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SL beat IND by 5 wickets | India vs Sri Lanka, Highlights And Cricket Score 1st T20 Match - Commentary
Nidahas Tri-Series, 2018
Date: Mar 06, 2018 Start Time: 19:00 IST | 13:30 GMT | 19:00 LocalVenue: R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Venue: R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
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India vs Sri Lanka Highlights And Cricket Score 1st Match - T20 Commentary
Sri Lanka's bowling was largely disciplined, something that is not associated with them generally. That means that they should feel pretty confident of chasing this down. However, India's bowlers would look to make use of the track that seems to be a bit two-paced. Join us for the chase, that'll get underway shortly.
Yes, such was the surface that Mendis and Danushka Gunathilaka, the part-timers, were the two most economical bowlers on display. They put the brakes on the scoring after Shikhar Dhawan and Manish Pandey's stand, that threatened to take the score to a highly insurmountable stage. Once the pair was dismissed, India couldn't get going, with Rishabh Pant failing to get any momentum his way. Dhawan's fifty was the only talking point.
Meanwhile, Russel Arnold has a short chat with Jeevan Mendis, one of the pick of the bowlers. He states that his variations helped him on this surface. He reckons that the score is chaseable and backs his batters to gun it down. Is proud of his side's bowling efforts.
As per our stats person, this is India's highest score in Sri Lanka batting first. Well, they largely struggled and stuttered their way here. By the looks of it, it didn't seem an easy track to play your shots as the ball didn't come onto the bat as easily as the batters would have liked. That is writ large in the way Rohit Sharma and Suresh Raina's innings panned out.
Dushmantha Chameera to Rishabh Pant. OUT! That's all. Pant doesn't trouble the scorers much after hitting the previous boundary. Perhaps this signals his troubles in his innings. This is short down the leg side. He gets inside the line and pulls it straight down fine leg's throat. Pradeep there pockets it safely to RESTRICT INDIA TO 174/5!
Dushmantha Chameera to Rishabh Pant. FOUR! Finally a boundary off Pant's blade. He last hit one in the 15th over and now here's another. He makes room and spanks it through covers. Succeeds in finding the gap in the deep.
Dushmantha Chameera to Dinesh Karthik. Full on the stumps, flicked towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
Dushmantha Chameera to Dinesh Karthik. FOUR! This is Dinesh Karthik's boundary all the way. Chameera takes a clue from Perera's previous over and spears it full on the stumps. Karthik is aware of that and flick-digs it over square leg. Once the man in the circle is cleared, the result is clear as well.
Dushmantha Chameera to Dinesh Karthik. FOUR! It doesn't matter how the runs come as long as they do. This is a slower delivery on a length outside off, Karthik looks to smash it over the off side. Gets a thick outside edge and that enables the ball to run away to the third man fence in a flash. Despairing look on the bowler's face says it all.
Dushmantha Chameera to Rishabh Pant. Hurled around off, Pant makes room but hits it down to long off for a single.
180 on the cards? Dushmantha Chameera to bowl the last over of the innings.
Thisara Perera to Rishabh Pant. Another full one on off, Rishabh digs it out to long off for one. 5 singles and a double in this one. Very good one from Thisara.
Thisara Perera to Dinesh Karthik. Full again on off, Karthik slogs it to deep mid-wicket to get to the other end.
Thisara Perera to Dinesh Karthik. Perera has been good in this over so far. Another delivery just outside off on a fuller length. The batter cannot get under it and can only smash it through covers for a couple.
Thisara Perera to Rishabh Pant. Full ball outside off, Pant can only drill this to long off for a single.
Thisara Perera to Dinesh Karthik. Short in length, Karthik pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one. Nice way to get going.
Thisara Perera to Rishabh Pant. Full on off, driven to long off for one.
Now after taking the catch, Thisara Perera is back on to bowl.
Dinesh Karthik walks in next.
Danushka Gunathilaka to Shikhar Dhawan. OUT! Danushka Gunathilaka gets the big scalp! Dhawan falls 10 short of the triple-figure mark. Gets a nice full floated delivery on off, he looks to go over long off, mindful of the fielder there. Perera sees that the ball is coming straight to him and takes it by keeping his eyes on the ball. Hush! Perhaps Sri Lanka can now get a breather. Maybe with Pant not able to strike big, Dhawan had to take the onus upon himself and departs in the process.
Danushka Gunathilaka to Rishabh Pant. Pant gets down on a knee and sweeps it through square leg for one.
Danushka Gunathilaka to Rishabh Pant. Tossed up outside off, Pant looks to dismiss the ball from his presence but all he manages to do is make contact with thin air.
Danushka Gunathilaka to Shikhar Dhawan. Dhawan wanted two after hitting it towards long on but it is not to be. Just one there.
Danushka Gunathilaka to Rishabh Pant. Now he rotates strike by driving it through mid off.
Danushka Gunathilaka to Rishabh Pant. Floated up on the stumps, Pant looks to play the reverse sweep but gets an inside edge onto the pad. The ball lobs to the off side and he isn't happy with the outcome.
Dushmantha Chameera to Shikhar Dhawan. SIX! You don't give Dhawan many chances just for this reason. He slinks down the track in a flash and takes it on the full. Bludgeons it straight over the bowler's head for half a dozen. Brings up India's 150.
Dushmantha Chameera to Rishabh Pant. Full on the pads, Pant just gets a tickle to the keeper on the bounce. They run one, beating Dinesh's throw.
Dushmantha Chameera to Shikhar Dhawan. DROPPED! Dhawan is living a charmed life tonight. This is full and slanting away, Dhawan looks to play the drive without much feet movement. Gets a thick outside edge and Chandimal dives to his left but fails to grab that one. A single results.
