By: Tarish Bhatt
When India posted an imposing 321 on the board, it seemed that they had the game under control. Later, Bhuvneshwar Kumar provided them the early breakthrough with the new ball to put India in command.
But, just when it looked like India’s game, the Islanders scripted a memorable chase. They defeated the Indians by seven wickets, and eight balls to spare. This clinical win kept their chances of reaching the semifinals open.
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It was the second wicket partnership between Danushka Gunathilaka and Kausal Mendis that turned the game on its head. They added 159 runs and took the momentum away from the Indians.
India, however, tried to come back into the match with two run outs, but the Lankans held on. Their captain Angelo Mathews and Kusal Perera ensured their first win over India in the Champions Trophy.
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“I tried to hit as many balls in the nets as possible, it makes you feel good and that helped me come back from injury,” Mathews said. “Wasn’t easy for Gunathilaka to walk into the side and bat like how he did.”
“Kusal is a great player, and Kusal Perera also batted really well,” he added. “Those partnerships were crucial. It’s a must-win game for all of us in the group. Not many people expected us to win and that took a lot of pressure off us.”
