1st ODI, Colombo, February 22, 2020, 09:45 AM
West Indies
289/7(50.0ov)
Sri Lanka
290/9(49.1ov)
Sri Lanka beat West Indies by 1 wicket
Best Batsmen
R
B
4S
6S
SR
Best Bowler
O
R
W
Econ
Man of the Match
Wanindu Hasaranga
Commentry
Okay! A nerve-ending beginning to what can be promised to be a closely-fought series. West Indies started as favourites, piled on a big total but were poor with the ball, which allowed Sri Lanka to fight back, before a harakiri nearly saw the game slip away. How will the second ODI pan out? Join us on Wednesday, 26th February 2020, at 2.30 pm local (0900 GMT). ADIOS! TAKE CARE!
Victorious Sri Lankan captain, Dimuth Karunaratne accepts that there is plenty to learn from this match - especially batting in the middle overs and not throwing starts away. Is happy with his spinners in the middle overs but understands that leaking 90-odd runs in the last 10 overs is a concern, which needs to be worked out. On the run chase, Karunaratne says that both he and Avishka got a decent start but both got out after getting a half century. Hopes to capitalize in the next game, if the same situation arises. States that many players were happy to play an ODI. Thanks the crowd for turning in large numbers and expects a similar response in Hambantota.
West Indian skipper, Kieron Pollard, admits that it was a good game, since it went till the last wicket and the last over and credits the Lankans for the win. Agrees that they got a slow start with the bat but is happy with the acceleration towards the end. Praises Shai Hope for batting well, along with Roston Chase and Darren Bravo. But rues that the middle overs set them back, as they could not quite accelerate, in spite of the foundation laid, from where they could have got to 320-350. On having the guts to bowl the leg spinner Hayden Walsh when Thisara Perera was going well, Pollard says that he backed his leggie as Perera can hit you for runs but also give you his wicket. Overall, he laments the poor show with the ball, which had no discipline.
WANINDU HASARANGA HAS BEEN NAMED THE MAN OF THE MATCH for his batting cameo. Says that when he came out to bat, they needed 60-70 runs and he felt that if he could bat till the end, he could take the side home. Admits that he was under pressure but he believed that if he stayed at the crease for a while, it would get easier for him.
Earlier in the day, a Shai Hope century helped the Windies get to a commanding 289/7, thanks to cameos from Keemo Paul and Hayden Walsh as well. Both teams needed one set batsman to bat through, with new batters finding it difficult to score quickly. West Indies had Hope, Sri Lanka had no hope when Udana fell, but eventually, canny Hasaranga took them through. Also, Sri Lanka were very disciplined with the extras - just 4 wides and 1 bye. West Indies conceded 14 wides and 1 no ball. Please stay tuned for the presentation...
West Indies got a good total on the board but the bowling was very average. They let the openers off the hook with some very loose deliveries and no one actually looked like taking wickets. The Lankans were playing them with ease and it was when the soft dismissals started to happen, that the wickets' column started to get filled. Alzarri Joseph finished with a tally of 3 wickets while Keemo Paul bagged 2. But Sheldon Cottrell went for a shade too many and that perhaps, was the difference in the end. None of the other bowlers could exert any control.
Not a batting scorecard Sri Lanka would be proud of. Too many starts, too many soft dismissals. The openers got off to a terrific start, adding 111, only to throw it away. That opened the door for the Windies, who had been ordinary till then, to pick wickets at consistent levels. Batsmen came in, batsmen went out and the saga of rash cricket continued. Till Wanindu Hasaranga took it upon himself. Sri Lanka needed 28 from 27 balls when Isuru Udana became the 8th victim - but calm and cool Wanindu Hasaranga steered the ship home.
Phew. What a game. Right down to the wire. Sri Lanka have a new hero - Wanindu Hasaranga. A cameo of an unbeaten 42 from 39 balls, in a tensed situation, where Sri Lanka had nearly snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. A 1-0 series lead it is for the Lankans and this is now the HIGHEST SUCCESSFUL ODI RUN CHASE AT THE SSC.
49.2
1nb
NO BALL! That is the winning run! Does not matter where the ball has gone. It is a high full toss, a beamer, well above waist height, signalled a no ball and pulled over mid-wicket! No need to run because the target has been achieved! SRI LANKA WIN BY 1 WICKET AND 5 BALLS TO SPARE!
Nuwan Pradeep is the last man in. But he does not need to bat. All he needs is to run, if necessary. Hasaranga will be on strike.
49.1
W
OUT! RUN OUT! Boy, what a time to get a direct hit! A high full toss, around middle, Sandakan works it towards square leg and sets off for the targetted winning run. But Sunil Ambris coolly collects the ball, takes aim and fires a throw at the bowler's end. Scores a bull's eye! Sandakan is well short.
In over# 1
0
4
1
0
1wd
1
2
Sheldon Cottrell 69/0(10)
48.6
.
A bouncer, on middle, Hasaranga ducks.
48.5
4
FOUR! SCORES ARE LEVEL NOW! A low full toss, outside off, Hasaranga leans and drives it behind point. The ball races away! 1 needed from 7 balls...
48.4
1
A short ball, outside off, pulled down to fine leg for a single.
48.3
.
The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
48.3
1wd
WIDE. Down the leg side, pull shot missed.
48.2
1
Full and outside off, driven down to long off for a single.
48.1
2
NOT OUT. Poor fielding. Full and outside off, Hasaranga drives it past the man at cover. The fielder at sweeper takes ever so long to return the throw and the batsmen take the second on that. The throw is a weak one, albeit accurate and the bowler whips the bails off. Appeals and it is referred upstairs. No use. Replays show that Sandakan is well in. 8 needed from 11 balls now.
Is that a run out? Referred upstairs. Yes, Sandakan is safe.
In over# 1
0
0
1wd
1
1wd
0
0
0
Keemo Paul 47/2(8)
47.6
.
Full and outside off, pushed straight to cover.
47.5
.
SAFE. Heart-in-mouth moment for Hasaranga, Sri Lankan fans and even Niroshan Dickwella at the boundary. Outside off, Sandakan pushes it towards cover-point and straightaway yells NO. But Hasaranga comes charging in for the single and has to apply the brakes. He has to do a U-turn and puts in a full length dive. The fielder finds the stumps at the bowler's end with his hit and the appeal is referred upstairs. Replays show that the bat went up in the air but got back down just before the throw hit.