Dushmantha Chameera to Rishabh Pant. Full outside off, Pant slashes and gets a thick outside edge to third man for one.
Dushmantha Chameera to Shikhar Dhawan. Fuller this time, driven to long off for one.
Dushmantha Chameera to Shikhar Dhawan. SIX! Well... Do a Ctrl F and find Dhawan and fine leg. Too many runs there and most of them via top edges. This is short in length, Shikhar moves inside the line in a bid to pull it. The ball takes the top edge and clears fine leg to take Dhawan into the 80s.
Dushmantha Chameera is back into the attack.
Danushka Gunathilaka to Shikhar Dhawan. Driven through covers for one to retain strike.
Danushka Gunathilaka to Shikhar Dhawan. The batsman fails to get bat on that one and is hit on the pad.
Danushka Gunathilaka to Shikhar Dhawan. SIX! BOOM! Dhawan is in a murderous mood here. Floated on the stumps, Dhawan gets down on a knee and slog sweeps it high and handsomely over mid-wicket.
Danushka Gunathilaka to Rishabh Pant. Eased through covers to get to the other end.
Danushka Gunathilaka to Shikhar Dhawan. Dhawan reverse sweeps this through point for one.
Danushka Gunathilaka to Rishabh Pant. Pant misses, Chandimal misses. Tossed up outside off, Pant looks to slog but misses. The keeper, too, misses and lets it through for a bye. He applauds the bowler though.
Akila Dananjaya to Rishabh Pant. Flatter on the pads, flicked away round the corner for one. 4-0-37-0 for Dananjaya tonight.
Akila Dananjaya to Rishabh Pant. SIX! Wow, what a stroke! In a matter of a couple of deliveries, Pant has proved me wrong. He slinks down the track and goes inside out over covers. The ball goes the distance.
Akila Dananjaya to Rishabh Pant. Quicker outside off, punched to covers.
Akila Dananjaya to Shikhar Dhawan. The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot. They pick up a single.
Akila Dananjaya to Shikhar Dhawan. SIX! BAMMMM! Dananjaya bowls a half-tracker on middle, Dhawan hangs on the back foot and banishes it over the deep mid-wicket fence for half a dozen.
Akila Dananjaya to Rishabh Pant. Pant isn't looking good tonight. Looks to go big over the off side but gets an inside edge onto the pads. The ball rolls to the off side and Dhawan calls for one and they complete it.
Akila Dananjaya is back on.
Danushka Gunathilaka to Rishabh Pant. This one is wristed through mid-wicket for a single.
Danushka Gunathilaka to Rishabh Pant. Flatter outside off, Pant looks to cut but misses.
Danushka Gunathilaka to Shikhar Dhawan. Dhawan gets down the track and drives it to long off for one.
Danushka Gunathilaka to Rishabh Pant. Pant gets going by gliding this towards point.
Danushka Gunathilaka to Rishabh Pant. This one is outside off, Pant looks to push it towards covers but gets an inside edge onto his boots.
Danushka Gunathilaka to Shikhar Dhawan. Flatter outside off, tapped towards point for one.
Danushka Gunathilaka is brought into the attack.
Jeevan Mendis to Rishabh Pant. Floated on the stumps, pushed back towards the bowler for nothing. End of a successful over for Mendis. 5 runs and a wicket off that.
Jeevan Mendis to Shikhar Dhawan. Shorter in length, pulled through mid-wicket for one.
The man in at number 5 for India is Rishabh Pant. Interesting choice this.
Jeevan Mendis to Manish Pandey. OUT! That's it for Manish Pandey tonight. We all know how dangerous he can be towards the end and hence, no wonder why the Lankans are elated. Seeing the tossed up ball, Pandey slinks down the track to hit it over the bowler's head. Ends up getting it off the inner half. The ball travels straight to Gunathilaka at deep mid-wicket who doesn't mess it up. A big partnership comes to an end. Can Sri Lanka build on this?
Jeevan Mendis to Manish Pandey. Edgy stuff! Pandey charges down the track and looks to play this one over covers. Ends up getting an inside edge and the ball rolls through Chandimal's legs. It results in a couple.
Jeevan Mendis to Shikhar Dhawan. Swept away through square leg for a single.
Jeevan Mendis to Manish Pandey. Mendis is bowling a lot of side arm deliveries tonight. This is on a fuller length, Pandey slaps it towards covers and gets to the other end very quickly.
Jeevan Mendis is back from another end now.
Thisara Perera to Manish Pandey. Fuller this time, eased through mid on for one. 10 from the over and also, 100 up for India.
Thisara Perera to Manish Pandey. Another short delivery, Pandey makes room to play the upper cut. Gets beaten due to the extra bounce.
Thisara Perera to Manish Pandey. Short in length, Manish walks across but fails to pull it away.
Change in field. Long off and long on come in the circle now.
Thisara Perera to Manish Pandey. FOUR! Pandey is making merry as well. Now pressure is mounting here on Perera. Length ball, a touch short. Pandey transfers his weight on the back foot and just whips it through backward square leg for a boundary.
Thisara Perera to Shikhar Dhawan. This is played with an angled bat to third man for a single.
Thisara Perera to Shikhar Dhawan. FOUR! Mind you, this is Dhawan in full flow. Perera angles this away on a length, Shikhar stands tall and punches it through covers. Such is the timing on that, that it comfortably beats sweeper to his left.
Thisara Perera is back on.
Akila Dananjaya to Shikhar Dhawan. Dhawan sweeps this one and retains strike.
Akila Dananjaya to Shikhar Dhawan. FOUR! 5th T20I fifty for Gabbar! Dhawan is continuing his good run of form with the bat. Akila tosses this well wide of off, Dhawan gets down on a knee and nails the drive through covers for a boundary. He has done well to hold the innings together after the initial blows.
