Team India won the first T20I series of 2023. Hardik Pandya-led squad defeated Sri Lanka by a margin of 2-1. Suryakumar Yadav, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Shivam Mavi and Umran Malik contributed to India’s success.
Axar was named the Man of the Series for his all-round display, while Suryakumar won the Man of the Match in the third game for his 112 not out off 51 balls.
Umran Malik took 7 wickets from the 11 overs he bowled during the series. He also clocked 155kph on the speed gun during the second T20I.
Malik’s performance drew praise from former India player Ajay Jadeja. He compared the Jammu Express with Javagal Srinath.
“I haven’t seen a bowler like him for a long time. Javagal Srinath was the last one that I remember,” he said.
“He is a special talent so the management should use him as he is. When the tailenders bat, 8/10 times he will get you the wickets and finish the game,” he said during an interaction on Cricbuzz.