Direct hit! Has Hasaranga got back in time? Referred upstairs. Yes, the batsman is just in.
47.5
1wd
WIDE! Pressure on the bowler. Loud cheer from the crowd. Full and down the leg side, flick shot missed.
47.4
1
Full on middle, sensibly pushed down to long on for a single.
47.4
1wd
WIDE. A short ball, outside off, Wanindu leaps and plays the upper cut but misses.
47.3
.
Full and outside off, driven straight to point. Three dots!
47.2
.
The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
47.1
.
That has gone off the edge. It could have so easily gone to the fence. Third man is up and Paul bowls a full toss outside off. Hasaranga throws his bat at it but gets a thick outside edge. Luckily for the bowler, it goes on the bounce towards the keeper.
In over# 1
0
1
2
4
4
1
Sheldon Cottrell 60/0(9)
46.6
.
Sandakan survives. A bouncer, on middle, Lakshan ducks at the last moment. 12 from the over. Cottrell has gone for 60 in his 9 overs so far.
46.5
1
On middle, pushed down to long on for another single.
46.4
2
Full and outside off, driven through point for a brace.
46.3
4
FOUR! Glorious shot! 16 needed from 21 now! Full and outside off, Hasaranga lofts it over cover and gets two boundaries in succession!
46.2
4
FOUR! THUMP! A length ball, around middle, Hasaranga lofts this cleanly down to long on, beating the fielder to his left!
46.1
1
Outside off, dabbed to third man for a single.
Sheldon Cottrell returns. 8-0-48-0 so far.
In over# 1
1lb
1
1
0W
0
1
Keemo Paul 44/2(7)
45.6
1lb
A length ball, around middle, tucked through square leg for a single. Just 4 runs and a wicket from the over, Paul's figures read 7-0-45-2.
45.5
1
Full and around off, driven through mid off for one more.
45.4
1
A length ball, down the leg side, flicked through mid-wicket for a run.
Lakshan Sandakan walks in now. This is getting very tight.
45.3
W
OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Oh dear. Sri Lanka are again entering the squandering zone. Not long back, they were favourites to chase this down. Now, this has become a potential thriller. Short and outside off, Udana leaps and looks to ramp it over the vacant slip cordon. But all he manages is a thick outside edge. Shai Hope leaps and completes the formalities. So the equation reads - 28 from 27. But just 2 wickets in hand.
45.2
.
Landed outside off, punched straight to the cover fielder.
45.1
1
Full delivery outside off, Hasaranga plays it towards third man for a single.
Keemo Paul is back on. 6-0-41-1 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
1
0
2
1lb
1
Alzarri Joseph 42/3(10)
44.6
.
A length ball outside off, solidly defended.
44.5
1
A length ball, tucked towards fine leg for a run. 29 more needed from 31 balls.
44.4
.
Full and outside off, driven towards mid off.
44.3
2
Full on middle, driven through mid on for a couple.
44.2
1lb
The batsman has been struck on the thigh pad. The batsmen have run through for a single. The umpire signals a leg bye.
44.1
1
Outside off, punched through the covers for a single. There is a fumble but not much damage done.
In over# 1
1
2
0
0
0
0
Sheldon Cottrell 48/0(8)
43.6
1
A length ball, around middle, helped towards fine leg for a single.
43.5
2
Full and outside off, finally some runs in the over as this is driven down the ground for a couple.
43.4
.
Outside off, played straight to point.
43.3
.
Full again, driven towards cover again. Three dots on the trot!
43.2
.
Full and outside off, driven straight to cover.
43.1
.
A length ball, down the leg side, flicked straight to short fine leg.
In over# 1
0
0
0W
2
0
1
Alzarri Joseph 38/3(9)
42.6
.
Another bouncer, ducked under again. A terrific over from Joseph - 3 runs and a wicket. 9-0-38-3 for him.
42.5
.
A bouncer, around middle, ducked under.
The nerves spring again. Isuru Udana walks in.
42.4
W
OUT! 'AAAARGH!' shouts Thisara Perera in disgust, the moment he hits the shot. He knew it straightaway. Big moment in the game again. A short ball, outside off, 141 kph, Thisara looks to pull and does so. However, he does not bother keeping it down. But does not get much elevation either. The ball travels flat and straight to deep mid-wicket where substitute Rovman Powell makes no mistake. Thisara departs for an underachieved 32 from 22. 37 needed from 44. 3 wickets in hand.
42.3
2
Down the leg side, Thisara flicks it through square leg for a couple.
42.2
.
Full on middle, pushed back to the bowler.
42.1
1
Full and around off, pushed through the covers for a single.
Alzarri Joseph is back on. 8-0-35-2 so far.
In over# 1
1
0
1
1
0
3lb
Sheldon Cottrell 45/0(7)
41.6
1
Outside off, punched off the back foot for one.
41.5
.
Full and outside off, pushed straight to cover.
41.4
1
Short and around off, pulled down to long on for a run.
41.3
1
Outside off, punched behind point for a single.
41.2
.
Full and outside off, driven straight to cover.
41.1
3lb
Down the leg side, Perera looks to tuck but the ball goes off his pads past short fine leg. Alzarri Joseph gives it a good chase and manages to pull it back in. Three runs taken.
Sheldon Cottrell is back on. 6-0-42-0 so far.
In over# 1
1
4
0
2
0
6
Hayden Walsh 38/2(5)
40.6
1
Low full toss, outside leg, flicked through mid-wicket for a single.
40.5
4
FOUR! More runs! Short and outside off, Thisara goes back and punches this behind point!
40.4
.
The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot.
40.3
2
DROPPED! Tough, but would have been a spectacular take. Full and outside off, Thisara looks to go inside out but Kieron Pollard at short extra cover flings himself to his right. Nearly pulls off a stunner but the ball does not stick. Two runs taken.
40.2
.
Full and around off, watchfully defended.
40.1
6
SIX! Going, going, gone! Full and around middle and leg, Thisara gets underneath and launches it over long on!
POWERPLAY 3 time. 5 fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle till the end. The groundstaff is getting itchy now. No threat of rain. But the light is getting dim.
