Underdogs Sri Lanka shame India
CLINICAL Dhawan’s ton goes in vain as Sri Lankan batsmen chase down India’s 321 to keep semis hopes alive
Danushka Gunathilaka and Kusal Mendis were the heroes as Sri Lanka chased down 322 runs to upset India by seven wickets at the Oval on Thursday and throw Champions Trophy Group B wide open.
Shikhar Dhawan’s superb 125 had led India to an imposing total of 321 for six but Gunathilaka (76) and Mendis (89) shared a second-wicket partnership of 159 to set up an unlikely win for Sri Lanka, who achieved the highest successful run chase in the tournament’s history. took charge, bludgeoning 63 off 52 balls to lift his side to a commanding score. Sri Lanka’s chase started badly when they lost Dickwella for seven but Gunathilaka and Mendis played freely from the start. The former got to his fifty off 47 balls, including two sixes and five fours, and Mendis soon followed him to the milestone.
The Indian bowlers looked short of inspiration and it took a Sri Lankan error of judgement to end the partnership when Gunathilaka was needlessly run out going for a risky second.
Mendis was also run out following a brilliant pick-up and throw by bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar but the double blow did not upset Sri Lanka’s concentration. Kusal Perera and captain Angelo Mathews added 75 runs off 63 deliveries before Perera was forced to retire hurt on 47 due to a hamstring injury.
But Asela Gunaratne (34 not out) joined skipper Mathews who finished unbeaten on 52 as Sri Lanka eased to a memorable victory with eight balls to spare.