It was another historic win for Sri Lanka in their 150th meeting against India as they successfully chased down 321 to record the highest run chase in a ICC Champions Trophy game.
Shikar Dhawan’s ton put India in a commanding position at the end of the 1st half of the game but a perfectly executed run chase at the Kennington Oval starring Danushka Gunathilake and Kusal Mendis saw Angelo Mathews together with Asela Gunaratne adding the finishing touches to a memorable Lankan win.
We picked 10 of the best moments captured by ThePapare’s Sameera Peiris.
1 Shikar Dhawan got India to a fabulous start
The opening batsman for India, Dhawan went on to make his 10th ODI century taking India’s score beyond the 250 mark before being dismissed by Malinga. His 125 runs had 15 fours and a six in it as he kept the full house Indian entertained.
2 Malinga brought the first breakthrough
It took Sri Lanka 24 overs to get their first wicket and who better to do the honours than the man himself. His Mumbai Indians team Rohit Sharma fancied his chances against the Slinger but found Thisara Perera at fine leg.
3 Yuvraj’s mockery gave Asela a wicket
Yuvraj tried to send Asela’s delivery off flying but only succeeded in chopping the ball on to his stumps.
4 Danushka propels Sri Lanka’s chase
Making his way to the squad as a result of Chamara Kapugedara’s injury, Danushka Gunathilake crafted a memorable innings.
5 The Magnificent Moratuwa-Magician
Delivering when it mattered the most, Kusal Mendis made 89 runs before being out. Since his debut, the young lad from Moratuwa has 11 50+ scores to his name in just 27 games; only Joe Root has more.
6 A fallen hero; Kusal Janith Perera
KJP tried his best to remain on the field with an injury but had to leave the field in the end. KJP scored 49 before he limped his way out.
7 Enter Asela Gunaratne
Coming in to bat, the mighty soldier put the celebrated Indian bowling attack to the sword. His six off Jasprit Bumrah went down as the ICC Nissan Play of the day as he made a 21 ball 34 that saw Sri Lanka through.
8 And that’s a famous win for Sri Lanka!
Mathews puts his bat over his head, handle pointing at his jersey number as Sri Lanka successfully chase down 321 runs to win their first match in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017.
9 “The small Papare band played and played and now there ain’t no bhangra to be heard”
ESPN’s Melinda Farrell summed the match up with the perfect ending!
10The DREAM IS STILL ON!
Sri Lanka will be heading to Cardiff to meet Pakistan in a must win game and a win there will give the Lankans the ticket to the semi-finals. Coming to the Champions Trophy as the least favoured team to win the trophy, one win has turned the tables for Sri Lanka. Let’s hope the boys make it through!
