Another unsuccessful chase from India- Beaten by Sri Lanka

Explosive batting from Mathews

 Sri Lanka chose to bat first after winning the toss. Sri Lanka was able to create a formidable score of 289 runs. The Indian bowlers were unable to keep the Lankan batsman under pressure and thus batsman were able to create good partnership. Sri Lankan batsman were very disciplined as they played steadily while making runs at the same time. Mathews demolished Indian bowlers with 49 runs off 37 balls.

Indian team, who came to play under the leadership of Virender Sehwag clearly seemed to lack the presence of their captain MS Dhoni. He was banned for 1 match for the slow over rate in match against Australia; Dhoni was replaced by Parthiv Patel as wicket-keeper. 

India had a terrible start when their opener and captain Sehwag was out for duck. The chase after that was struggle all the way. India as always lacked good partnership. Wickets kept falling and the run rate pummeled. At the end the the Indian scoreboard sealed at 238 runs. India has two back-to-back unsuccessful chases. 

Match Score Summary:

Sri Lankan Innings:     289/6 (50 Overs)

                    Batting:     Thirimanne 62, Dilshan 51, Mathews 49

                   Bowling:     Ashwin 2-50, Pathan 2-54

        Indian Innings:     238/10 (45.1 Overs)

                   Batting:     Kohli 66, Pathan 47

                  Bowling:     Perera 4-37, Kulasekara 3-40

Player of the Match: Kulasekara

Sri Lanka won by 51 runs. Sri Lanka got 4 more points. Now they are in 2nd position with 11 points after Australia who have 18 points. India has only 10 points.

The next match is between Australia and Sri Lanka at Hobart in Feb 24,2012.