Akila Dananjaya to Manish Pandey. Shorter in length, Manish goes back and pulls it through mid-wicket for one.
Akila Dananjaya to Shikhar Dhawan. Dhawan moves to 49 with a punch off the back foot through covers.
Akila Dananjaya to Manish Pandey. This time Manish comes down the track and pushes it to long off for one.
Akila Dananjaya to Manish Pandey. Flatter outside off, Pandey goes back and punches it through covers for a brace.
Jeevan Mendis to Manish Pandey. Floated delivery, Pandey hits it through mid on for one.
Jeevan Mendis to Shikhar Dhawan. That kept low, outside leg and the ball hits the pads of Dhawan before rolling to the leg side. They pick up yet another leg bye.
Jeevan Mendis to Shikhar Dhawan. Outside off, Dhawan reverse sweeps this to square leg for a couple.
Jeevan Mendis to Manish Pandey. The ball takes an inside edge of the bat of Pandey and they pick up a quick single.
Jeevan Mendis to Shikhar Dhawan. WIDE! Clever bowling from Mendis. Sees Dhawan charging him and bowls this outside leg. The ball is down the leg and a bit too far for Chandimal to take the bails off. He tries throwing the ball on the stumps but misses, the batsmen cross as the ball goes towards square leg.
Jeevan Mendis to Manish Pandey. Tossed up, Pandey hits it past mid on for another run.
Jeevan Mendis to Shikhar Dhawan. Short ball outside leg, Dhawan hits it past the bowler for an easy run.
Nuwan Pradeep to Manish Pandey. Very very slow ball, Manish backs away and looks to punch that, fails. Just one run off the last three balls.
Nuwan Pradeep to Manish Pandey. Length ball on the stumps, punched right back. The ball goes and strikes the stumps at the other end.
Nuwan Pradeep to Shikhar Dhawan. The batsman works it down the leg side. The batsmen have run through for a single.
Nuwan Pradeep to Shikhar Dhawan. SIX! Another one! The word 'commanding' is nowhere close to this shot. Another effort ball from Pradeep, Dhawan is cramped for room yet proceeds to play the pull. We are waiting in anticipation to see the fielder get under that to pouch that but instead, the next visuals are of the ball sailing over the fine leg fence.
Nuwan Pradeep to Shikhar Dhawan. SIX! Streaky again, but Dhawan would hardly be bothered by the outcome. Pradeep bangs this short on the stumps, Dhawan looks to go for the pull. Goes through with the shot and the ball goes off the top edge and sails over the third man fence for a maximum. This is the first one of the game. That's the 50-run stand between Dhawan and Pandey. Resurrection in progress and going well.
Nuwan Pradeep to Manish Pandey. Length ball outside off, Manish punches it through covers for one.
Jeevan Mendis to Manish Pandey. Drags his length back and Pandey punches this down on the off side for one.
Jeevan Mendis to Manish Pandey. Pandey defends this from within the crease. Good comeback from Mendis.
Jeevan Mendis to Manish Pandey. The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot.
Jeevan Mendis to Manish Pandey. SIX! Huge! Tossed up and Pandey slogs sweeps this over mid-wicket for a biggie.
Jeevan Mendis to Shikhar Dhawan. NOT OUT! Dhawan survives. Loopy ball around leg and Dhawan misses his sweep. The ball goes to hit the pads and after a strong appeal from the players, the umpire doesn't raise his finger. Chandimal reviews this without even asking his bowler. The third umpire has a few looks for inside edge but doesn't find any. After further seeing the replay it shows that the ball has pitched outside leg. Good decision from the umpire. The batsmen cross between all this.
The Sri Lankans have opted for a review for an LBW decision against Dhawan. They appeal but the umpire gives it not out. Chandimal doesn't think the same and opts for the review. Has this pitched outside leg?
Jeevan Mendis to Manish Pandey. Pandey cuts it past point to move to the other end.
Jeevan Mendis into the attack.
Thisara Perera to Manish Pandey. Fuller ball, Pandey hits it through mid on to keep strike after a misfield at mid-wicket.
Thisara Perera to Shikhar Dhawan. Around off, Dhawan punches this to the off side for a single.
Thisara Perera to Manish Pandey. Bangs this short again, Pandey looks to hook this but gets it off the back of the bat towards third man for one.
Thisara Perera to Manish Pandey. Short again, Pandey pulls but cannot find the gap.
Thisara Perera to Manish Pandey. FOUR! Short ball, around off, Pandey quickly takes position and works it towards the fine leg region for another boundary.
Thisara Perera to Shikhar Dhawan. The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball. The batsmen have run through for a single.
Thisara Perera to bowl his first over.
Akila Dananjaya to Shikhar Dhawan. Outside off, Dhawan kneels and sweeps it to square leg for one. 40/2 in the Powerplay for India.
Akila Dananjaya to Manish Pandey. Gives this some air and again Pandey hits it hard towards long on. He runs the first one hard and wanted the second but Dhawan sends him back.
Akila Dananjaya to Shikhar Dhawan. Floated on the pads, Dhawan misses his shot. The ball hits his pads and they steal a leg bye.
Akila Dananjaya to Manish Pandey. Tossed up, Pandey hits it hard to long on but just manages a single.
Akila Dananjaya to Manish Pandey. Slow ball on middle stump, Pandey plays it back to the bowler.
Akila Dananjaya to Shikhar Dhawan. Spins into Dhawan and the batsman goes on one knee to sweep it past the short fine leg fielder for one.
Nuwan Pradeep to Manish Pandey. FOUR! AUTHORITATIVE! Full in length, Pandey gets his front foot out of the way and blasts it over mid on. It almost goes the distance as the ball just bounces inside the ropes. 17 runs off this over, very costly.
