Twitter Reactions: Sri Lanka script a wonderful run chase against India

In spite of a rain forecast, there was no sign of it as The Oval witnessed a spectacular run chase. Many would’ve laughed off the predictions of Pakistan beating South Africa or Sri Lanka defeating India in the tournament a week ago. However, that’s what has transpired, making Group B the group of death with two virtual quarter-finals now to decide the top two teams.

Earlier in the day, Angelo Mathews won the toss and elected to bowl first. Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan provided a magnificent start as they put up a 138-run stand for the first wicket. While Rohit Sharma scored an almost run a ball 78, it was Dhawan who stood out with a brilliant century, his third in the Champions Trophy. Both didn’t allow any pressure to get onto them.

Sri Lanka managed to get two quick wickets as skipper Virat Kohli was out for a duck. Even Yuvraj Singh was dismissed cheaply. MS Dhoni‘s fascinating 63 (52) followed by Kedar Jadhav’s cameo ensured India had a respectable total of 321/6 on the board. Most of the Sri Lankan bowlers were taken to the cleaners though Thisara Perera bowled well in the end.

The Sri Lankans lost their way in the beginning as Niroshan Dickwella was dismissed early. However, what followed was an astounding 159-run partnership for the second wicket between Danushka Gunathilaka and Kusal Mendis. While Gunathilaka scored a staggering 72 runs, Mendis stole the show with his innings of 89. Both got run out at crucial stages as the match turned into a nail-biting encounter.

Angelo Mathews who was coming here after missing the first game proved everyone why he’s the most reliable Sri Lankan batsman in the lower order. The trio of Kusal Perera, Angelo Mathews and Asela Gunaratne played a sensational hand in the end as Sri Lanka chased the total with 8 balls to spare. Indian bowlers, on the other hand, were completely outplayed as they managed to take just a single Sri Lankan wicket.

The Indian fans were taken aback with an unexpected loss against Sri Lanka. The likes of Kedar Jadhav, Umesh Yadav and Hardik Pandya were trolled. Even Ravindra Jadeja wasn’t spared.

Here are some of the amazing Twitter reactions during the course of the game:

Egg on Face for 2 days running … !!!! But I don't mind when you see games like that … Sri Lanka were tremendous…. #CT17

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) June 8, 2017

While #hardik has been doing well with bat,his bowling is what #TeamIndia needs more..else to drawing board for combinations #INDvsSL #CT17

— subramani badrinath (@s_badrinath) June 8, 2017

I can't wait for Sunday #CT17 #SAvsInd

— Graeme Smith (@GraemeSmith49) June 8, 2017

Amazing. It mean a lot to the team. So proud watching from the com box. Captain fantastic+army man+young genius+injury sub=victory

— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) June 8, 2017

well played Sri Lanka nobody gave them a chance.#INDvSL group wide open #CT17 who shall it be.. India South Africa Pakistan Sri Lanka

— Daren Sammy (@darensammy88) June 8, 2017

Well done boys! Showed the brand of cricket we have to play to win this tournament… really proud ? celebrate the win and onwards we go.

— Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) June 8, 2017

What a Chase… what a win … @OfficialSLC #CT17 Well done fellows !!! Incredible stuff… against all odds showed a lot of character!!!???

— Russel Arnold (@RusselArnold69) June 8, 2017

India in the field have been Tactically very very Poor ……. Far too predictable ….. #CT17 #INDvSL

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) June 8, 2017

India desperately require 7 Run Outs …… #CT17 #INDvSL

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) June 8, 2017

You know when Virat has a bowl your team are up sh#t Creek !!!!! #CT17 #INDvSL

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) June 8, 2017

Two days, two contenders toppled. Group B has become the group of death. The result has lit up the tournament.. Well played SL ????#CT17

— Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru) June 8, 2017

Our bowlers today
48.4-1-311-1#INDvSL

— Jasveer Singh Kharra (@imjsk27) June 8, 2017

And now two quarter finals. Who would have thought only one of India or South Africa would go through.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) June 8, 2017

What a Chase… what a win … @OfficialSLC #CT17 Well done fellows !!! Incredible stuff… against all odds showed a lot of character!!!???

— Russel Arnold (@RusselArnold69) June 8, 2017

And this is the reason Angelo Mathews is essential to anything Sri Lanka does.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) June 8, 2017

Two unfancied teams winning on successive days has brought the Champions Trophy alive. Two quarter-finals now in this group.

— Sambit Bal (@sambitbal) June 8, 2017

Angelo Mathews is basically a 90s action hero who was born too late so had to become a cricketer.

