PUNE: If there was a template to chasing a 200-plus score in T20Is, Axar Patel almost created it on Thursday. The Gujarat batter couldn't finish the business, though, as India lost the second T20I by 16 runs to Sri Lanka at the MCA Stadium.
Axar and Suryakumar Yadav's blitz took India closer to the target of 207 runs, the highest at the venue, but it was not enough in the end. Axar made 65 off 31 balls, which included six sixes and three fours, while Surya again displayed his power-hitter skills with a 36-ball 51 (3x6, 3x4). Axar came in when India were reeling at 57/5 in 9.1 overs but became the joint-fastest T20I half-centurion at this venue, his 50 coming off only 20 balls.
