Seasoned batsman Kumar Sangakara played a spectacular inning facilitated Sri Lanka won over India. In his incendiary, fierce inning (103 runs off 84 balls) he forced Indian bowlers to chew their nails. Kusal Perera's 64 also proved handy in Sri Lankan victory. Chasing 264 runs target given by Indian sides, Sri Lanka had to strive hard to save the match. At the score of 217 Lanka lost its 7th wicket but Sangakara remained the same.
Bating first, India commenced with slow run rate while only 37 runs were on scoreboard till the end of 10 overs. Shikhar Dhavan (98) and Virat Kohli (48) added 97 runs for the second wicket partnership, after being the Kohli out Ajinkya Rahane joined Dhavan but couldn’t stay long on pitch. He was caught at short-third man off Senanayake, making it 175/3 for India. After Dhavan Indian middle order collapsed in between 35- 44 overs adding only 40 runs in the last crucial 10 overs. At one time it appeared tough for India to score even 250 runs, though last overs loot by Ravindra Jadeja (22 not out) and Mohammad Shami (14 not out) led India to a respected score of 264.
Sri Lankan bowlers fared batter with Ajantha Mendis (4/60) and Sachithra Senanayake (3/41) on the board. Mendis took crucial wickets including Shikhar Dhavan’s. Sri Lankan spinners proved their essence on dead pitch at the Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium, Bangladesh.
While saving the target Indian bowlers made the battle tough for Sri Lankan batsmen. Virat Kohli had no option but to rely on his pacers in the death overs, who proved expensive once again. Mohammed Shami conceded 81 runs in 10 overs taking three wickets while Bhuvneshwar Kumar went wicketless and gave 45 runs in 9.2 overs. Indian fielders also disappointed captain Kohli as some miss –fielding turned out to be the crucial game changers in the fray.
After loosing to Sri Lanka India stands one won and lose each. In the next contest India will take on its arch-rival Pakistan on Sunday.
(With inputs from IANS)
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