ICC Men’s CWC: India swallow Lanka Hosts storm into semis
Sports Reporter :
India stormed into the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup (CWC) crushing Sri Lanka by 302 runs in their seventh match at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai of India on Thursday.
Unbeaten India bagged maximum 14 points from seven matches, while Sri Lanka remained with four points from as many matches.
Batting first India piled up a mammoth total of 357 for the loss of eight wickets in the stipulated 50 overs and then skittled out Sri Lanka for only 55 runs off 19.4 overs.
Sri Lanka’s score was the lowest total in this year’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
India had a sorrow start as opener Rohit Sharma (4) was bowled out by Dilshan Madushanka when the hosts’ total was just four.
Opener Shubman Gill and one-down Virat Kohli salvaged their team from danger contributing together 189 runs in the second wicket stand before Gill was caught behind by wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis off Madushanka when India’s total was 193 for the loss of two wickets.
Gill hit a run-a-ball 92 with 11 fours and two sixes.
After Gill’s dismissal, Virat Kohli could stay at the crease for a short period as he was caught at the short cover by Pathum Nissanka off Madushanka when India’s score was 196 for the loss of three wickets.
Kohli notched up a terrific 88.
He hit 11 fours in his 94-ball knock.After Kohli’s departure, Shreyas Iyer and third-down KL Rahul contributing together 60 runs for the fourth wicket partnership before Rahul (21) was caught at the short extra cover by Dushan Hemantha off Dushmantha Chameera when India’s total was 256 for the loss of four wickets.
Iyer and Ravindra Jadeja built another notable partnership putting on together 57 runs for the sixth wicket partnership before Iyer was dismissed by Madushanka when India’s score was 333 for the loss of six wickets.
Iyer hit a windy 82.
His 56-ball innings was belted with six sixes and three fours.Madushanka restored some parity for his country bagging five wickets giving 80 runs.
No Sri Lanka batters could make a notable score against the superb bowling attack of India.
Pacers Mohammed Shami, Monammed Siraj played key role in demolishing Sri Lanka’s innings. Shami captured five wickets in the space of 18 runs, while Siraj claimed three wickets instead of 16 runs.
Shami was adjudged the Man of the Match for his outstanding bowling display.
Besides, Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah took one wicket each for four and eight runs respectively.
