SL canter past India
Few could have imagined that there would be a packed 35,000-strong crowd on the opening day of an international series that commemorates the 70th anniversary of the nation's independence on the very day that the government called a nationwide state of emergency. That, however, is what happened on the opening day of the tri-nation Nidahas Trophy in Sri Lanka yesterday after the government took the step in the aftermath of communal violence in Kandy.
Sri Lanka however brushed aside the unsavoury events and not only won the tournament opener against India, the number one side in the world, by five wickets but upheld the spirit of the game despite all the negativity of the past 24 hours.
They also overcame the R Premadasa Stadium jinx as they had lost 12 of 14 T20Is at the venue before yesterday.
The hosts chased down a challenging target of 175 with nine balls to spare courtesy of a blistering 37-ball 67 from Kusal Perera before Thisara Perera's 22 off 10 balls guided the hosts to an easy win with nine balls to spare.
Sri Lanka lost opener Kusal Mendis early for 11 but the left-handed Perera was in belligerent mood.
Perera utilised the Powerplay to great effect as Sri Lanka scored 75 runs in the first six overs.
Kusal, who opened his account with a powerfully swept six off off-spinner Washington Sundar, immediately wrested the initiative in Sri Lanka's favour. The 27-year-old put on an exhibition of power hitting -- his reverse-swept six off Suresh Raina sailed towards the stands as the left-hander reached his fifty in just 22 balls.
There was to be no late drama as often unfolds in T20Is as Sri Lanka cashed in on the inexperience of the Indian bowling attack. Finally, when Perera was dismissed for 66, having hit six fours and four sixes, the home side required 49 runs from 45 balls and then it was Thisara Perera whose calm aggression took his side past the finish line.
Earlier, India rode on Shikhar Dhawan's blistering 49-ball 90 after Sri Lanka skipper Dinesh Chandimal asked India to bat first.
Bangladesh are the third team in the competition and will play their first match against India tomorrow.
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