In over# 1
3
0
1
6
0
1
Keemo Paul 41/1(6)
39.6
3
Full and outside off, Thisara drives it through point where the fielder fumbles and third man has to mop up. He nearly messes it up but manages to stop the boundary. Three runs taken. 59 more needed from 60 balls.
39.5
.
Outside off, played straight to point.
39.4
1
Outside off, chopped down to third man for a run.
39.3
6
SIX! THRASH! A short ball, around middle, Hasaranga swivels and pulls it over deep backward square leg!
39.2
.
Landed outside off, dabbed to backward point.
39.1
1
A short ball, outside off, pulled down to long on for a single.
In over# 1
0
4
0
0
1
0
Hayden Walsh 25/2(4)
38.6
.
The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot.
38.5
4
FOUR! Short and outside off, Hasaranga goes back and steers it behind point for a boundary!
38.4
.
Outside off, punched off the back foot.
38.3
.
The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
38.2
1
Outside off, punched through the covers for a single.
38.1
.
Landed outside off, turning in, Thisara looks to run it down to third man but misses.
In over# 1
0
0
0W
3
4
1
Keemo Paul 30/1(5)
37.6
.
On a length on middle, Hasaranga flicks it to mid-wicket.
37.5
.
Paul bowls a bumper, Hasaranga does well to duck under it.
Wanindu Hasaranga is the new batsman in.
37.4
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Short delivery on middle, Kusal Perera pulls it over mid-wicket but does not get the elevation on it. Darren Bravo in the deep dives forward and takes a good low catch.
37.3
3
On a length on middle, Thisara flicks it through square leg. The fielder chases it and does well to stop it before the ropes. The batsmen get three runs.
37.2
4
FOUR! Brilliant shot! Full delivery on middle, Thisara flicks it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
37.1
1
On a length on off, Kusal punches it through covers for a run.
Keemo Paul is back on.
In over# 1
0
0
1wd
4
0
1
0W
Hayden Walsh 20/2(3)
36.6
.
Flighted delivery on middle, Thisara flicks it to mid-wicket.
36.5
.
Tossed up delivery on middle, Thisara looks to flick but gets hit on the thigh pad.
36.5
1wd
WIDE! Walsh bowls it down the leg side, Thisara looks to flick but misses it.
36.4
4
FOUR! Nicely played! Loopy delivery outside off, Thisara makes room and punches it through covers for a boundary.
36.3
.
BEATEN! Floated delivery outside off, Thisara looks to cut but misses it.
36.2
1
Tossed up delivery on middle, Kusal flicks it through square leg for a single.
Thisara Perera is the next batsman in.
36.1
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Flighted delivery on off, Dhananjaya comes down the track and lofts it over mid off but does not get the distance on it. It goes towards long off where Keemo Paul moves forward and takes a good catch.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
4
1
Jason Holder 44/1(10)
35.6
1
Length delivery on middle, Dhananjaya flicks it towards square leg for a run.
35.5
.
Good length delivery on off, Dhananjaya keeps it out.
35.4
.
On a good length on middle, Dhananjaya defends it off the back foot.
35.3
.
Full delivery on off, Dhananjaya drives it towards mid on.
35.2
4
TOP EDGE AND FOUR! Short of a length delivery, Dhananjaya looks to pull but gets a top edge. It goes over the keeper towards fine leg for a boundary. 200 up for Sri Lanka.
35.1
1
On a length on middle, Perera flicks it through square leg for a single.
In over# 1
1
2
1
1
1
1
Hayden Walsh 14/1(2)
34.6
1
On middle, Perera flicks it through square leg for a single.
34.5
2
Floated delivery on off, Perera punches it through covers. The batsmen pick up a couple.
34.4
1
Tossed up delivery on middle, Dhananjaya flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
34.3
1
Loopy delivery on middle, Perera flicks it through square leg for a run.
34.2
1
Flighted delivery on middle, Dhananjaya flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
34.1
1
Tossed up delivery on middle, Perera flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.
Hayden Walsh is back on.
In over# 1
0
0
1
1
1
0
Jason Holder 38/1(9)
33.6
.
On a good length on middle, Dhananjaya looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
33.5
.
On a length on off, Dhananjaya taps it to point.
33.4
1
Full delivery on middle, Perera flicks it through square leg for a single.
33.3
1
Length delivery on off, Dhananjaya punches it towards cover-point for a single.
33.2
1
Full delivery on middle, Perera drives it through mid on for a run.
33.1
.
On a length on middle, Perera flicks it towards short fine leg.
In over# 1
0
4
0
0
1
0
Sheldon Cottrell 42/0(6)
32.6
.
On a length on middle, Dhananjaya flicks it towards the leg side.
32.5
4
FOUR! That is put away! Short delivery on middle, Dhananjaya pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary.
32.4
.
Short delivery on off, Dhananjaya stands tall and blocks it off the back foot.
32.3
.
On a good length on off, Dhananjaya blocks it off the front foot.
32.2
1
Good length delivery on middle, Perera looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads. It goes towards the leg side. The batsmen take a run.
32.1
.
On a length on middle, Perera flicks it to mid-wicket.
Sheldon Cottrell is back on.
In over# 1
0
1
1
1wd
0
1
1
Jason Holder 35/1(8)
31.6
.
BEATEN! Short again and outside off, Dhananjaya looks to cut but misses it.
31.5
1
Short and outside off, Perera cuts it through point for a single.
31.4
1
Short delivery on middle, Dhananjaya pulls it through square leg for a single.
31.4
1wd
WIDE! Holder bowls a bumper, Dhananjaya does well to duck under it.
31.3
.
Good length delivery on middle, Dhananjaya keeps it out.
31.2
1
On a length on off, Perera plays it towards covers for a run.
31.1
1
Around middle, worked through mid-wicket for a single.
Jason Holder returns. 7-0-30-1 so far.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
0
Alzarri Joseph 35/2(8)
30.6
.
Around middle, worked towards mid-wicket.
30.5
.
On a good length outside off, watchfully defended.
30.4
1
The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. The batsmen have run through for a single.
30.3
.
Around middle, flicked towards short mid-wicket.
30.2
.
On a good length around off, watchfully defended.
30.1
.
Landed outside off, dabbed to backward point.
