CricDigs Blogs

India looked invincible, especially with Ishanth Sharma bowling some fiery spells and Gautham Gambhir smashing the balls to all parts of the ground. Little was expected that Srilanka would beat India. Although it was a rain curtailed match, 195 runs in 29 overs was quite some total to defend. It never would have been easy to notch up 195 in the stipulated overs.

Rohit Sharma played a classy knock to help India post 195 on the board. J’dena’s decision to field to me was the turning point of the match. J’dena assessed the conditions perfectly and realised it was crucial to play the waiting game in a rain shortened match. Chasing 154 in 21 overs is much simpler than chasing 195 in 29 overs. But even this requires, a brisk start upfront. J’surya was due for a knock and it was so obvious that the Lankans were so desperately in need of his aggressive opening knock. Ishanth Sharma was India’s trump card. J’surya had different ideas. Though he contributed just 27 runs, but the rate at which he scored them and the way in which he smashed Sreeshanth to all parts of the ground set up the tone for the Lankans. His explosive knock was instrumental in making things easy for the one’s to follow. Dilshan grabbed his opportunity with both hands and has made a name for himselves. Srilanka registered their first victory of the series.

This victory has not only brought this series alive, but also opened gates for all the three teams to compete. Friday’s match is a crucial one, and so is the sunday’s clash. This seris is shaping really well, and cricket lover’s can expect some real nail biting finishes in the days to come