Sri Lankan batsman took a charge on Indian bowling lineup, ICC Champions Trophy 2017.
(Mussab Tariq, Gujranwala)
Angelo Mathews and Asela Gunaratne celebrate after defeating India.
A strong performance from Sri Lanka has completely opened up the possibilities in this group. Remember it started when they pulled things back in the latter half of the Indian inning. They were lucky to get Rohit's wicket but then put pressure on the new batsmen and managed to keep things quiet for a while. At one stage it looked like India can get 350, but 322 is a regulation chase on good batting pitches in modern ODIs if you bat well and bat well they did with almost all their batsmen coming to the party. Mendis and Gunathilaka saw off the new ball threat from Yadav and Bhuvi and patiently built a partnership to lay the foundation of this chase. They were severe on India's lesser bowlers and pretty much knocked Jadeja and Pandya out of the attack without taking too many risks. Two run outs at a crucial time in the game proved only minor hiccups as Matthews, as he has done so often for Sri Lanka in the past guided them through expertly with help from Perera and Gunaratne.
Riding on half-centuries from Danushka Gunathilaka (76 off 72) and Kusal Mendis (89 off 93), Sri Lanka stunned defending champions India in Match 8 of the ICC Champions Trophy on Thursday at the Kennington Oval, London. With this win, Sri Lanka kept themselves alive in the tournament overhauling India's total of 321 for six with seven wickets in hand and eight balls remaining. This also became the highest successful chase in Champions Trophy history
Kusal Perera and Angelo Methews build on the foundation provided by the top-order with a 75-run stand in just 10.2 overs. Perera was at his innovative best while Mathews played second fiddle to Perera. Indian bowlers failed to get a breakthrough and Sri Lanka inched closer to a famous victory. With pressure on India, short balls and misfields increased as Mathews and Perera hit the crucial blows finding a boundary at least once in every over. Perera had a hamstring issue and retired hurt for 47 off 44 deliveries in the 43rd over. Gunaratne came out to the middle and he hit a six off a short ball off Umesh Yadav, before taking two fours in one Bhuvneshwar over. Another six from Gunaratne off Bumrah helped the asking rate to go under six for the first time in the match. Mathews (52*) remained firm and led his team to a memorable victory. Gunaratne played a handy knock of 31* off 24 balls.
Chasing 322 to stay alive in ICC Champions Trophy 2017, Sri Lanka gunned down the target with seven wickets in hand. The win over India makes the Group B very interesting now. Winner of India vs South Africa, Pakistan vs Sri Lanka to enter semis.