adminon Thursday.
Returning to the team after seeming to be ruled out from the rest of the tournament with a hamstring injury eleven days ago, the inspirational wicketkeeper-batsman smashed 16 runs off three deliveries in the final over, bowled by Shaminda Eranga, to take the tournament favourites to 203 for nine in reply to Sri Lanka’s 201 all out off 48.5 overs.
Less than three weeks after lifting the Champions Trophy to add to the World Cup title of 2011, Dhoni held a rapidly imploding innings together in compiling an unbeaten 45, carting the hapless Eranga for a six, a four and then a six off successive deliveries.
“I thought I could target the bowler in that last over because he’s not as experienced as some of the others,” said the India captain.
“I didn’t want to take any chances against someone like a (Lasith) Malinga or a (Angelo) Mathews. I think I’m just blessed with good cricketing sense.”
Last-man Ishant Sharma was only required to survive at the other end and managed to achieve just that, although there were a few anxious moments between his arrival at the crease at 182 for nine and when the captain took responsibility to win the match on his own in the final over.
India were actually cruising along at 139 for three in the 32nd over in the best weather of the tournament.
But the dismissal of Suresh Raina triggered a collapse which saw four wickets falling for 13 runs, left-arm spinner Rangana Herath turning the screws with two wickets in two balls to finish with the best figures of four for 20. — AFP.
Online Reporter