Twitter Reactions: Late strikes help India restrict Sri Lanka to 152

The first three matches of the ongoing Nidahas Trophy 2018 left the series wide open for the second leg. When the tournament had commenced, it was expected to be dominated by just one side. However, when Sri Lanka beat India in the first game, the propositions started changing. Soon, the Indian side beat Bangladesh and had their first win of the series. And then, the Bangladeshi camp pulled off a sensational run chase to stun the hosts.

With a win under every team’s belt, the series is now wide open. With this backdrop, the action stayed in Colombo for the second show down between India and Sri Lanka. At the half way stage, one could safely say that the game is going to be an interesting one with both sides having a chance.

A rain delay reduced the match to 19-overs-a-side. India, after having won the toss, opted to field first. They brought in KL Rahul in the side at the expense of young Rishabh Pant. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka got back the services of Suranga Lakmal in the game.

Sri Lanka openers Danushka Gunathilaka and Kusal Mendis got off to a flying start in the game. The former perished after scoring 17 but the latter just kept going with sublime form. Kusal Perera, the man in form, missed out on the day and was sent packing cheaply by Washington Sundar. Upul Tharanga’s struggle at the crease was evident too as he could only muster 22 runs during his stay of 24 deliveries.

Skipper Thisara Perera scored 15 off 6 deliveries but he perished in his attempt to accelerate. As the wickets kept tumbling from one end, Kusal Mendis continued his good show from the other. He scored a timely 55 off just 38 deliveries with 3 fours and as many number of sixes.

His knock was arguably the only one of substance for the hosts on the day. In the final over of the match, Shardul Thakur ran through the tail to finish with figures of 4/27 as Sri Lanka finished their innings at 152/9 in the stipulated 20 overs.

Here is how the fans reacted to the Sri Lankan innings:

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