In over# 1
1
1
0
0
1wd
1
0
Sheldon Cottrell 37/0(5)
29.6
1
The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. One run added to the total.
29.5
1
On middle, flicked through mid-wicket for one more.
29.4
.
The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot.
29.3
.
Short and outside off, cut straight to point.
29.3
1wd
WIDE. Down the leg side, fuller in length, Perera misses his flick.
29.2
1
The batsman opens the face of the bat and helps it to third man. One run added to the total.
29.1
.
Around off, defended watchfully.
In over# 1
1
0
1wd
0
0W
4
0
Alzarri Joseph 34/2(7)
28.6
1
On middle, flicked through mid-wicket for a single.
28.5
.
Good length ball outside off, watchfully blocked out.
28.5
1wd
WIDE. Down the leg side, left alone.
28.4
.
Around off, blocked from the crease.
Dhananjaya de Silva walks in.
DRINKS BREAK.
28.3
W
OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! The review is successful and Mathews is out of here! Full and wide outside off, Angelo looked to drive it through the covers but missed. There was a big fat noise as the ball went past and Shai Hope appealed but the bowler did not. He just rushed towards the keeper in celebration. Now, when he realized that the batsman is not going anywhere, he started to appeal. The umpire shook his head and Pollard, without any second thought, signalled for the review. Ultra Edge detected a big fat spike when the ball went past the bat. West Indies continue to apply pressure. 122 more needed from 129 balls.
Massive shout for a caught behind! Turned down by the umpire. There was a big noise. Pollard takes the review. Ultra Edge detects a spike when the ball goes past the bat. Mathews is gone!
28.2
4
FOUR! Goes for the magic ball but ends up getting a bit too straight. Mathews clips it to the fine leg fence.
28.1
.
A length ball, around off, defended back to the bowler.
Alzarri Joseph returns. 6-0-28-1 so far.
In over# 1
1
1
4
4
0
0
1wd
Sheldon Cottrell 33/0(4)
27.6
1
On middle and leg, flicked through mid-wicket for a quick single. 11 from the over, takes the pressure off.
27.5
1
The batsman works it down the leg side. One run added to the total.
27.4
4
FOUR! Fine shot. Short and outside off, Perera crunches this through point, comfortably beating sweeper racing to his right.
27.3
4
FOUR! Wrong line. Down the leg side, Perera turns it around the corner. Alzarri Joseph at short fine leg puts in a poor effort and the ball goes through. Kusal moves to 23 from 28 balls.
27.2
.
The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot.
27.1
.
Around off, watchfully defended.
27.1
1wd
WIDE. Down the leg side, flick shot missed.
Sheldon Cottrell is back on. 3-0-22-0 so far.
Angelo Mathews walks in at number 5, replacing Kusal Mendis.
In over# 1
0W
0
4
1
1
1
Hayden Walsh 7/1(1)
26.6
W
OUT! CAUGHT! What a waste of a wicket. A full toss, outside off, Mendis looks to pull but cannot quite get enough on it. The ball limps towards mid on where Alzarri Joseph accepts a dolly. Mendis got in, looked set but then threw his wicket away. We are going to reach a riveting finish. 137 more needed from 138 balls.
26.5
.
The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
26.4
4
FOUR! Another full toss. Outside off, Mendis reaches out and drives it through the covers! 150 UP FOR SRI LANKA. 137 more needed from 140 balls.
26.3
1
Full and around middle, Perera looks to sweep but the ball goes off the inner half towards fine leg. A run taken.
26.2
1
A low full toss, outside off, Mendis reaches out and pushes it through mid off for a single.
26.1
1
Full and outside off, driven through the covers for a single.
Hayden Walsh into the attack now.
In over# 1
0
0
6
1
4
0
Roston Chase 38/0(6)
25.6
.
Around off, worked towards square leg.
25.5
.
Fuller and around off, watchfully defended.
25.4
6
SIX! TAKE THAT! Huge hit. Full and around middle, Mendis jumps down the track and lofts it high and handsome over the sightscreen! 144 more needed from 146 balls. The stand is now worth 25 from 33 balls.
25.3
1
Full and outside off, driven towards long off for a single.
25.2
4
FOUR! This was coming. Perera was itching to get on top of the spinner. Brings out the reverse sweep and picks this from middle stump. Bisects short third man and backward point.
25.1
.
Full and around middle, watchfully defended.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
0
Alzarri Joseph 28/1(6)
24.6
.
Full again, pushed to the off side.
24.5
.
Full on middle, pushed towards mid on.
24.4
.
A short ball, down the leg side, Mendis looks to pull but the ball hits his arm, then the shoulder and then lobs in the air, beside the batsman on the leg side.
24.3
.
Full and straight, watchfully defended.
24.2
1
A touch short, around middle, helped through mid-wicket for a single.
24.1
.
Full and around off, driven straight to cover.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1
0
1
Roston Chase 27/0(5)
23.6
.
NOT OUT. But what a ripper! Flighted outside off, Mendis lunges to defend but the ball rips past the outside edge. Shai Hope collects and whips the bails off. He fires appeals for a catch, then turns towards the square leg umpire and appeals for a stumping. It is referred upstairs but replays show that the foot never left the crease.
Caught behind appeal! Not out. Stumping appeal! Referred upstairs. No one seems excited. Replays show why. Mendis is well in.
23.5
.
Slightly short, outside off, punched straight to Pollard this time.
23.4
.
Tossed up, around off, watchfully pushed towards long on but Kieron Pollard swiftly gets across from short mid-wicket, dives to his left and stops it.
23.3
1
Another misfield. Perera rocks back and cuts this short ball, straight to point but the fielder fumbles and allows a run. Keemo Paul it was.
23.2
.
Full and on middle, watchfully defended.
23.1
1
A short ball, around off, Mendis gets down and pulls it to deep backward square leg for a single.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
1
0
Alzarri Joseph 27/1(5)
22.6
1
Again on the pads, flicked to deep mid-wicket for one more.
22.5
.
Full on middle, flicked straight to short mid-wicket.
22.4
.
Full and straight, watchfully defended.
22.3
.
That is an absolute beauty. On a length outside off, Mendis looks to defend but the ball holds its line, just moving a bit off the seam and beats the outside edge.
