Riyan Parag recorded career-best bowling figures in T20 International cricket after he picked up 3/5 against Sri Lanka in the Indian cricket team’s opening match of the series in Pallekele on Saturday.

Chasing India’s 213/7, Sri Lanka were cruising at 140/1 in 14 overs before they collapsed. They were reduced to 158/4 in the next two overs and had lost their well-set batters.

It was here that Riyan Parag, who plays for the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League, was introduced in the attack. Under pressure, the home team lost Dasun Shanaka to a run out on the first ball of the 16th over. Three balls later, Riyan Parag claimed his first international wicket in Kamindu Mendis.

Kamindu, a left-handed batter, slashed an angling delivery but missed and was bowled. Sri Lanka were now 161/6 and were on a downward spiral.

With 44 runs needed off the final over, Parag was reintroduced into the attack. The 22-year-old yorked Maheesh Theekshana in the first ball and found Dilshan Madushanka missing the next one to be out bowled as well.

Riyan Parag bowled out all his three victims, in 1.2 overs. It was his best bowling figures, eclipsing his previous best of 3/9.

Sri Lanka were bowled out for 170, handing India a 43-run win.

Earlier, India’s innings were boosted by a strong start from their openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill. The duo out on 74 runs for the first wicket in the powerplay before Gill departed for 34 (16 balls).

Jaiswal followed suit with the next ball, but had set the tempo of the innings with his 21-ball 40. His knock included five 4s and two 6s.

India captain Suryakumar Yadav (58) and Rishabh Pant (49) ensured they carried the momentum to guide the team to a healthy total.

The second India vs Sri Lanka T20 match will also be played in Pallekele on Sunday.