Russel Arnold predicts the winner of IND v SL, CT 2017 match

As India and Sri Lanka play each other at The Oval in their second match of the Champions Trophy which is underway, former Sri Lankan cricketer Russel Arnold has already declared who the winner of today’s game will be! Arnold, who played the role of a finisher for Sri Lanka for the most part of his career, took to Twitter to announce that Sri Lanka will win the game against India, in subtle humour though.

Although this is not a must-win game for the defending champions India, who are playing the match on the back of a 124-run win over Pakistan, it is a do-or-die encounter for the Islanders who lost their opening game of the tournament to South Africa. Arnold took to Twitter to give his opinion on the clash, saying that one of South Africa and India, and one of Sri Lanka and Pakistan will qualify for the semi-finals. But that is possible if only India lose the game today! So Arnold indirectly said that Sri Lanka will win.

“Hmmmmm….SA or Ind and after the last group game in #CT17 Pak or SL to qualify ….WOW…” he tweeted.  However, the Indian fans knew how to give it back to Arnold in style. A handle by the name English Rain replied to Arnold saying “why know what is common between you and me? We both are hated” Another handle under the name of Chris Thiart said, “Maybe if @KumarSanga2 comes out of retirement then maybe u have a chance of beating Pakistan and India.”

In the 44 Tests that he played, left-hander amassed 1,821 runs at an average of just above 28. He also scored 3,950 runs in the 180 ODIs that he played. His average of 35.26 puts him sixth on the list of highest ODI averages for Sri Lanka behind Kumar Sangakkara.

Here are the reactions his tweet invited