Sangakkara’s ton drives Sri Lanka to a thrilling victory over India

An excellent innings from the Sri Lankan batting mainstay Kumar Sangakkara, coupled with an ordinary performance at the end from the Indian bowlers sealed a close victory for Sri Lanka, who have effectively booked their place in the final.

Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews won the toss, and put the Indians to bat at low-paced pitch. Mathews got his combination right, as he preferred to deepen his batting strength and also brought in the mystery spinner Ajanta Mendis into the team.

The Indian openers were expected to fire, but got off to a cautious start. But Rohit was removed soon, and captain Virat Kohli joined the opener. Both of them mixed caution with aggression. While Virat Kohli looked set for an another good knock, Shikhar Dhawan was nearing a well-deserved century. But Ajanta Mendis knocked Kohli’s stumps, and it was all down-hill for India thereafter.

While Rahane chipped in with a useful 23, Ambati Rayudu and Dinesh Karthik failed to fire. With the scorecard reading 216-7, it looked like India won’t be able to cross 250. But useful cameos from R Jadeja and Ashwin pushed India to a competitive total of 264. Ajanta Mendis was their highest wicket taker with 4-50.

It was upto Indian bowlers to fire now, and their horrible reputation has managed to even worsen after their start. Both the openers looked comfortable at the crease. India had to wait till Ashwin to finally provide them with the break-through. Ashwin got the first two break-throughs for India, and the match was right back into the balance.

A tight bowling from Jadeja reaped him rewards, as even he chipped in with couple off wickets. And India’s currently best bet with reverse swing, Mohammad Shami took crucial wickets in his second spell, and Sri Lanka were left reeling at 170 odd runs with the loss of 6 wickets. But Kumar Sangakkara was still in the crease, and he single-handedly took Sri Lanka to a near improbable victory.

Well supported by C Silva, Sangakkara completed his half century and took away the match from India. He got a well deserved century and was dismissed when the equation read 7 off 9. By selecting a deep batting order, Sri Lanka ensured that they win without any upset, as T Perera won the match for Sri Lanka.
Sangakkara’s ton drives Sri Lanka to a thrilling victory over India

An excellent innings from the Sri Lankan batting mainstay Kumar Sangakkara, coupled with an ordinary performance at the end from the Indian bowlers sealed a close victory for Sri Lanka, who have effectively booked their place in the final.

Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews won the toss, and put the Indians to bat at low-paced pitch. Mathews got his combination right, as he preferred to deepen his batting strength and also brought in the mystery spinner Ajanta Mendis into the team.

The Indian openers were expected to fire, but got off to a cautious start. But Rohit was removed soon, and captain Virat Kohli joined the opener. Both of them mixed caution with aggression. While Virat Kohli looked set for an another good knock, Shikhar Dhawan was nearing a well-deserved century. But Ajanta Mendis knocked Kohli’s stumps, and it was all down-hill for India thereafter.

While Rahane chipped in with a useful 23, Ambati Rayudu and Dinesh Karthik failed to fire. With the scorecard reading 216-7, it looked like India won’t be able to cross 250. But useful cameos from R Jadeja and Ashwin pushed India to a competitive total of 264. Ajanta Mendis was their highest wicket taker with 4-50.

It was upto Indian bowlers to fire now, and their horrible reputation has managed to even worsen after their start. Both the openers looked comfortable at the crease. India had to wait till Ashwin to finally provide them with the break-through. Ashwin got the first two break-throughs for India, and the match was right back into the balance.

A tight bowling from Jadeja reaped him rewards, as even he chipped in with couple off wickets. And India’s currently best bet with reverse swing, Mohammad Shami took crucial wickets in his second spell, and Sri Lanka were left reeling at 170 odd runs with the loss of 6 wickets. But Kumar Sangakkara was still in the crease, and he single-handedly took Sri Lanka to a near improbable victory.

Well supported by C Silva, Sangakkara completed his half century and took away the match from India. He got a well deserved century and was dismissed when the equation read 7 off 9. By selecting a deep batting order, Sri Lanka ensured that they win without any upset, as T Perera won the match for Sri Lanka.