Classy Chandimal sends India packing home by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Ground:	Harare Sports Club, Harare
Scorecard:	India v Sri Lanka
Player:	V Kohli, LD Chandimal
Event:	Zimbabwe Tri-Series 2010

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DateLine: 5th June 2010

 

A second string Indian side was knocked out of the low profile tournament as Sri Lanka showed that they are the superior side in the tournament. For India it was a do or die match as they had to win and win big to stay alive in the tournament. Sri Lanka showed that they had the better bench strength when compared to India.

 

Dilshan won the toss and elcted to field first thus putting extra pressure on the Indian side. Naman Ojha, making his debut, found out that the international watter was too hot to handle as he was dismissed early Karthik again made a middling score and just when things were getting gloomy for India, Raina promoted Pathan up the order to give some boost for the indian run rate. Pathan responded to the situation as he took on the Lankan bowlers. Virat Kohli lend in valuable support to Pathan and for some time it seemd that the Indian score will get pasth the grasp of Sri Lanka.

 

But once Pathan was dismissed the Indian innings lost their momentum. Rohit Sharma made an elegant 32 but failed to kick on. Just when it seemd that India would have to settle for a modest total, Ashwin used the long handle to help India post a total of 268 in their 50 overs.

 

India needed some quick wickets to stay alive in the game but that did not happen. The inexperience of the pace attack once again showed as they sprayed the ball all around. Dilshan and Tharanga were always in the top gear as they tore into the Lankan bowling with ridiculous ease. The bowling bar the impressive Ashwin was pedestrian and Dinesh Chandimal took full advantage of the weak bowling.

 

The young right-hander showed admirable temperament as he mixed caution with aggression perfectly. Kapugedera, Jeewan Mendis and Samaraweera chipped in with useful contributions as the Lankan side overcame the Indian total with ease.