Nuwan Pradeep to Shikhar Dhawan. Length ball around off, Dhawan plays it towards point and gets to the other end. There is a wild throw at the batter's end and thankfully, doesn't result in an overthrow.
Nuwan Pradeep to Shikhar Dhawan. WIDE! Full and down leg, Dhawan fails to flick it away.
Nuwan Pradeep to Manish Pandey. Quick run. Pandey pushes it towards mid off and takes on the fielder's arm. Makes it in, in time, beating the wild shy.
Nuwan Pradeep to Manish Pandey. WIDE! Length ball hurled down leg, Pandey misses the flick. Chandimal appeals to just put the umpire off, but the umpire's having nothing of that. Wide given.
Nuwan Pradeep to Shikhar Dhawan. On the pads, worked away to the on side for a single.
Nuwan Pradeep to Shikhar Dhawan. FOUR! LUCKY DHAWAN! The short ball ploy was initially against Raina but here, against Dhawan, it almost paid dividends. Dhawan is hurried into the pull and gets a top edge. The ball sails over the short fine leg fielder and goes to the fence for another boundary.
Nuwan Pradeep to Shikhar Dhawan. FOUR! Dananjaya's efforts on the third man fence should be lauded, but the result is in India's favour. Pradeep delivers this on a length angling away, Dhawan stands back and guides it towards third man. Akila runs to his right in the deep and puts in the dive. Yet fails to prevent the boundary.
Change of ends for Nuwan Pradeep.
Akila Dananjaya to Shikhar Dhawan. Short ball, Dhawan pulls this behind square to retain strike.
Akila Dananjaya to Shikhar Dhawan. Good running from Pandey as he forces Dhawan for the second. Dhawan plays it through mid-wicket and hares back for the second.
Akila Dananjaya to Shikhar Dhawan. WIDE! Wide outside off stump, the batsman leaves it alone. The umpire signals a wide.
Akila Dananjaya to Shikhar Dhawan. Slower through the air this time, outside off, Dhawan charges down and defends this.
Akila Dananjaya to Shikhar Dhawan. FOUR! A bit shorter this time and Dhawan does not miss it this time. Rocks back and pulls this through mid-wicket for a boundary.
Akila Dananjaya to Shikhar Dhawan. Pitched up outside off, Dhawan kneels and tries to sweep it but is beaten.
Akila Dananjaya to Shikhar Dhawan. Strong appeal from the bowler and the keeper but the umpire stays put. Starts off with a ball spinning into Dhawan who misses his flick and the ball goes to hit his pads. Chandimal thinks of going for the review but Akila dissuades him.
Akila Dananjaya to roll his arm now.
Dushmantha Chameera to Manish Pandey. Effort ball, Pandey ducks under the ball at the last moment.
Dushmantha Chameera to Manish Pandey. Pandey defends his ball from his crease.
Dushmantha Chameera to Manish Pandey. Bangs this short but Pandey fails the attempted hook shot.
Dushmantha Chameera to Manish Pandey. Outside off, Pandey misses his flick and the ball goes to Dinesh behind the stumps.
Dushmantha Chameera to Manish Pandey. The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
Dushmantha Chameera to Shikhar Dhawan. Outside off, Dhawan cuts it past point for one.
Manish Pandey joins Dhawan in the middle.
Nuwan Pradeep to Suresh Raina. OUT! BOWLED! Raina misses the full toss and the ball goes and hits the timber. Slower ball, Raina gives room and completely misses the ball trying to cut it on the off side. The ball crashes into the middle stump and sends Raina back to the hut. What a start for the Lankans!
Nuwan Pradeep to Shikhar Dhawan. Short ball on the hips of Dhawan who pulls it behind square for another run.
Nuwan Pradeep to Shikhar Dhawan. The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
Nuwan Pradeep to Shikhar Dhawan. FOUR! Around off and Dhawan charges down the wicket and chips it over mid off. The ball races away to the fence for the first boundary of the Indian innings.
Nuwan Pradeep to Suresh Raina. Overpitched ball, Raina plays it to mid-wicket and quickly runs to the other end for his first run. The fielder has a shy at the non-strikers end but misses.
Nuwan Pradeep to Shikhar Dhawan. Pitched up, in line of the stumps, Dhawan hits it through mid on for a run.
Nuwan Pradeep to bowl from the other end.
Dushmantha Chameera to Suresh Raina. Raina cuts this to the point fielder.
Dushmantha Chameera to Shikhar Dhawan. Played to mid-wicket region by the batsman. The batsmen have run through for a single. Dhawan gets off the mark.
Suresh Raina walks in next.
Dushmantha Chameera to Rohit Sharma. OUT! SCREAMER! Big wicket first up! Sri Lanka get Rohit Sharma very early in the piece. This is a length ball in line of the stumps, Sharma looks to hit it over mid off. He ends up getting more height than distance. Jeevan Mendis backtracks from that position and takes a good catch with a dive. Mind you, he is more than 35 years of age yet he has pulled this one off like a youngster. A blob for the Indian skipper, just what the hosts would have wanted.
Dushmantha Chameera to Rohit Sharma. Wide. Slow ball down the leg, Rohit looks to heave this away but fails to connect. Wide signaled by the umpire.
Dushmantha Chameera to Rohit Sharma. Sharma defends this off his back foot while Chameera just looses his balance on his follow through.
Dushmantha Chameera to Rohit Sharma. Another good length ball around off and Sharma defends it well on his back foot.
Dushmantha Chameera to Rohit Sharma. Steams in and starts of with a length ball outside off. Rohit defends it with a straight bat.
The national anthems had taken place and that's over now. The umpires and the Sri Lankan team are out in the middle. Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma stride out with the bat. Dushmantha Chameera will take the new ball. A slip in place. Here we go...
