CT 2017, Match 8, IND v SL – Sri Lanka Player Ratings

Nobody is bigger than the game as they say. In what will be called as an upset, Sri Lanka thrashed India in their second group game to keep them alive in the competition. They might have been called as the ‘underdogs’ but today they were professional in their approach. Chasing down 322 with 7 wickets in hand and 8 balls to spare is a convincing win by any standards.

Mathews called right at the toss and inserted India first, perhaps wanting to exploit the early swing available at The Oval in London. Despite conceding 321, they had the belief to come out and chase against a decent Indian bowling attack. Angelo Mathews showed why he is hailed as one of the better limited overs finishers going around these days by playing a captain’s knock. He hit the winning runs and remained unbeaten on a classy 52.

The foundation of the chase was laid by Danushka Gunathilaka and Kusal Mendis, who were involved in a 159-run partnership. Both were unfortunately run out but Mathews and Kusal Perera ensured that their hard work doesn’t go to waste. A late cameo by Asela Gunaratne ensured that there were no hiccups in the chase as Sri Lanka completed the formalities in the 49th over of the innings.

Here are the team ratings of each Sri Lanka player for this crunch game:

Niroshan Dickwella – 2/10

After getting a brisk 41 in the last game, Sri Lanka expected a similar breezy innings early from Dickwella. But the 23-year old was tucked up by some tight bowling by the duo of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Umesh Yadav. He eventually fell to Kumar, trying to break the shackles, for a sluggish 18-ball 7. He was neat behind the stumps and took the all-important catch to send Virat Kohli for a duck.

Danushka Gunathilaka – 9.5/10

The stylish opening batsman was playing an ODI after 2 months and was immediately striking the ball sweetly. He was the one who started the onslaught early n which rubbed on Kusal Mendis later. The 26-year old was in exemplary form hitting 7 fours and 2 sixes in his 72-ball innings. If he hadn’t run himself out, Gunathilaka would have scored more runs than his eventual score of 76.

Kusal Mendis – 9.5/10

Mendis is popularly hailed as the next big thing in Sri Lankan cricket and he showed the reason behind that. He, like Gunathilaka, was run out for a fine 89 which needed just 93 balls. Mendis punished anything lose from the Indian bowlers. His innings was studded with 11 boundaries and a six. The 22-year old was adjudged the Man of The Match for his fine knock.

Kusal Perera – 8.5/10

Because he left the field due to an injury midway during his innings, Kusal’s contribution of 47 crucial runs went unnoticed. Perera walked in to bat at 170/2 with almost half the runs still needed to win in 22 overs. He was positive from the word go and ensured that the required run rate never got up due to the quick fall of wickets.

Angelo Mathews – 9/10

The Sri Lanka skipper played an international game after a gap of 10 months but looked like he was never away from top notch cricket. His 52* was worth its weight in gold. The 30-year old made sure that he was out in the middle when the last runs were hit. Mathews led the side well and motivated his troops to move past their drubbing against South Africa the other day.

Asela Gunaratne – 8.5/10

Many wondered why Gunaratne was a part of the Mumbai Indians set up this season. He displayed his big hitting abilities and closed out the game for his side before any minor hiccup. He struck the ball cleanly and hit two sixes and as many fours in his 21-ball 34. He gave the right knockout punch to India and also chipped in with three overs earlier, giving away just 7 runs and picking the wicket of Yuvraj Singh.

Dinesh Chandimal – 2/10

Chandimal was originally slotted to come in at 4, his usual position in ODI cricket but Kusal Perera was sent in at his spot. He took a fine catch at the boundary to send back Dhoni in the last over of the Indian innings.

Thisara Perera – 6/10

Perera did a fine job in the middle overs as his 7 overs went for just 31 runs. It was only till Jadhav and Dhoni struck boundaries off him, his returns read 1/54 from 9 overs. He displayed his death bowling skills by bowling wide yorkers consistently to Dhoni and eventually got his wicket.

Suranga Lakmal – 3/10

After bowling 2 tight overs early on, Lakmal was targeted by Rohit and Dhawan as the duo hit him for two boundaries each in his next two overs. From there on, it became from bad to worse for this fast bowler. He eventually finished with 1/72 form ten overs.

Lasith Malinga – 4/10

 Malinga too went the distance but picked two crucial wickets of Dhawan and Rohit to limit the damage for the Sri Lankans. He might not be the bowler he was once, but he is still crucial for his side and relies more on his off-cutters rather than his deadly yorkers.

Nuwan Pradeep – 3/10

After having a good game against the Proteas, Pradeep was disappointing today. He was also picked for runs, especially by Dhawan and Rohit and he returned with figures of 1/73. Pradeep is a talented bowler and such figures doesn’t justify the ability he possesses.