The Sri Lankans put the record straight after a few losses by thrashing the Indians by 74 runs to win the Micromax Cup at Dambulla last evening.
This comprehensive win was setup by the batsmen-Jayawardena, Dilshan and Sangakkara who put the game beyond India’s reach by some scintillating batting. 300 under lights was never on, especially by a team whose batting was their Achilles heel.
India ran into stormy weather straight away when Karthik was given out down the leg side. Nothing went right for him on this tour and this was probably the last straw. It was also a birthday gift for Malinga.
‘Ton-up’ Dilshan salutes the huge Dambulla crowd. (Pic by Sanka Vidanagama) |
Sehwag played as is his wont. He timed his shots through backward point and cover very sweetly. He wasn’t fazed by the mountainous task at hand. Luck deserted him when he was sent back by Kohli and couldn’t beat Kapugedera’s direct hit. Sehwag seemed to be in a bit of a dither as he was awaiting the outcome of an lbw appeal. Kohli was a revelation, driving beautifully through cover many a time.
Kohli’s on-driven four off Perera was one of the shots of the day. Yuvraj mixed caution with aggression and Raina threw his bat around boldly. Dhoni with partners deserting him regularly, decided to set out his stall and bat the overs out.
However he too lost patience and was bowled, going for the big bash in the 47th over. Malinga’s second spell was too much for the tailenders. Perera got the wickets that mattered while Randiv teased the batsman to distraction.
Earlier a batting blitz by the explosive Tillakaratne Dilshan and a sensible yet delightful knock from skipper Sangakkara saw the Sri Lankans to a formidable and challenging 299 for 8. Sangakkara’s luck with the toss held and the think-tank’s decision to couple Jayawardena with Dilshan paid handsome dividends. The blitz by the openers had the Indians nonplussed and Dhoni was compelled to call upon four paceman in the space of ten overs.
The Sri Lankans were going at six an over but at 121 Jayawardena’s attempted lofted shot was held by Karthik at deep cover. The situation demanded the entry of Sangakkara or even Mathews, but surprisingly Tharanga came in at first drop. The latter didn’t last all that long and Sangakkara, on entry rotated the strike with Dilshan expertly.
|
E-mail