Indian skipper, Rohit Sharma, says that he was not to bothered the toss as the pitch is a good one and adds by that it won't change much during the 40 overs. He states that their team is in good form but this is a new series and they want to start on a good note. He reckons that they have many youngsters in their side and this is the perfect platform for them.
Dinesh Chandimal, the Sri Lankan skipper says that it is a good pitch and they will look to restrict India to a minimum total. He says his team is in good form and are playing some good cricket. He adds by saying that they are playing seven batsmen and four bowlers.
TOSS - Dinesh Chandimal spins the coin and Rohit Sharma calls tails. He gets it wrong and the Sri Lankan skipper decides to bowl first.
PITCH REPORT - Brett Lee is down on the field and gives us a report on the pitch. He says that there is plenty of grass on the pitch but it is on the drier side. He adds that the weather was hot and humid in the past couple of days. He states that there are a few cracks on the surface and the ball will skid through. He opines that the bowlers should pitch it up and not be afraid. But goes on to add that it is a flat pitch and a good one for batting. If they start well they should put runs on the board. He reckons that it is a 150-170 track.
The visitors come into this game after resting some of their big guns. The hosts are in form after getting the better of Bangladesh in the series before this. They will hope their top players continue the purple patch and will look to start the tourney on a positive note. Let's hope for a cracker of a game. We will bring you the toss and the teams in a while.
Sri Lanka vs India! AGAIN! How many times have these teams faced each other in recent times? But this is a new series and a different set of players for India. But this time another team joins them to fight for the silverware - Bangladesh. Despite an emergency being called in Sri Lanka, we are all set for T20 cricket in Colombo. Hello and welcome to our coverage of the first match of the Nidahas Trophy.
That concludes the opening encounter of this All-Asian Triangular T20I series. The hosts began on the right note, getting the better of their Asian neighbors. Next up, Bangladesh and India face each other at the same venue. That clash is on International Women's Day. See you at 1900 local time (1330 GMT) then. Till then, take care! Adios amigos!
Dinesh Chandimal, the glee-looking captain, is elated to win against India after 7 games. Says that this is a good start for the tourney and the signs of things to come from them. Adds about taking this confidence going forward. About having a spring in his step in the game, he plays it down saying that the entire team gelled well and that made it easier for him. Praises their coach as well as the management for this win. After the chat, he goes on to take the match winner's trophy from the presentation panel.
Rohit Sharma, the glum-faced skipper, states that they ended up with a par score and something that was enough to play with. Adds that some more acceleration was desirable towards the end with the bat. Concedes that the start that Sri Lanka got was instrumental in them gunning this total down. Reckons that sometimes things can go wrong and sounds hopeful of his boys learning from this outing. Mentions of having enough experience in their bowling line-up. He states that although the international experience is less, their bowlers are pretty well-exposed to the format and hence the management backs them to do the task. Iterates about having a good depth in the side. Ends vowing to come back stronger in the next games.
The Man of the Match tonight is Kusal Perera for his belligerent knock. He begins by stating that this was his best innings. Reckons that after injuring himself, he went and played at the club level and got himself ready to the rigors of international cricket. Ends saying that the target was a stiff one but they were confident of chasing this down.
The Indian bowling came cropper tonight. Apart from the most-economical-of-the-lot Washington Sundar, who picked up a couple of wickets, the others disappeared to all parts of the ground. Yuzvendra Chahal also had two to his name, but he was a tad too expensive. That Shardul Thakur over of 27 runs was perhaps signs of things to come for the Indians tonight. That meant that Shikhar Dhawan's 90 went in vain. Let's see what the captains and the player of the match have to say...
The others just had to chip in to mark their attendance after the 58-run partnership between Perera and Danushka Gunathilaka. The final rites were done by the twin all-rounder pair of Thisara Perera and Dasun Shanaka. They quelled any hopes of an Indian win in the series opener.
The hosts were on the money right from the outset. Their initial burst of 75 runs in the first 6 overs, their best in a T20I, helped them steamroll the opponents. Kusal Perera had the lion's share in the exploits. He smashed a quickfire 66 and that set the platform for them. They never looked back from that.
Sri Lanka, for a change, have got the better of the Indians in an international game! Yes, these words are rare to see. What stamps the odd nature of win is this - this is the first time India have lost a T20I against Sri Lanka at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Shardul Thakur to Thisara Perera. FOUR! Those are the winning runs! Thisara Perera's blade brings them. This is short in length, Perera pulls it through backward square leg. The ball speeds away to the fence, beating square leg to his left and fine leg to his right. SRI LANKA REGISTER THE FIRST WIN IN THE TRI-SERIES, A 5-WICKET WIN WITH 9 BALLS TO SPARE!
Shardul Thakur to Thisara Perera. Short in length, pulled away through mid-wicket for a brace. Just one hit away are the hosts from a win.
Shardul Thakur to Dasun Shanaka. Full outside off, driven through covers for one.
Shardul Thakur to Dasun Shanaka. WIDE! This is sprayed down the leg side, Shanaka misses the flick.
Shardul Thakur to bowl the penultimate over. Will he be able to take the game to the last over?
Jaydev Unadkat to Thisara Perera. FOUR! 10 runs off the last two balls and that should seal the deal for Sri Lanka. This is a low full toss on the stumps, Perera thumps it straight over the non-striker and holds the pose. The ball bounces just in front of the ropes and that brings down the runs required to 8 off the last two overs.
Jaydev Unadkat to Thisara Perera. SIX! Telling blow? Full on off, Perera gets his front leg out of the way and smites it straight over long off. The ball clears the fence easily. Sri Lankans needed just one big over and this is the one it seems.
