Middle order batsman KL Rahul became the first Indian to be out hit wicket in a T20 match but that didn’t stop Rohit Sharma’s team from registering a six-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the T20 tri-series on Monday.

Rahul, batting on 18 as India chased Sri Lanka’s total of 152-9, stepped onto the backfoot to play leg-spinner Jeevan Mendis on the on-side but disturbed the stumps with his heel. He thus became the first Indian and 10th overall to be out hit wicket in the shortest format.

However, despite his strange dismissal, India romped to a six-wicket win and avenged their five-wicket defeat in the first game against the hosts in the Nidahas Trophy.

Middle-order batsman Manish Pandey (42 not out) and wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik (39 not out) added 68 runs after Rahul’s dismissal to see the side home.

Earlier, fast bowler Shardul Thakur bagged 4-27 off his four overs as the Sri Lankans posted 152 in Colombo.

Kusal Mendis slammed a quickfire half-century to boost Sri Lanka’s total.

The opener hit three fours and as many sixes in his 38-ball knock after India won the toss and opted to bowl first at the R. Premadasa Stadium.

The match was reduced to 19-overs a side after the start was delayed by about an hour due to rain and a wet outfield.

Mendis, though, got little support from the other batsmen as the hosts kept losing wickets at regular intervals.

Paceman Thakur was the best bowler on show while up-and-coming off-spinner Washington Sundar (2-21) helped India fight back after leaking 94 runs in the first 10 overs.