Updated On: 05 January, 2023 08:46 AM IST | Mumbai | SS Ramaswamy
India’s Deepak Hooda cherishes role at an unusual position after unbeaten 41 off 23 balls plays important role in team’s narrow win over Sri Lanka

India’s Deepak Hooda (left) and Axar Patel during their 68-run sixth wicket partnership in the first T20I against Sri Lanka at the Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday. Pic/Ashish Raje
India eked out a thrilling two-run win over reigning Asian champions Sri Lanka in the T20I series opener at the Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday.
Man of the match Deepak Hooda, whose 23-ball 41 and unbeaten 68-run sixth wicket partnership in 35 balls with Axar Patel (31 off 20 balls), lifted India to a winning total of 162 for five, said at the post match press conference that the duo targeted Lanka’s mystery spinner Maheesh Theekshana at the right time.