22.2
1
Slower one, on the pads, helped through mid-wicket for a single. Perera moves to 10 from 16 balls. The stand moves to 10 from 13. 159 more needed from 166 now.
22.1
.
A length ball, outside off, Perera looks to swing across the line but misses. There is no one between long off and deep mid-wicket, hence that shot.
In over# 1
0
1
0
1
1
1
Roston Chase 25/0(4)
21.6
.
The batsman has played it towards mid-wicket.
21.5
1
Short and outside off, Perera cuts it straight to point who is unable to stop it, due to the ball bouncing right in front of him. The ball goes off his body behind and a single is taken.
21.4
.
Full and outside off, driven straight to cover.
21.3
1
Full and around off, Mendis jumps out and works it through mid-wicket for one.
21.2
1
Outside off, driven through mid off for a run.
21.1
1
Full on middle, Mendis comes down the track and pushes it towards long on for a single.
Roston Chase is back on. 3-0-21-0 so far.
WOMEN'S T20 WORLD CUP UPDATE - Meanwhile, albeit in a struggling fashion, the West Indies have managed to thwart off the Thai challenge. 79 did not seem to be too big a target but they huffed and puffed their way. What matters eventually is, they are on the board in their very first game.
In over# 1
0
0
1
4
0
0W
Alzarri Joseph 25/1(4)
20.6
.
Full and outside off, driven straight to cover.
20.5
.
On middle, pushed back to the bowler.
20.4
1
On a length, around off, Mendis looks to defend but the ball moves away and squares him up. The outside edge is taken and the ball runs down to third man. A run taken.
20.3
4
FOUR! Fine way to get off the mark. Full and outside off, Mendis leans and drives this through the covers, to get off the mark in style.
20.2
.
Outside off, on a length, a play and a miss.
One Kusal joins the other. Mendis strides out.
20.1
W
OUT! STRANGLED DOWN THE LEG SIDE! Bonus wicket for West Indies. They will not mind, will they? A gentle loosener, on a length, down the leg side, Avishka looks to flick but all he manages is a thin inside edge to the keeper! West Indies appeal and up goes the umpire's finger! Fernando does not wait and walks. Big, big wicket. Both set batsmen are back in the pavillion. The Windies are back in this game. 169 more needed from 179 balls.
Alzarri Joseph returns. 3-0-20-0 so far.
In over# 1
0
1
1
4
0
0
Jason Holder 30/1(7)
19.6
.
Played to the point region by the batsman.
19.5
1
Works this through the leg side for one more.
19.4
1
Pushes this through the covers for a run.
19.3
4
FOUR! SPANKED! Kusal Perera announces himself. Full and outside off, Perera blasts this wide of mid off.
19.2
.
Full and outside off, smashed straight to mid off.
19.1
.
A length ball, around off, Perera looks to punch this through the off side but gets a thick inside edge onto his pads.
In over# 1
1
0
1
1
0
1
Keemo Paul 22/0(4)
18.6
1
A short ball now, pulled to deep backward square leg for one.
18.5
.
Full and outside off, Kusal looks to go over mid off but his feet go nowhere. A swing and a miss.
18.4
1
Flicks this through square leg for a run.
18.3
1
The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. They pick up a single.
18.2
.
Full and around middle, pushed back to the bowler.
18.1
1
Down the leg side, tucked to deep square leg for a single.
Kusal Perera walks in at number 3, replacing his skipper.
In over# 1
0W
0
0
0
1
0
Jason Holder 24/1(6)
17.6
W
OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! No reversal this time. No need to review either. Karunaratne walks. A brute from Holder. A length ball, outside off, Karunaratne looks to run it down to third man but there is extra bounce on this one. As a result, the outside edge is induced and Shai Hope does the rest. The opening stand is broken on Nelson. Good platform set for Sri Lanka. 179 more needed from 192 balls.
17.5
.
NOT OUT. Decision reversed. A short ball, outside off, Karunaratne looks to cut but misses. There does not seem to be any noise but Holder appeals and the umpire raises his finger. The Lankan skipper immediately reviews and Ultra Edge does not detect anything when the ball goes past the bat.
Another DRS moment! Karunaratne has been adjudged caught behind. He has immediately sent it upstairs. Nothing on Ultra Edge. Decision reversed.
17.4
.
It's been driven superbly through the covers.
17.3
.
Landed outside off, Dimuth looks to cut but misses.
17.2
1
Outside off, this time Avishka dabs it uppishly towards third man for a single.
17.1
.
A length ball outside off, Avishka arches back and looks to run it down to third man but gets a bottom edge which goes on the bounce to the keeper.
In over# 1
1
0
2lb
1
1
0
Keemo Paul 18/0(3)
16.6
1
The batsman works it down the leg side. They pick up a single.
16.5
.
The batsman works it down the leg side.
16.4
2lb
The batsman appears to have been struck on the thigh pad. The fielding side is asking the question. The batsmen have picked up a couple of runs. Leg byes given by the umpire.
16.3
1
Outside off, driven through the covers for a run.
16.2
1
The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. The batsmen have run through for a single.
16.1
.
On middle, flicked towards short mid-wicket.
DRINKS BREAK.
In over# 1
4
0
0
1
1
0
Jason Holder 23/0(5)
15.6
4
FOUR! Nice way to get to your half century! Full on middle, this is driven through mid on to find the fence.
15.5
.
The batsman was beaten and missed the line of the delivery.
15.4
.
Full on middle, pushed straight to mid on.
15.3
1
Outside off, dabbed to third man for a single.
15.2
1
The ball has found the edge of the bat. One run added to the total. 100-RUN STAND IS UP!
15.1
.
Outside off, a play and a miss.
Jason Holder to bowl now. 4-0-17-0 so far.
In over# 1
1
1
1
1
0
1
Keemo Paul 15/0(2)
14.6
1
Around off, on a length, guided towards third man for another single.
14.5
1
On middle, punched down to long on for one more.
14.4
1
Around off, worked through mid-wicket where a misfield allows a single.
14.3
1
Works this through mid-wicket for a run.
14.2
.
The batsman works it down the leg side.
14.1
1
Full and outside off, driven through mid off for a single.
Keemo Paul returns. 1-0-10-0 so far.
