Sri Lanka recorded the highest ever run-chase in the history of the ICC Champions Trophy to beat India by seven wickets at the Kennington Oval in London on Thursday.
Chasing 322 for victory, the Sri Lankan batsmen produced a masterclass despite losing the wicket of Niroshan Dickwella (7 off 18 balls) with just 11 runs on the board.
The second-wicket partnership between Danushka Gunathilaka (76 off 72 balls) and Kusal Mendis (89 off 93 balls) was what set up the victory for Sri Lanka as the duo added a 159-run stand.
Despite both batsmen getting run-out, Kusal Perera and Angelo Mathews were on hand to make sure that India couldn’t gain a foothold in the contest as they put on a 75-run partnership in just 62 deliveries before the former had to retire injured on 47 (from 44 balls).
Mathews stayed unbeaten on 52 as he guided Sri Lanka to a famous win.
Earlier, after being put into bat, India had managed 321-6 in their 50 overs, thanks largely to a superb 125 from Shikhar Dhawan. This was the left-handed batsman’s third century in seven matches in the Champions Trophy.
His opening partner Rohit Sharma also made a solid contribution, scoring 78 as the duo managed to put on a 138-run partnership for the opening wicket.
MS Dhoni looked in fine touch during his 52-ball 63 as India put up a big total on the board. But it wasn’t enough as Sri Lanka won the game with eight deliveries to spare.
Group B is very interestingly poised now as all four teams have two points each, with two matches left which will see India and South Africa face off on Sunday followed by Sri Lanka and Pakistan on Monday.
BRIEF SCORES
India 321-6, 50 overs [Dhawan 125, Rohit 78, Malinga 2-70] lost to Sri Lanka 322-3, 48.4 overs [Mendis 89, Gunathilaka 76, Bhuvneshwar 1-54] by seven wickets.
Player of the Match – Kusal Mendis.
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