Jaydev Unadkat to Thisara Perera. WIDE! Full and well outside off, Perera fails to reach that. The umpire stretches his arms, that doesn't please the bowler one bit.
Jaydev Unadkat to Dasun Shanaka. Another length ball, Shanaka comes down the track but fails to get bat on his attempted pull. The ball goes off his hips to the off side for a leg bye.
Jaydev Unadkat to Dasun Shanaka. On a length on the stumps, Dasun misses his attempted pull.
Jaydev Unadkat to Dasun Shanaka. FOUR! Shanaka belts this one! Length ball at a normal pace this time. Shanaka backs away and flat-bats it over covers for a boundary. Crucial one, as more 20 runs are needed off 16 balls.
Jaydev Unadkat to Dasun Shanaka. Unadkat comes from round the wicket and delivers a slow length ball. Dasun makes room to slash it but is deceived by the change of pace.
Jaydev Unadkat to bowl his third over.
Vijay Shankar to Dasun Shanaka. Length ball, flat-batted aerially to long off for a single. Shankar has bowled well here, 4 couples and a couple of singles, apart from a wide.
Vijay Shankar to Dasun Shanaka. Short and wide outside off, slashed over point for another two.
Vijay Shankar to Dasun Shanaka. Full and outside off, Shanaka slices it over backward point for a brace.
Vijay Shankar to Dasun Shanaka. BEAMER! NOT A NO BALL, STRANGELY! Shanaka heaves it towards fine leg for a couple. All eyes are on the umpires but no signal from them. Lucky Shankar?
Vijay Shankar to Dasun Shanaka. WIDE! This is full and outside off, Shanaka doesn't bother playing at that.
Vijay Shankar to Thisara Perera. Full in length, Perera gets it off the bottom half of the blade over the bowler for one.
Vijay Shankar to Thisara Perera. Trisection! Shankar runs in from round the wicket and hurls it full outside off, Perera looks to go over covers but ends up slicing it. Chahal runs back from covers, long off runs to his right and sweeper comes a bit to his left. But the ball lands in the centre of them and enables a brace.
Vijay Shankar to bowl the 17th over. Right call? Our colleague here, Parth, doesn't seem to agree.
Shardul Thakur to Dasun Shanaka. Excellent over from Thakur comes to an end as just 3 came off this. This is banged short yet again, Shanaka is unable to slash it. 35 from 24 needed. The Lankans are 6 runs ahead than where India were at this point.
Shardul Thakur to Thisara Perera. This ball is pushed through mid-wicket for one.
Shardul Thakur to Dasun Shanaka. Back of a length delivery again, Shanaka plays this a la a forehand shot in tennis. Seems to have got it off the toe end towards long on for one. Shanaka seems to be hurt, as he seems to crouch after taking that run.
Shardul Thakur to Dasun Shanaka. OUCH! That would have hurt. Thakur hurls a short length ball on the stumps, Dasun fails to pull that and gets hit on the hip.
Shardul Thakur to Dasun Shanaka. Length ball outside off, pushed towards covers for nothing.
Shardul Thakur to Thisara Perera. Short in length, Perera pulls it through mid-wicket for one.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Thisara Perera. Thisara opens his account with a punch through covers.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Thisara Perera. Floated on the stumps, defended off the front foot.
Thisara Perera is the next batter in for Sri Lanka. Though the card says 39 off 32 required, with two new batsmen in the middle, it could be anybody's game. A slip in place now.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Upul Tharanga. OUT! Woodwork! This is flatter on a length around off, Tharanga hangs on the back foot and looks to heave it over the on side. Ends up missing the ball and finds his off stump pegged back. Chahal has this wonderful character of striking when the attack is on him. Does exactly the same now.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Dasun Shanaka. Flighted ball on the stumps, wristed to the on side for one.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Upul Tharanga. This time a lofted shot over mid-wicket is played for a single.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Upul Tharanga. Wrong 'un outside off on a shorter length, Upul cuts it in front of point for a brace.
Yuzvendra Chahal is back.
Shardul Thakur to Upul Tharanga. Length ball on the pads, Tharanga fails to get bat and the ball falls down after striking him on the pads. Shanaka calls him through for a single and makes it. A leg bye it is. Meanwhile, a funny thing happens. Karthik expects a kick from Thakur while the bowler expects the keeper to bend and collect it. Neither does anything and that takes Dinesh by surprise.
Shardul Thakur to Upul Tharanga. CHANCE DOWN! Rishabh Pant, the name which is associated with this one. This is short in length, Tharanga is hurried into the pull. Ends up getting it off the high end of the bat towards mid-wicket. Pant leaps full stretch to his right and gets a hand to it but fails to hold on. The ball rolls towards long on and a couple of runs are taken. Perhaps another fielder with a taller height could have done better.
Shardul Thakur to Dasun Shanaka. Full on middle and leg, driven down to long on for one.
Shardul Thakur to Upul Tharanga. Short in length, pulled away through mid-wicket for one.
Shardul Thakur to Upul Tharanga. Length ball angling in, Tharanga has a swipe across the line but misses.
Shardul Thakur to Upul Tharanga. Thakur runs in from round the wicket and lands it on a length. Upul blocks.
Shardul Thakur is brought on after his sole over went for 27.
Washington Sundar to Dasun Shanaka. This one is pushed to the left of the bowler for nothing. Excellent stuff from Sundar - 4-0-28-2.
Washington Sundar to Dasun Shanaka. The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
Washington Sundar to Dasun Shanaka. Floated on off, pushed towards covers.
Dasun Shanaka walks in next. The platform is set for him to get himself in and see his side through.