— Hassan Cheema (@mediagag) June 8, 2017

Sri Lanka are not done till Mathews is there – Richie Benaud (Said in 2010) #SriLanka #LKA

— Daniel Alexander (@daniel86cricket) June 8, 2017

Brilliant chase SL. This was actual 'out of the box'
Perera, Gunaratne went ahead of Chandimal who is still to bat!#Gameplan #INDvSL

— Emmad Hameed (@Emmad81) June 8, 2017

Would quite like to take that Gunaratne sweep for six out for a nice seafood dinner, if anyone has its number? #CT17

— Vithushan (@Vitu_E) June 8, 2017

Initially it was difficult to pronounce his name but now it's going fluently fine as Gunaratne makes it entertaining to watch #INDvSL #CT17

— Fazeela Saba (@FazeelaSaba1) June 8, 2017

If you remember Asela Gunaratne unbelievable innings against Australia in T20 you won't be surprised by his innings today…

— Broken Cricket (@BrokenCricket) June 8, 2017

After 42 overs:
India's fielders have taken more wickets than their bowlers.#INDvSL

— Sorabh Pant (@hankypanty) June 8, 2017

Side note, Dickwella, Gunathilaka, Tharanga, Mendis seems a decent top to try out four for the next few months.

— Andrew F Fernando (@andrewffernando) June 8, 2017

Even in slow motion replays @msdhoni 's hands move at a rapid pace.. Is this the turning point? #IndvSL #CT17

— Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru) June 8, 2017

Srilankan Players are safe from twitter trolling. Because the moment we type their name the character limit gets over. #IndvSL

— Smoking Skills (@SmokingSkills_) June 8, 2017

Must confess was perplexed at how a wonderful batting country like Sri Lanka could run dry. Mendis & Gunathilaka showing tradition is alive

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) June 8, 2017

5th consecutive score above 300 for India in ODI's. #CT17

— Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) June 8, 2017

The Helicopters haven't taken off yet. But somewhere in streets of London, kids are screaming Mahi Maar Raha Hai !! #IndvSL #CT17

— Prabhu ? ‏ #CT17 (@Cricprabhu) June 8, 2017

Dhawan in ODIs:

ICC tournaments – 5 100s in 15 inns
Other matches – 5 100s in 62 inns#INDvSL #CT17

— Bharath Seervi (@SeerviBharath) June 8, 2017

Amazing shot from @msdhoni simply to get off the mark. Knew there was a third man but just didn't bother. Immense power.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) June 8, 2017

and it's not out! You don't take reviews when the umpire is Richard Kettleborough!!! #CT17

— Nikhil Mane ??? (@nikhiltait) June 8, 2017

Every time Sourav Ganguly says "Shekhar Dhawan"! #CT17 #IndvsSL #ItsSHIKHAR pic.twitter.com/Y9AbSrKYbh

— Shirin Sadikot (@ShirinSadikot) June 8, 2017

Making duck when other batsmen are scoring heavily is a hallmark of a great captain. #IndvsSL

— one tip one hand_ (@OneTipOneHand_) June 8, 2017

The curse of the @ZAbbasOfficial selfie strikes again…Kohli goes for a duck now..Devilliers yesterday ? ? #INDvSL #CT17

— Hemant (@hemantbuch) June 8, 2017

Virat Kohli going a bit too far to prove he can do everything AB De Villiers can do.

— rohitswarrior1 (@The_Sleigher) June 8, 2017

Many people have criticised Shikhar Dhawan for his indifferent form, hope they equally laud him for his stupendous batting in #CT17 so far.

— Sameer Allana (@HitmanCricket) June 8, 2017

#INDvSL
Rohit + Dhawan = Rawan.
Well known ruler of Sri Lanka.

— Ramesh Srivats (@rameshsrivats) June 8, 2017

Perrera always comes as the third bowler..
Coz he is Theesra Perrera. #IndvsSL #CT17

— Aravind (@netcitizen) June 8, 2017

The advantage of being a South Indian is that during #INDvSL you can support whosoever is winning.

— ㅤ (@firkiii) June 8, 2017

Malinga is an old fast bowler for Srilanka. Pradeep is a Nuwan. #INDvSL

— SAGAR (@sagarcasm) June 8, 2017

Pic 1: Playing XI of India
Pic 2: Playing XI of Sri Lanka#INDvSL pic.twitter.com/k2rL8aYvPZ

— Phd in Bakchodi !! (@Atheist_Krishna) June 8, 2017