Sri Lanka today defeated India in a stunning reversal of fortunes, chasing down a mammoth target of 321, with Kusala Mendis top scoring with 89 and half centuries from skipper Angelo Matthews and opener Danushka Gunathilaka. Widely expected to win the game, defending champions India will return disappointed. The Sri Lankan victory has thrown Group B wide open, with yesterday’s upset victory for Pakistan over South Africa meaning the next two games will be virtual quarter-finals. India will play the first of them on Saturday against South Africa, while Pakistan faces Sri Lanka on Sunday.
Chasing 321, the Sri Lankans got off to a slow start, managing 13 runs in the first five overs, and losing the struggling Dickwella who fell for 7. For the first few over, it looked like India were going to deliver a similarly dominating performance as the last match, but it was not as new batsman Kusala Mendis systematically demolished the Indian bowling lineup, denting their confidence as he went after them with opener Gunathilaka. While he punished loose and wide deliveries from the Pacers, it was his attack against Ravindra Jadeja, constantly walking across the stumps, that was the highlight of his innings. Not only did he neutralise the prolific Jadeja, who went for 52 in his 6 overs, he also set the stage for the late assault that took Sri Lanka home.
? Relive Sri Lanka's impressive victory over India! What was your favourite moment from it?
➡️ https://t.co/x3rVqOxqwr #INDvSL #CT17 pic.twitter.com/YIVWqYBnP2
— ICC (@ICC) June 9, 2017
The 159 run stand was broken by successive run-outs of both Mendis and Gunathilaka, which gave India a crack into match, but it was not to be as Perera and Angelo Matthews kept going – Perera injured his hamstring and bravely hung on, standing on one leg, before he departed retired hurt for a final score of 47. However, his departure proved to be lucky as replacement Gunaratne blitzed off for a 34 off 21 balls, including two huge sixes, taking Sri Lanka home with a whole over to spare. With this, Sri Lanka chased down one of the highest targets in a major ICC tournament and will count this a famous win by an underrated squad.
? The story of two quick run outs ? #INDvSL #CT17 pic.twitter.com/PCOuhSPeb3
— ICC (@ICC) June 9, 2017
Earlier today, it was Shikhar Dhawan’s century that took India to a 300 plus score, with Dhoni’s half century providing the impetus in the end. Rohit Sharma continued his golden comeback with 78 at the top order
