On 14th August 2017, Indian Cricket Team presented a Pre-Independence Day gift to the fans by Whitewashing Sri Lanka in the 3 test match series at the latter’s turf. It has not been a week to it that the guests have put the hosts in yet another embarrassing situation by defeating them in the 1st One Day International of the tour by 9 wickets.
To add to this feat, India won it with 127 balls to spare and brought the opposition to their knees. Though Sri Lanka looked strong in the beginning as the innings progressed, their downfall commenced. The Lankans slipped from 139/2 to 216/10 within a period of 20 overs.
Here are the top happenings of the 1st ODI which belonged to India completely-
– by Akshata Tilwankar
1. THE BLAST FROM THE BOWLERS
The Sri Lankan openers – Niroshan Dickwella & Danushka Gunathilaka ensured a solid opening for their team. Their partnership looked strong and it put the Indians in a state of worry. It was unfortunate for Lanka that they could not capitalize on it as it was the likes of Indian bowlers that prevented the run leak. Kedar Jadhav dismissed Dickwella on 64 and from there began the wicket taking spree. Axar Patel ended with 3 wickets to his credits while Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah & Jadhav got 2 each. Sri Lanka was restricted from finishing their 50 overs and got bowled out for a score of 216.
2. THE GUST OF GABBAR
Shikhar Dhawan is having the time of his life and 2017 is proving to be one wonderful year for the man. Dhawan registered his 11th ODI Hundred today as he looked to finish things off as fast as possible. Hitting 20 fours and smashing 3 sixes, he ended the game in style with 132 not out (90 balls) against his name. At the moment there seems to be no stopping to his legendary run.
3. THE CAPTAIN’s CONTRIBUTION
While Shikhar Dhawan without a doubt remained the Hero today, he did receive a good amount of support from the skipper. Virat Kohli accompanied his Delhi pal in the journey to the victory. Scoring 82 in 70 deliveries, Kohli’s vigor was parallel to that of Dhawan and their partnership indeed became a Sunday treat for the viewers. Not to forget the direct hit by Kohli to send Kapugedera back to the pavilion earlier in the day.
The tally stands 1-0 in the 5 ODI series. 2nd ODI is to be held on 24th August 2017 at Pallekele.
– by Akshata Tilwankar