In over# 1
1
1
1
1
0
1
Roston Chase 21/0(3)
13.6
1
DROPPED! Tough chance. Full and around off, Karunaratne skips down the track and hammers it straight back. Chase leaps to his left but the ball comes way too quickly. Bursts through his palms and deflects towards the on side. A run taken.
13.5
1
Full and down the leg side, swept towards fine leg for another single.
13.4
1
Pushes this towards long on for one more.
13.3
1
Outside off, driven down to long off for a run. 199 more needed from 219 balls. Avishka moves to 40 from 41 balls.
13.2
.
Full and around middle, this is swept straight to short fine leg.
13.1
1
Full and around middle, flicked through fine leg for a single. The stand moves to 90 from 79 balls.
In over# 1
1
0
0
0
1
Alzarri Joseph 20/0(3)
12.6
1
Short and around off, cut through point for a single.
12.5
.
Landed outside off, a play and a miss.
12.4
.
FOUR! Cracking pull shot. A bit too short from Joseph, Karunaratne swivels and pulls it through mid-wicket and finds the fence!
12.2
.
Short and outside off, cut straight to point.
12.1
1
Outside off, dabbed to third man for a single.
In over# 1
0
1
1
1
0
1
Roston Chase 16/0(2)
11.6
.
NOT OUT. Umpire's call. Full and in line of the stumps, Karunaratne looked to sweep but missed and was hit on the pads. Chase appealed but the umpire was unmoved. Chase had a long look, then convinced his skipper to take the review. Ultra Edge came in first, showing no contact between glove and ball while Ball Tracker showed the ball to be going down with the angle, just about clipping leg stump. So the decision stays as it is but West Indies do not lose their review.
Is that a wicket? Roston Chase feels this is pretty close. Pollard takes the review. Karunaratne has been hit on the pads while attempting the sweep. Here comes Ball Tracker. Clipping leg stump. Review retained, along with the batsman.
11.5
1
Punched off the back foot by the batsman. They pick up a single.
11.4
1
Outside off, punched through the covers for one.
11.3
1
Outside off, punched down to long on for a run.
11.2
.
Around off, worked straight to short mid-wicket.
11.1
1
Full and outside off, driven towards long off for a single.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1wd
0
0
0
Alzarri Joseph 14/0(2)
10.6
.
A length ball, pretty straight, Fernando swings but gets a thick inside edge onto his pads.
10.5
.
Back of a length outside off, coming in with the angle, solidly blocked towards point.
10.4
.
The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
10.4
1wd
WIDE. Down the leg side, flick shot missed.
10.3
.
The batsman defends it from within the crease.
10.2
.
A length ball, around middle, flicked straight to short mid-wicket.
10.1
.
A short ball, outside off, Avishka looks to pull but is cramped for room due to the extra bounce. Miscues it to mid on, almost giving a catch.
POWERPLAY 2 has been signalled. 4 fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle till the 40th over.
In over# 1
0
4wd
6
1
0
1
0
Roston Chase 12/0(1)
9.6
.
Fired on the pads, Karunaratne misses his flick and is hit on the pads. 25 in the last 2 overs, to make it 78/0 in Powerplay 1. West Indies were 31/1 at this stage!
9.6
4wd
FOUR WIDES! Bonus runs for Sri Lanka. Fired down the leg side, Avishka misses his flick and the keeper is blinded. The ball trickles towards the fence but someone gets to it and stops the boundary. Three runs taken.
9.5
6
SIX! Lovely shot. Full and around off, Avishka comes forward and lofts this straight back over the bowler's head. Clears the long on fence. The stand moves to 74 from 59 balls. 216 more needed from 241 balls.
9.4
1
Short and outside off, punched through the covers where a misfield allows a run.
9.3
.
Full again, Karunaratne comes down the track, aims to go big but misses and gets a thick inside edge onto his pads.
9.2
1
Full and around middle, little bit of drift, swept towards deep backward square leg. Darren Bravo misfields a touch but just the single conceded. Fernando moves to 30 from 26 balls.
9.1
.
The batsman has played it towards mid-wicket.
In over# 1
4
4
0
0
1
4
Alzarri Joseph 13/0(1)
8.6
4
FOUR! 13 from the Alzarri Joseph over. A half volley to finish, that too, on the pads. Karunaratne feasts by flicking it through mid-wicket. The skipper moves to 32 from 20 balls.
8.5
4
FOUR! CRISP! Full and around off, Karunaratne just leans into this and pushes this through mid off. No need to run for that. The stand moves to 62 from 53 balls. 228 more needed from 247 balls.
8.4
.
The batsman has attempted to put bat on ball - but fails.
8.3
.
A length ball, around off, watchfully defended.
8.2
1
A short delivery which has been pulled away. The batsmen have run through for a single.
8.1
4
FOUR! Welcome, Alzarri. A loosener, short and wide outside off, Avishka stands tall and punches it through the covers.
In over# 1
4
0
0
0
0
Jason Holder 17/0(4)
7.6
4
FOUR! Spoils the over. 50-RUN STAND up in 8 overs. Good platform set. Full and down the leg side, Karunaratne flicks it through square leg.
7.4
.
Full and outside off, driven straight to mid off.
7.3
.
Short and outside off, punched straight to point.
7.2
.
Around off, watchfully defended.
7.1
.
A length ball, around off, angling away, Karunaratne feels for it but misses.
In over# 1
0
1
0
1
4
4
Keemo Paul 10/0(1)
6.6
.
Outside off, driven straight to mid off.
6.5
1
Pushes this through mid on for a run.
6.4
.
Pitched outside leg, Karunaratne misses his flick and is hit on the pads.
6.3
1
Around off, worked through mid-wicket for a single.
6.2
4
FOUR! Consecutive boundaries. Landed outside off, Fernando runs this late behind point and finds the fence.
6.1
4
FOUR! Full and outside off, Avishka lofts it over cover and gets a boundary.
In over# 1
1
0
1lb
1
0
0
Jason Holder 13/0(3)
5.6
1
Around off, worked wide of mid on for a single.
5.5
.
Short and outside off, punched through the covers where Kieron Pollard dives to his right and makes a superb stop.
