In truth, today’s result was a lot closer than some of the previous matches, and at least home fans can take some solace from the fact that the Indians at least knew they were in a contest. But, yet again, Sri Lanka fell short.
Following heavy rain the start of the match was delayed by some 40 minutes, allowing time for the wet outfield to dry. However, when the toss eventually took place, it was Indian captain Virat Kohli who won it and elected to bat. His side saw Lokesh Rahul and Axar Patel replace Rahane and Thakur from the team that won the last ODI, whilst Sri Lanka made a host of changes, bringing in Seekuge Prasanna, Thisara Perera, Dasun Shanaka and Isuru Udana.
Not for the first time in these limited over matches, Sri Lanka got off to a good start with Dickwella looking to score quickly. And, not for the first time, Sri Lanka failed to capitalise with captain Tharanga falling cheaply for 5, and Dickwella himself bowled for 17, attempting a ramp shot.
Dilshan Munaweera then raced to his maiden half century, scoring four sixes and five fours in the process, but with Mathews departing cheaply for 7 to Chahal, and the fall of Munaweera, the familiar sight of a mini Sri Lanka batting collapse ensued. Perera and Prasanna both made just 11, and Shanaka went for a duck, leaving Priyanjan (40 not out), and Udana to shepherd the innings to a respectable total. This they managed to do, sharing an unbeaten 8th wicket stand of 36, as Sri Lanka finished their innings on 170/7.
Still there was a feeling that this was never going to be enough against this Indian side, and so it proved. Although India lost Sharma in the third over for 9, and Rahul for 24, yet again Kohli took the match away from Sri Lanka, ably supported by Manish Pandey.
The pair brilliantly managed the run chase, with Kohli hitting seven fours and a six in scoring 82, with Pandey managing an unbeaten 51.
Kohli was out shortly before the end, but the damage had already been done, Dhoni partnering Pandey as India reached their total with four balls to spare and 7 wickets in hand.
Kohli, making his 50th T20I appearance, put in another man of the match performance, and achieved another milestone, becoming the 4th highest ever scorer in T20 Internationals.
For India then, the satisfaction of going home from their tour with a 100% winning record. For Sri Lanka, time to lick their wounds and console themselves with the fact that they don’t have to face Virat Kohli every time they go on to a cricket field!