Washington Sundar to Kusal Perera. OUT! Is this the wicket that turns it around for India? Sundar is the man, who has provided the breakthrough for them. This is floated outside off, Perera comes down the track in search of a big shot. Misses the ball completely and Dinesh Karthik does the rest. This is exceptional stuff from the youngster, considering that he is bowling at a time when the batters are in a murderous mood. 48 more needed off 45 balls.
Washington Sundar to Kusal Perera. WIDE! Fired down leg, Perera fails to make contact with that.
Washington Sundar to Kusal Perera. Flatter trajectory on the pads, Kusal misses the flick and wears it on the pads.
Washington Sundar to Kusal Perera. Floated around off, pushed back to the bowler.
Washington Sundar to bowl out. 3-0-27-1 are his current figures.
Suresh Raina to Upul Tharanga. Floated outside off, Tharanga chips it inside out over covers for a couple.
Suresh Raina to Kusal Perera. The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot. One run added to the total.
Suresh Raina to Upul Tharanga. This is eased down to long off for a single.
Suresh Raina to Kusal Perera. Flatter outside off, cut away through point for one.
Suresh Raina to Kusal Perera. SIX! Kusal Perera is audacious. Period. Raina darts it around off, it comes at a good length for Perera. He gets into position early and reverse hits it high and handsome over deep backward point for a biggie.
Suresh Raina to Upul Tharanga. Tharanga drives it to long off for one.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Upul Tharanga. Flatter outside off, punched through covers for one. 61 off 54 needed.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Upul Tharanga. SIX! What a way to get off the mark. Tossed up delivery outside off, it is the leg spinner. Tharanga picks it up and smites it over deep mid-wicket for half a dozen.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Kusal Perera. Kusal slinks down the track and pushes it past the bowler for one.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Kusal Perera. FOUR! Ahhh! The Indians shouldn't be complaining about such type of runs as Dhawan also got them this way. This is floated down leg, Perera looks to sweep. Gets a top edge and the ball goes through to the fine leg fence.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Kusal Perera. This one is hit back to the bowler. Chahal gets low to his left but parries it away. It is a dot ball though.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Kusal Perera. WIDE! This is the googly but well outside off. Perera goes to the off side but fails to cut it. Wide given.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Kusal Perera. STOPPED! Floated on the stumps, Perera charges down and blasts it straight. Chahal stretches his right hand out and stops it cleanly.
Suresh Raina to Upul Tharanga. Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. Good over from Raina.
Suresh Raina to Kusal Perera. The batsman has driven it through mid off. The batsmen have run through for a single.
Suresh Raina to Upul Tharanga. The ball hits the pads of Tharanga and they run through for one.
Suresh Raina to Upul Tharanga. Another dot ball. Good bowling from Raina. Tharanga pushes this to covers.
Suresh Raina to Upul Tharanga. The batsman has driven it through mid off.
Suresh Raina to Kusal Perera. Perera cuts this ball past point for a run.
Suresh Raina is into the attack.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Upul Tharanga. The batsman has attempted to put bat on ball - but fails.
Upul Tharanga walks in next.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Dinesh Chandimal. OUT! Chahal gets the skipper. Beautifully bowled by the spinner. Quicker through the air and Chandimal charges down the wicket but ends up yorking himself. Tries to flick it on the leg side but leaves a gap between bat and pad which is enough for the ball to go through and disturb the furniture.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Dinesh Chandimal. Played to mid-wicket region by the batsman. They manage to come back for the second.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Dinesh Chandimal. FOUR! Good looking shot from the skipper. Seen the ball tossed up, he dances down to hit it past the bowler towards long off for a boundary.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Dinesh Chandimal. Wrong'un. Chandimal gets an inside edge onto his pads.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Dinesh Chandimal. Outside off, Chandimal looks to cut it but gets a top edge to it.
Vijay Shankar to Kusal Perera. Good bouncer from Shankar to end the over. Outside off, Perera leaves it alone.
Vijay Shankar to Dinesh Chandimal. Chandimal pushes this through covers for one.
Vijay Shankar to Kusal Perera. Bowls this at the ribs of Perera who pulls this to square leg for just one.
Vijay Shankar to Kusal Perera. Perera shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
Vijay Shankar to Dinesh Chandimal. The ball takes an inside edge of the blade of Chandimal and they run through.
Vijay Shankar to Kusal Perera. 8th T20I fifty for Perera. This one is punched towards covers. Rohit dives to his left and parries it to his left. A run is eventually taken. Kusal has taken the attack to India here.
Vijay Shankar to bowl for the first time on his debut.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Dinesh Chandimal. Outside off, Chandimal cuts it past point for a brace.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Kusal Perera. Perera hits it through mid-wicket for a single.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Kusal Perera. Played through mid-wicket by the batsman. A misfield there helps them come back for two.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Kusal Perera. SIX! No stopping Perera even after he lost his partner in the last over. Chahal tosses this in line of the stumps and Perera charges down and deposits this over the bowler's head for a maximum.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Dinesh Chandimal. Chandimal drives this through mid off to rotate strike.
Yuzvendra Chahal to Kusal Perera. Spins this into Perera who eases it on the leg side for one.
Yuzvendra Chahal to roll his arm.
Washington Sundar to Dinesh Chandimal. Flatter on the pads, turned to mid-wicket for nothing. Sri Lanka's best Powerplay in T20Is - 75/2. They are on course to chase the target in front of them.
Washington Sundar to Kusal Perera. Quick run this time. Kusal taps this one towards mid on again and this time quickly gets to the other end.
Washington Sundar to Kusal Perera. Flatter on off, Perera goes back and punches it to mid on for back-to-back dots.
Washington Sundar to Kusal Perera. Floated on middle, hit straight to mid on.
Washington Sundar to Dinesh Chandimal. Flatter outside off, punched through covers for three runs.
Washington Sundar to Kusal Perera. Perera wrists this through mid-wicket for a single.