5.4
1lb
FOUR LEG BYES! A brute of a bouncer, outside off, coming in with the angle, Avishka is up in the air as he tries to fend but the ball rises sharply, misses the gloves and hits the chest. Lobs over the keeper to the third man fence.
5.3
1
On a length outside off, steered through point for a single.
5.2
.
EDGED, JUST SHORT! A length ball, around middle, Karunaratne looks to defend but the ball angles away and squares him up. Takes the outside edge but lands short of Kieron Pollard at first slip.
5.1
.
Full and straight, watchfully defended.
In over# 1
0
0
3
4
0
1
Sheldon Cottrell 22/0(3)
4.6
.
The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads.
4.5
.
Full and around off, watchfully defended.
4.4
3
DROPPED! Tough chance. A length ball, around middle, Karunaratne swings but the ball goes off the inner half of his bat. Darren Bravo at square leg leaps but the ball brushes his fingers and drops behind. Three runs taken.
4.3
4
FOUR! A length ball, around off, swung over mid on for a boundary!
4.2
.
Landed outside off, a play and a miss.
4.1
1
Full and around middle, driven through mid on for a single.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
1wd
0
Jason Holder 11/0(2)
3.6
.
The batsman fails to put bat on ball.
3.5
.
Outside off, punched back to the bowler.
3.4
.
Around off, worked towards square leg.
3.3
.
On a good length outside off, defended from the crease.
3.2
.
Outside off, played straight to point.
3.2
1wd
WIDE. Down the leg side, Dimuth looks to flick but misses.
3.1
.
A length ball outside off, Karunaratne looks to push away from his body and misses.
In over# 1
0
2
0
3
4
0
Sheldon Cottrell 14/0(2)
2.6
.
Full and down the leg side, Avishka looks to flick but misses and is hit on the pads.
2.5
2
Outside off, punched through the back foot for a couple.
2.4
.
That ball has struck the batsman on the thigh pad.
2.3
3
Works this through mid-wicket for three runs.
2.2
4
FOUR! Short and around off, Karunaratne pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary!
2.1
.
Around off, defended from the crease.
In over# 1
2
4
0
4
0
0
Jason Holder 10/0(1)
1.6
2
Around off, tucked through mid-wicket for a couple.
Fine leg comes up now. There is still a slip in place.
1.5
4
FOUR! Great shot. A length ball, outside off, Fernando lofts it over cover and gets a boundary!
1.4
.
Excellent stop. Short and outside off, Fernando crashes the cut but Hayden Walsh dives to his right from point and makes a fine stop.
1.3
4
FOUR! The first boundary of the run chase. A length ball, around off, Avishka pulls it over mid-wicket and finds the fence!
1.2
.
Around off, defended from the crease.
1.1
.
Landed outside off, played straight to point.
Jason Holder to bowl with the second new ball.
In over# 1
0
2
2
1
0
0
Sheldon Cottrell 5/0(1)
0.6
.
Outside off, punched off the back foot. A decent start for Sri Lanka. Not much swing on offer for Cottrell.
0.5
2
Two more. A bit too straight, clipped through mid-wicket again.
WOMEN'S T20 WORLD CUP UPDATE - Meanwhile, West Indies Women have begun strongly in their World Cup campaign. They have restricted debutants Thailand to just 78/9 at the WACA. Should be an easy run chase. The Sri Lankan play the next game after this one, at the same ground.
0.4
2
Down the leg side, helped through mid-wicket for a couple.
0.3
1
Outside off, steered towards third man for a single.
0.2
.
Beautiful bowling, swinging in from outside off, watchfully defended.
0.1
.
A length ball outside off, Avishka plays a loose shot, pushing inside the line, without moving his feet and is beaten.
We are all set for the second innings. Can a record chase of 290 be witnessed at the SSC? Avishka Fernando and Dimuth Karunaratne walk out to open the innings. Sheldon Cottrell to start off proceedings to Fernando. Here we go...
290 to win then. This will be the highest successful ODI run chase at this venue, if it does happen. But the pitch seems to have flattened out, without much turn. We might be in for a good chase. Stay tuned.
Not the best bit of bowling from Sri Lanka and not the best piece of captaincy from Dimuth Karunaratne either. Thisara Perera was their best bowler but he bowled just 7 overs. Nuwan Pradeep was excellent while Wanindu Hasaranga was economical. But the Lankans struggled for wickets in the middle overs and their backup bowlers were ineffective. Isuru Udana had a poor day, going for 82 in his 10 overs, albeit getting 3 wickets towards the end.
A very good total posted by the visitors. It always helps when someone in the top 3 bats for long and Shai Hope's presence till the 46th over gave their hitters a good platform. His 115 was slow but measured, on a track which was doing something. He found able allies in Darren Bravo and Roston Chase, not letting the momentum get away. Towards the end, it seemed like the Windies were losing their way but Keemo Paul's cameo of an unbeaten 32 from 17 balls took the total close to 300.
Roston Chase is down for a chat with Roshan Abeysinghe. Chase says that the par score at this ground is 270, so they were targetting close to 300. Is happy with the total. Admits that Shai Hope set it up nicely for a big finish but they lost their way a bit, albeit their big hitters got a late flourish. On his own batting, Chase says that the ball was coming onto the wicket nicely, so he was just trying to play through the line and rotate the strike.
49.6
2
Full toss on middle, powered down to long on. There is a bit of a fumble by Thisara Perera but it only results in a couple of runs. WEST INDIES FINISH ON 289/7!
49.5
4
FOUR! This is some sort of finish by the Windies. A full ball on middle, Paul brings out the helicopter shot and whips it through mid-wicket!
49.4
4
FOUR! Terrific batting. A short ball, around middle, Paul heaves this through mid-wicket. The ball races to the fence!
49.3
1b
A slower bouncer this time, Hayden looks to pull but misses. The batsmen run a quick bye.
49.2
4
FOUR! Ahhh... just about gets it in the end. Walsh jumps across to the off side, looks to paddle but the bowler spots that and slows the pace. However, in spite of being through the shot, Walsh manages to get the toe end of his bat to the ball and gets it past short fine leg!
49.1
1
Full and wide outside off, slapped to wide long off for a single.
In over# 1
2
2
6
0
1
2
Thisara Perera 40/1(7)
48.6
2
The batsman works it down the leg side. Two runs added to the total. 13 from the over as Thisara finishes with figures of 7-1-40-1.
