Thanks to their batsmen, the Indian team managed to keep the spirited chase of the Lankans. The tall score would always pose a stiff challenge to the Lankans but cheap runs given by the bowlers at the end to Sangakkara and Perera meant that the final score was healthier than what seemed likely at the end of 40 overs.
Virat Kohli and Sangakkara like these ties since they like to feast on the opposition bowlers and score big 100s - both have scored at least four centuries in Indo-Lankan competition. Today was no different. Kohli had support from Sehwag, Raina and Dhoni while Sanga was alone till Perera decided to cut loose.
Though the Indians were coming from a long break, the batsmen seemed to be in good form against an attack that seemed to be tired coming after the Pakistan series. The late Indian surge was muted thanks to the relatively larger ground but a 300+score was going to be always difficult on Lankan soil. The Indian bowlers were better than their counterparts in the initial phase, containing the openers and claiming the important scalp of Dilshan.
Pathan, when he fires, brings a lot of value to the team with his shots in the middle and swing when he bowls. Zaheer seemed to be rusty but gave his bowlers good advice when required. Ashwin was miserly as well as picked up useful wickets whenever he came to bowl. Yadav impressed with his pace and could have had Sanga early but for Dhoni. His deficiency was mainly about giving cheap runs to batsmen when the writing was on the wall. But, he was able to keep Sanga quiet most of the time - a good sign.
Overall, a good win for the Indians who will try to win 5-0 and reclaim the No.1 slot in ODI's.
Virat Kohli and Sangakkara like these ties since they like to feast on the opposition bowlers and score big 100s - both have scored at least four centuries in Indo-Lankan competition. Today was no different. Kohli had support from Sehwag, Raina and Dhoni while Sanga was alone till Perera decided to cut loose.
Though the Indians were coming from a long break, the batsmen seemed to be in good form against an attack that seemed to be tired coming after the Pakistan series. The late Indian surge was muted thanks to the relatively larger ground but a 300+score was going to be always difficult on Lankan soil. The Indian bowlers were better than their counterparts in the initial phase, containing the openers and claiming the important scalp of Dilshan.
Pathan, when he fires, brings a lot of value to the team with his shots in the middle and swing when he bowls. Zaheer seemed to be rusty but gave his bowlers good advice when required. Ashwin was miserly as well as picked up useful wickets whenever he came to bowl. Yadav impressed with his pace and could have had Sanga early but for Dhoni. His deficiency was mainly about giving cheap runs to batsmen when the writing was on the wall. But, he was able to keep Sanga quiet most of the time - a good sign.
Overall, a good win for the Indians who will try to win 5-0 and reclaim the No.1 slot in ODI's.
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