India's Men’s Cricket Team Secures Victory in First T20 Against Sri Lanka

India, 4 January 2026 — The Indian men's cricket team triumphed in the opening T20 match against Sri Lanka, securing a five-wicket victory at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Tuesday. Hardik Pandya, leading the team, showcased an all-round performance that steered India to a competitive win. Opting to bowl first, India restricted Sri Lanka to a modest total of 132/9 in their allotted 20 overs.

Debutant Shivam Mavi was the standout performer with the ball, claiming four wickets for 22 runs, which played a crucial role in stifling the Sri Lankan batting lineup. In response, India chased down the target in 19.5 overs, with Suryakumar Yadav contributing a vital 36 runs off 23 balls.

This victory gives India a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, setting a positive tone for the upcoming games. The win is significant as it marks a successful start to the new year and the leadership of Pandya in the T20 format.

The next match of the series is scheduled to take place in Pune on Thursday. India will look to maintain their momentum and clinch the series, while Sri Lanka will aim to bounce back and level the series.