Watch: Rahul Tripathi and Chamika Karunaratne exchanged blows in a thrilling, high-octane powerplay battle, with the India No.3 hitting two sixes before being undone by the Sri Lanka quick.
India were 39-1 when Karunaratne came on to bowl the final over of the powerplay. Dilshan Madushanka had struck early, Ishan Kishan edging to slip, but Tripathi ensured India hit back, striking three boundaries in an over off Maheesh Theekshana.
The introduction of Karunaratne only heightened up the intensity, with Shubman Gill in his sights to start with. The elegant opener played and missed at his first ball and inside-edged his second, happy to cede strike to Tripathi.
The batter responded in some style, manufacturing a big shot first off, dancing down the wicket and striking a sweet straight six, before staying in his crease to take full toll of the over-adjustment, a half-volley pumped straight again.
Under pressure, Karunaratne found the perfect response, some extra bounce surprising Tripathi, who attempted to guide the ball down to third man but played it straight into the hands of the fielder. Karunaratne’s pumped-up reaction, sending a salute in the way of his vanquished opponent, showed the emotion involved in the high-stakes encounter, with Sri Lanka aiming for a first series win in any format in India.
