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Fantain’s Take : India Vs SL

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321 on the board. That sounded like a definite win for the Men In Blue. Until the opponents came in. The Clash of the Titans of the Subcontinent turned out to be more than what one bargained for. It was a good match from the word go. It was a stunning victory for Sri Lanka, the presumed underdogs. The seven-wicket win has made everyone sit up and take notice. When you do not defend a total of 321, you have to get back to the drawing board and give it a real good look. The high after defeating Pakistan is now a thing of the past.
It was a good chase from the beginning. It is hard not to be confident when you put up a total of 321 on the board. Guess the Sri Lankans decided they had nothing to lose and came in all guns blazing. The Indian Bowlers struggled to get the much-needed breakthrough. Breaking up a partnership was what was required. Kusal’s 89, and Gunathilaka’s 76 kept them right on top. The team showed great depth in their batting despite Captain Upul Tharanga serving a two-match suspension because of slow over rate. With an amazing knock of 52 from 45, Mathews, the stand-in captain, led the team to their victory. With eight deliveries to spare at that.
The Indians were left shocked. Wondering what hit them. It was a closely contested game that turned into a one-sided match towards the end. The Indian Bowlers need a pick-me-up to regain their morale. This is a match they should not forget in a hurry.
Earlier in the day, Shikhar Dhawan showed what he was made up of when he hit 125, taking the Indian Total to a whopping 321. Rohit Sharma and Dhoni added 78 and 63 respectively. The top batsmen clicked and it seemed like a shoo-in.
Sri Lanka outclassed India. That is the take away from the match. SL winning this match has given them hopes. They live to fight another day. Now, the next match that India and Sri Lanka play become the deciding game for their future in this tournament.

Having said that, it was a good day for cricket. Group B is still alive.

Indu

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