PALLEKELE, SRI LANKA: Under the new leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, India secured a commanding 43-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first T20 International of the series, marking the start of the Gautam Gambhir era on a high note.

Skipper Suryakumar Yadav was the star of the match, scoring a stunning 58 off just 26 balls. His performance, along with a blistering 74-run opening partnership in six overs between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, propelled India to an impressive total of 213 for 7.

Sri Lanka made a strong start in their chase, keeping up with the required run rate until the 15th over. However, the Indian bowlers capitalized on the slowing pitch to dismiss the home team for 170 in 19.2 overs.

The spinners played a crucial role in India’s defense, with Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, and newcomer Riyan Parag taking six of the ten Sri Lankan wickets. This victory gives India a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, setting a positive tone for the Gambhir-Yadav regime.