Who says ODI cricket has lost its sheen? Who says low scoring matches aren’t worth a watch? Whoever still feels that should have watched the 2nd ODI between India and Sri Lanka at Pallekele. It had everything. Plenty of twists and turns, big hits, wickets and all the ingredients for a crown-puller where India emerged victorious, but only just.
Sri Lanka batted first after losing the toss and it seemed a repeat of the previous match as they lost the good start provided by the openers. At 121/5 in the 29th over, they were in danger of being bowled out for a low score. But Milinda Siriwardana and Chamara Kapugedera stitched together a stand of 91 runs for the 6th wicket to take the side to a fighting total of 236/8 after 50 overs.
A rain interruption meant India’s target was revised to 231 from 47 overs. The openers Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan began in 4th gear and in no time, the hundred partnership up. Rohit scored 54 and Dhawan made 49 as the duo added 109 runs and India were once again on course for a comfortable chase.
But Akila Dananjaya bowled as good a spell of spin bowling as you will ever see. He went on to pick as many as 6 wickets in pretty quick time to leave India struggling at 131/7 in the 22nd over. It was as if a flashback video was played of Ajantha Mendis from 9 years back when he bagged a 6-fer in the final of the Asia Cup to defeat India.
But this time, the script wasn’t in Sri Lanka’s favor. MS Dhoni and Bhuvneshwar Kumar refused to throw their wickets away and put together a partnership of 100 runs. It was batting of real high standards where both batsmen took the responsibility and saw the side home. Bhuvi scored 53 where Dhoni made 45 as India pulled off a thrilling win by 3 wickets.
Here are some of the best tweets for the mouth-watering contest
Akila Dananjaya reminding of what Ajantha Mendis did in the Asia Cup 2008@msdhoni reminding of what he did in his entire career #INDvSL
— Shubham Khare (@shubhamkhare71) August 24, 2017
This has to be among the finest one-day games I have seen. All the drama that sport has to offer.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) August 24, 2017
Congratulations India. A special spell from Dananjaya but great nerves from Dhoni.Bhuvi's spirit was a delight to watch. Well done !#INDvSL
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 24, 2017
https://twitter.com/MenInBlueDvotee/status/900760580398632961
https://twitter.com/R_Jae7/status/900773353375416320
https://twitter.com/cricketaakash/status/900770403563524096
That was Bhuvneshwar Kumar's fourth six for India in his international career. He has one in Tests and now three in ODIs!#SLvInd#IndvsSL
— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) August 24, 2017
Bhuvneshwar Kumar is playing the brilliant role of a night watchman. The only problem is that there's no morning tomorrow. #IndvsSL
— Trendulkar (@Trendulkar) August 24, 2017
https://twitter.com/imvicky_kalal/status/900754236643753984
Akila Dhananjaya joined the team last evening directly after his wedding. Ghussey mein saara zor India pe nikal raha hai yeh. #IndvsSL pic.twitter.com/g76dyRfRqL
— SIR .. (@SirJohnRoe) August 24, 2017
This is a sensational victory.Dhoni showing his calmness once again but Bhuvi showing the stuff he is made of.Absolutely brilliant.#IndvsSL
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) August 24, 2017
https://twitter.com/chinmaybhogle/status/900752971201355776
https://twitter.com/BeingFlicked/status/900781475334832128
https://twitter.com/imAnsh18/status/900783513552670720
Dhoni is trusting Bhuvneswar Kumar more than Modi trusts Amit Shah.#IndvsSL
— Krishna (@Atheist_Krishna) August 24, 2017
https://twitter.com/SheethalKothari/status/900783302881062912
EXPOSED…….!!#IndvsSL pic.twitter.com/IpHQQCkVIT
— Krishna (@Atheist_Krishna) August 24, 2017
https://twitter.com/cricketaakash/status/900781718159929344
If cricket be the Ramayana then #Dhoni is Sankatmochan Hanuman who is setting Lanka on fire now !!#IndvsSL
— Boring… (@graphicalcomic) August 24, 2017