Without MS Dhoni, Team India looked like a bunch of club cricketers, as they got thrashed by Sri Lanka by 161 runs in a crucial tri-series match. Skipper Virat Kohli failed to lead the team, which produced worst-ever show in batting, bowling and fielding. With this second consecutive loss, India’s chances of making it to the final, has been dashed.
Earlier, India won the toss and elected to bowl first. The Lankan openers Upul Tharanga and Mahela Jayawardene started on a cautious note, but stole the show soon after. They added 213 runs for the first wicket to break the morale of Team India.
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Sri Lanka finished at 348/1 in 50 overs. Tharanga remained unbeaten on 174, while Jayawardene made 107. Angelo Mathews remained not out on 44. Ashwin took the lone wicket.
Chasing a victory target of 349, India kept losing wickets at regular intervals and bundled out for 187 in 44.5 overs. Dhawan (24), Vijay (30), Karthik (22), Raina (33) and Jadeja (49*) were the top contributors. For Sri Lanka, Herath took three wickets, while Senanayake and Malinga took two wickets each. Tharanga was declared ‘Man of the Match’.
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