2019 World Cup: Sri Lanka set India a 265-run target
What's the story
The Sri Lankan cricket team set India a 265-run target in match number 44 of the ICC World Cup 2019 at Headingley in Leeds. India got early scalps, but Angelo Mathews and Lahiru Thirimanne batted well. Mathews (113) scored a fine century. India need to bat smartly to chase down the target. Here's more.
The start
Bumrah gives India the perfect start
Jasprit Bumrah (3/37) gave India the perfect start against Lanka on Saturday. He dismissed both the openers in quick fashion. Bumrah focused on keeping things simple and didn't try to get much swing. Virat Kohli introduced Ravindra Jadeja (1/40) and Hardik Pandya (1/50). Both bowlers got key scalps to reduce the Lankans to 55/4 within 12 overs.
Twitter Post
A special landmark for JB in ODIs!
A century of ODI wickets for Jasprit Bumrah 💯
— ICC (@ICC) July 6, 2019
It's taken him just 57 games to reach the landmark - only one Indian has got there quicker 😱
Can you guess who? 🤔#SLvIND | #CWC19 | #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/mV9RXJLB9j
Partnership
Mathews and Thirmanne stitch 124-run stand
Mathews and Thirimanne joined hands when the score for Lanka read 55/4. They played cautiously and built the innings. The two experienced names shared a strong 124-run stand for the fifth wicket. Thirimanne scored a 68-ball 53, whereas, Mathews top scored for the Lankans. He scored his maiden World Cup ton. This was his third career ODI hundred. All three have come against India.
Twitter Post
Lanka's rock at Headingley!
💯 for Angelo Mathews 👏
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 6, 2019
Sri Lanka were struggling at 55/4, and he's rescued them brilliantly 💪
WHAT. AN. INNINGS.#SLvIND | #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/aybqQrgrUq
Bhuvi
Bhuvneshwar Kumar off the pace at Headingley
Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1/72) had a poor day at office. The Lankans went after him right from the start. Bhuvi bowled short and gave a lot of width. He conceded 17 from his first two overs. In his second spell as well, Bhuvi looked out of sync. On the field, he missed Mathews' catch at long on off Ravindra Jadeja's bowling in the 37th over.
Data
Dhoni shines behind the stumps, surpasses Gilly
Dhoni had a strong show behind the stumps. He took three catches and accounted for a stumping. He now has 41 dismissals in World Cup history. MSD went past Adam Gilchrist in terms of stumpings in CWC (8).
SL vs IND
Lanka will ride on Malinga factor, India need positive start
India will need to come out with a positive intent. Discipline will be a key factor. The World Cup will see Lasith Malinga for one last time. Malinga will want to give his all. The legendary bowler, who has 334 ODI scalps, will relish the battle against an in-form Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Lanka will test India's mettle here.