Dinesh Chandimal is next to bat.
Jaydev Unadkat to Danushka Gunathilaka. OUT! One too many! India get the breakthrough. Slow ball in line of the stumps and Gunathilaka looks to go downtown. He is undone by the pace on that and ends up chipping it in the air. The ball goes towards mid off and Pant gets under it and takes a simple catch. A good catch to end the mayhem. A quickfire 58-run partnership for Sri Lanka comes to an end. Will India sneak through the line-up now?
Jaydev Unadkat to Danushka Gunathilaka. FOUR! On the pads of Gunathilaka who works it down the leg side for a boundary.
Jaydev Unadkat to Danushka Gunathilaka. Wide. The batsman tries flicking a ball that is down the leg side. Wide signalled by the umpire.
Jaydev Unadkat to Danushka Gunathilaka. The batsman was beaten and missed the line of the delivery.
Jaydev Unadkat to Danushka Gunathilaka. SIX! Gunathilaka gets into the act now. Pitched up ball and he lofts it over mid on for half a dozen. Sri Lanka are on a roll.
Jaydev Unadkat to Danushka Gunathilaka. Hits it well over mid-wicket and they come back for the second.
Jaydev Unadkat to Kusal Perera. Perera gets an inside edge onto his pads and they scamper for the run. The fielder has a shy at the stumps but misses.
Jaydev Unadkat back for his second over.
Washington Sundar to Danushka Gunathilaka. SIX! It's raining in Colombo. No, not bad news, as it's raining sixes! This is tossed up around middle, Danushka gets down on a knee and smites it over deep mid-wicket for a maximum.
Washington Sundar to Danushka Gunathilaka. Outside off, pushed towards point.
Washington Sundar to Kusal Perera. Angled in from round the wicket, chipped aerially towards mid on for a single.
Washington Sundar to Kusal Perera. Perera gets down the track and flicks it through mid-wicket. Before the throw from the deep comes in, a couple results. Excellent running.
Washington Sundar to Danushka Gunathilaka. Darted on the pads, Danushka fails to flick it away. The ball rolls away and a leg bye is taken.
Washington Sundar to Danushka Gunathilaka. Flatter on off, defended with a straight bat towards the bowler.
Shardul Thakur to Kusal Perera. Dot ball. Thakur gets away. Bowls this short and Perera pulls it away only to find the short fine leg fielder.
Shardul Thakur to Kusal Perera. FOUR! Straight back the bowler. Full again and Perera hits it down the ground past the bowler for another boundary. He is looking dangerous. 27 runs off this over with a ball to go.
Shardul Thakur to Kusal Perera. FOUR! And to make matters worse it is a no-ball for height. Expensive over this from Thakur and he just cannot find the right length. Full toss this time and Perera carves it past point for the fourth boundary of the over. Free Hit coming up.
Shikhar Dhawan, the vice-captain, has something to say and he whispers his ideas to the skipper Rohit Sharma. Will this stop the bleeding?
Shardul Thakur to Kusal Perera. SIX! All the way this time. Similar delivery and this time Perera gets plenty on it to go all the way for a maximum. 18 from the first four balls.
Shardul Thakur to Kusal Perera. FOUR! Hat-trick of boundaries for Perera. Pitched up and Perera lofts it over mid off for four more.
Shardul Thakur to Kusal Perera. FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries for Perera. This is on a length and angling away. Perera uses the pace of Thakur and guides it towards point. Raina there dives to his left and gets some hand to hit. Chahal chases it down from covers, yet a boundary results.
Shardul Thakur to Kusal Perera. FOUR! Starts off with a short ball and Perera pulls this behind square for a boundary.
Shardul Thakur to bowl his first over.
Washington Sundar to Kusal Perera. Played to mid-wicket region by the batsman. One run added to the total.
Washington Sundar to Kusal Perera. SIX! Sweet! What a hit from Perera who has just come to bat. Tossed up and Perera gets low to sweep it over mid-wicket for a biggie!
Washington Sundar to Kusal Perera. The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
Kusal Perera walks in next to bat.
Washington Sundar to Kusal Mendis. OUT! India get an early wicket. Sundar is not afraid to toss the ball up even after getting hit for a boundary. He does so and deceives Mendis in the flight. Kusal looks to play a big shot over the on side and ends up skewing it off the outer half towards mid off. Dhawan there, backtracks and pouches it safely. Excellent bowling by the youngster and Mendis has to walk back early.
Washington Sundar to Kusal Mendis. Gives this one air too and Mendis sweeps this behind square for a brace.
Washington Sundar to Kusal Mendis. FOUR! First of the innings for Sri Lanka! Tossed up ball and Mendis chips it over mid off for a boundary.
Washington Sundar will share the new ball from the other end.
Jaydev Unadkat to Danushka Gunathilaka. Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. Six runs from the first over.
Jaydev Unadkat to Kusal Mendis. Mendis gets this past covers for one.
Jaydev Unadkat to Kusal Mendis. FOUR! ALMOST a wicket for India. Length ball moving away from Mendis. He looks to cut this but the ball flies off the edge past Raina at first slip for a boundary.
Jaydev Unadkat to Kusal Mendis. Angles this away from Mendis who gets a bottom edge to it.
Jaydev Unadkat to Danushka Gunathilaka. Length ball this time and Gunathilaka flicks it off his pads to pick up the first run of the innings.
Jaydev Unadkat to Danushka Gunathilaka. Steams in and bowls it full. Gunathilaka stays in the crease and bunts this.
We are back for the chase. The umpires come out once again with the Indian players this time. Kusal Mendis and Danushka Gunathilaka will face the new ball. Jaydev Unadkat will start proceedings for the Indian team. One slip in place. Here we go...