5 memorable moments from India vs Sri Lanka that don’t fade away

Sri Lanka, with a thumping win over India yesterday, have balanced the scales and made the Group B table wide open. After a humiliating defeat at the hands of South Africa, Sri Lanka created a record by completing the highest ever successful chase in Champions Trophy history.

After India put up 321 in the first innings, it looked like Sri Lanka were heading for an exit. However, a splendid batting effort and some poor bowling by India ensured all 4 teams in the group are in with a real shout of making the semis.

Here are 5 memorable moments from the match that don’t fade away, quite like the Axe Signature range of body perfumes:

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#1 Shikhar Dhawan’s masterclass

Dhawan smashed 15 fours and a solitary six in his knock of 125 in just 128 balls

Champions Trophy was made for ShikharDhawan and he was made for the tournament! In just his second edition of the ICC tournament, Dhawan, with his third century, became the joint highest century maker in Champions Trophy history.

The 31-year-old settled quickly and showed an array of strokes that had the Lankan bowlers scratching their heads thinking which ball to bowl to him. Dhawan smashed 15 fours and a solitary six in his knock of 125 in just 128 balls and set the platform up for yet another 300+ score for India.

#2 Rohit Sharma’s rich vein of form

With a must-win game coming up, India will be hoping Rohit Sharma’s good form continues

If one went by the records in IPL 10, or even last year, they would be questioning Rohit Sharma’s selection in India’s squad for the 2017 Champions Trophy. However, the Hitman from Mumbai has silenced his critics and bounced back in style in England!

Sharma hammered his way to 78 off 79 balls to complement his 91 against Pakistan. He seems to enjoy playing with ShikharDhawan as the duo became the most successful pair in Champions Trophy history, scoring 636 runs in 7 matches, going past Chris Gayle and Shivnarine Chanderpaul.

With a must-win game coming up, India will be hoping Rohit Sharma’s good form continues.

#3 Gunathilaka-Mendis set up the platform

The duo put up a 159-run stand for the second wicket and took the game away from the defending champions

India got the early breakthrough with Bhuvneshwar Kumar sending wicket-keeping batsman NiroshanDickwella to the stands in the fifth over. It seemed like India would run riot once again, but DanushkaGunathilaka and KusalMendis had other ideas.

The duo put up a 159-run stand for the second wicket and took the game away from the defending champions in style. Gunathilaka hit 7 fours and 2 sixes to score 76 in 72 balls while Mendis helped himself to a 93-ball 89, smashing 11 fours and 1 maximum. They would have both scored hundreds, if it weren’t for the…

#4 Twin run-outs

It seemed like India were back in the game, but there was one final twist left in the match

When Gunathilaka and Mendis were batting, it looked like the match would get over in less than 45 overs. India huffed and puffed, but couldn’t break the partnership. ViratKohli, KedarJadhav, RavindraJadeja, HardikPandya all tried their hand with the ball, but it looked like only a freak moment would break the stand.

This is what arrived for India as first UmeshYadav and MS Dhoni combined for a run out to send Gunathalika to the stands. Less than 5 overs later, Sri Lanka suffered yet another jolt as Bhuvneshwar Kumar ran Mendis out off his own bowling. It seemed like India were back in the game, but there was one final twist left in the match.

#5 Sri Lanka’s courageous finishing

Mathews ended the match with an unbeaten 52 off 45 balls, scoring 6 fours

Losing two well-set batsmen in 5 overs, and Kusal Perera to injury, it seemed like it wasn’t Sri Lanka’s day. They say fortune favours the brave, and courage was the need of the hour for the chasing team. Captain Angelo Mathews and AselaGunaratne stepped up to steer the team to victory and keep their semi-final hopes alive.

Mathews ended the match with an unbeaten 52 off 45 balls, scoring 6 fours, while Gunaratne scored a quick-fire 34 off just 21 balls which included 2 fours and as many sixes. They chased the target of 322 down with 8 balls to spare. This successful chase is now the highest in the tournament along with it being Sri Lanka’s highest in all ODIs.

The stage is now well set for the final round of matches in Group B as Sri Lanka face Pakistan and India will be up against South Africa in virtual quarter-finals.