coming on the back of a five-wicket haul in the last ODI and produced a gem of a delivery to get Dilshan out. He then bowled a good out-swinger which Tharanga chased only to give a simple catch to MS Dhoni. Pathan’s third wicket was the most crucial one, as he got the dangerous looking Jayawardena out.

Speaking about his bowling in the post-match presentation ceremony, Pathan said, “It feels good to contribute, Mahela was going great guns and his wicket was crucial. The ball was swinging and that helped.”

Pathan who was the last minute inclusion for injured Vinay Kumar said, “It brings back a lot of confidence, things are going well for me. God has been very kind to me and things have started to turnaround for me.”

Indian captain MS Dhoni also praised Pathan for his bowling, he said, “getting early wickets was crucial, the way Sri Lankan batsmen started we needed to pick wickets and our bowlers did exactly that.”      

By Indian Sports News