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:

Washington Sundar's wickets in T20I cricket:

Kusal Perera (Three times)
Kusal Mendis#SLvIND #NidahasTrophy

— Sampath Bandarupalli (@SampathStats) March 12, 2018

"Rs.11.5 Crore" main se Crore hata do, 11.5 rupaye ki dakshina deke bhaga do iss Unadkat ko iss series se #SLvIND

— Rakesh Mhatre (@Rakesh6497) March 12, 2018

Indian team without Kohli is like Lok sabha without speaker….?#SLvIND #SLvsIND #NidahasTrophy

— Rahul (@iamRahul22) March 12, 2018

Isako 11.5 cr kaun diya be #SLvIND #INDvsSL

— oozmakapaa (@dipaks0007) March 12, 2018

Suresh Raina has now taken 38 catches in T20Is – the joint most by an Asian fielder along with Umar Akmal.#SLvIND

— Umang Pabari (@UPStatsman) March 12, 2018

We are just in the middle of the tournament. But already #WashingtonSundar is India’s find so far! Great talent, definitely one for the future #SLvIND

— Karthikeyan.G (@karthikvnr8) March 12, 2018

Perhaps the best find for India in T20Is, Washington Sundar is the perfect fit!#SLvIND

— Manish K Pathak (@manishpathak187) March 12, 2018

Whatever the target it may be indian batting order is still vulnerable highly rely on Shikar Dhawan shrilanka still in this game!#SLvIND

— Choda Writes ✒ (@ImoRoflme) March 12, 2018

Jaydev unadkat is too predictable while bowling slow ball and has only one variation. Don't know how far will take him with no swing and pace #SLvIND #NidahasTrophy2018

— Rushabh Shah (@Rushabh_Fire) March 12, 2018

@JUnadkat is slowly becoming the Ashok Dinda of the Indian cricket team minus the high-jump antiques. @coolfunnytshirt #INDvSL #SLvIND

— Rookie (@rookie_tweet) March 12, 2018

#SLvIND This Jaidev Unadkat is the highest paid Indian bowler in the IPL. Though he gets a wicket, he needs to see himself in front of the mirror pic.twitter.com/qf94HbNlQ2

— Anjan Chakraborty (@seeanjan) March 12, 2018

Seamers finds it difficult to contain every single ball. Lack of experience?? #INDvSL #SLvIND

— VISVESWAR (@Vishwa_CB) March 12, 2018

Poor telecast DSport.. cutting into ad breaks the moment a wicket goes.. let the commentators complete; replays are meant to be played !! #Dsport #SLvIND @DSportINLive

— Deepak Kumar (@deekayrawat) March 12, 2018

Unadkat Bowling dekhkar RR walon ko heart attack aa jayega ?#SLvIND

— HBD Shreya Ghoshal (@AkkyKaDeewana) March 12, 2018

Why @BCCI manage this tour…
World cup qualifiers was more entertaining than this one…#SLvIND

— Pankaj (@SRKHolicPankaj) March 12, 2018

That's bizarre by Indian players.. appealing for obstruction of ball… The Batsman was running in a line…. #INDvSL #SLvIND #NidahasTrophy #NidahasTrophy2018

— Missir (@mishra_hemuguru) March 12, 2018

Seriously, this dude Unadkat got the highest bid from #RajasthanRoyals ?How they must be wishing that the IPL auction was held after the #NidahasTrophy !! #INDvSL #TeamIndia #SLvIND

— Pranabashish Deb (@pranabashish) March 12, 2018

Thats a pure joke bowling by Unadkat getting by a tailender for a 6 us too much for a 12 crs IPL player #SLvIND

— Lord Voldemort (@Smart_Ladka) March 12, 2018

Unadkat is kinda player who should be a permanent 14th man. Only to deliver water on the field.
Rajasthan royal 11.5 Crs so sorry lol #SLvIND

— Mafaz (@mafaz009) March 12, 2018

Last match against Sri Lanka Thakur conceded 27 runs in one over..

Today he took 4/27 in four overs..

— Broken Cricket (@BrokenCricket) March 12, 2018

And that's a wrap to the Sri Lankan innings. @imShard picks 4 and #TeamIndia need 153 to win in 19 overs. pic.twitter.com/Z0adrBkf3j

— BCCI (@BCCI) March 12, 2018

Wait, Lakmal is playing but not captaining? Wasn't he the vice captain @CricCrazyNIKS

— P₹akash $inha ?? (@Predicto_Praky) March 12, 2018

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