Suryakumar showed maturity, composure of a batsman who has played 70-80 ODIs: Akmal

Impressed with the way they played in the second One-Day International (ODI) against Sri Lanka, Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal was particularly impressed by Suryakumar Yadav. Akmal said the Mumbai batsman played as though he had the experience of playing 70-80 ODIs. 

Suryakumar Yadav, playing his second ODI, scored his maiden fifty to initially set up the game for India. Coming in at No. 8, Deepak Chahar then smashed an unbeaten 69, in only his fifth ODI, chasing 276.

“The way Suryakumar Yadav batted, it was unbelievable. He showed the maturity and composure of a batsman who has played 70-80 ODIs. His vast experience of playing domestic cricket augured well for him. He played authoritatively during his stay at the crease but unfortunately got LBW at a crucial moment,” Akmal said on his YouTube channel.

He also commended the Indian team on winning the series against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka.  “Credit to the Indian team. To win on the Sri Lankan soil with the young team and new coaching staff is a commendable job. Also, they did it against the regular side of the home team, which is not an easy task," the wicketkeeper said.

“India played very well on this tour, especially in the second ODI. Even after losing six wickets at just 160, they still managed to win the game from that dire situation,” he added.

This was the first time since 2015 India had successfully chased down a target after the top three batsmen failed to score a fifty.