48.5
2
Outside off, driven through mid off for a couple.
48.4
6
SIX! That is a good hit. A length ball, around leg, Walsh backs away to the leg side and lofts it straight back down the ground!
48.3
.
Excellent yorker, outside off, back to the bowler.
48.2
1
Outside off, driven straight to cover. There is a mix-up but there is a fumble and the single is completed with ease.
48.1
2
Full on middle, rather, a low full toss. Bunted down the ground for a couple.
Thisara Perera to bowl the 49th over. 6-1-27-1 so far. Underbowled.
In over# 1
4
1
4
2
0
6
Isuru Udana 67/3(9)
47.6
4
FOUR! Short and wide outside off, Walsh throws his bat at it and gets it to the left of short third man! 17 from the over.
47.5
1
Full and outside off, driven through the covers for a single.
47.4
4
FOUR! Fine shot. A length ball, on middle, Paul gets across and just helps it through mid-wicket. Once the ball hits the turf, it just races away. Dhananjaya de Silva charges across to his right in the deep and dives but in vain.
47.3
2
The batsman has pushed it to the cover region. The batsmen have picked up a couple of runs.
47.2
.
Full and wide outside off, Paul swings hard but misses.
47.1
6
SIX! SMOKED! This lad can bat. A length ball, around middle, Paul gets down on a knee and slogs it over mid-wicket!
In over# 1
2
1
1W
0
4
0
Nuwan Pradeep 42/1(10)
46.6
2
Full on middle, driven through mid on for a couple.
46.5
1
Full and outside off, driven wide of mid off for a quick single.
Hayden Walsh walks in next.
46.4
W
OUT! RUN OUT! Disaster for the term called communication. A slower full toss, around middle, Holder looks to flick but is deceived by the lack of pace. The ball flies off the leading edge over the bowler, but lands in no man's land. Here is the surprise part though. The batsmen take the first and then turn for the second. Keemo Paul even come halfway down but then sees Angelo Mathews release the ball from long off. The throw is a limp one, which bounces, bounces and bounces but Paul stops and so does Holder, exactly in the middle of the pitch. Pradeep moves away from the throw and to Holder's frustration, the throw hits the stumps! The batsmen have not crossed for the second, so Holder has to depart.
46.3
.
Outside off, a swing and a miss.
46.2
4
FOUR! CLASSY! Long levers from Holder. Full and outside off, Holder reaches out and drives it through the covers. Long off rushes to his left and slides but in vain.
46.1
.
Full and outside off, pushed straight to cover.
In over# 1
0
0
0
1wd
0
4
0W
Isuru Udana 50/3(8)
45.6
.
Full and outside off, driven straight to cover.
45.5
.
On a good length around off, watchfully defended.
45.4
.
Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
45.4
1wd
WIDE! A slower bouncer outside off, Paul looks to pull but then bails out.
45.3
.
Full and around off, watchfully defended.
45.2
4
FOUR! No hat-trick for Udana. He was on a hat-trick, as he had dismissed Pollard and Hope in successive deliveries. A short ball, around middle, Paul looks to pull but gets a top edge. That, though, flies over the keeper to the fence behind.
Keemo Paul comes out for some free hits now. He can hit the ball long and hard. Udana is on a hat-trick...
45.1
W
OUT! BOWLED! There goes the sixth wicket, but in a comical fashion. A full toss, around middle and leg, Hope gets across and looks to paddle. But he misses. The ball loops in onto him, beats his bat, hits his front pad, then the back pad and then rolls onto the stumps. Hope looks disappointed. He was just looking to break free. But a wonderful innings.
In over# 1
4
1
1
1
0
0
Nuwan Pradeep 34/1(9)
44.6
4
FOUR! Clean hitting. A length ball outside off, Holder backs away to the leg side, reaches out, using his long extension and carves it over covers!
44.5
1
Pushed to the cover region by the batsman. One run added to the total.
44.4
1
Full again, eased through mid on for a run.
44.3
1
Full on middle, pushed through long on for a single.
44.2
.
The batsman swung at the ball and completely missed it.
44.1
.
Full on middle, flicked straight to short mid-wicket.
In over# 1
1
1
0
1
4
4
Lakshan Sandakan 42/0(7)
43.6
1
Works this through mid-wicket for one more.
43.5
1
Driven towards the long on region. They pick up a single.
43.4
.
Around off, defended from the crease.
43.3
1
Full on middle, flicked through mid-wicket for a single.
43.2
4
FOUR MORE! Excellent use of the feet. Sandakan flights this around middle, Hope comes down the track and swings it wide of long on again!
43.1
4
FOUR! Short and around middle, Hope rocks back and pulls it wide of long on. Thisara Perera races to his right and dives but in vain.
In over# 1
1
2
0
1
0
1
Nuwan Pradeep 27/1(8)
42.6
1
Another single to end the over! On middle, Hope flicks it through mid-wicket for one.
42.5
2
On the pads, this is nicely flicked through mid-wicket and two is taken.
42.4
.
A slower full ball, Hope drives but straight to covers.
42.3
1
A quick run! On off, Hope drops it towards point and takes one quickly.
42.2
.
On off, it is kept out.
42.1
1
100 for Hope! A really good ton. He was given out on the second ball and a review saved him. There was no looking back from then. He though knows he needs to stay out there till the end. He gets there by working this around the corner.
Nuwan Pradeep is back!
Jason Holder walks out to bat.
In over# 1
0W
1
0
0
1
1
Isuru Udana 45/2(7)
41.6
W
OUT! In the air... taken! Udana has picked two huge wickets and now the Windies are in a spot of bother here. They are losing their way towards the end. A good short one, this one is a seam-up delivery. Pollard is hurried into the pull. He gets a top edge which goes high up in the air towards fine leg. Sandakan takes a good catch. The Windies skipper fails to make an impact.
41.5
1
He moves onto 99 as he works this down to fine leg for one.
41.4
.
Another dot! On middle, this is worked towards mid-wicket.
41.3
.
One more slower one, this is worked back towards the bowler.
41.2
1
On the shorter side, Pollard pulls it down towards fine leg for one.
41.1
1
On the pads, it is worked through square leg for one.
In over# 1
6
0
1
0
1
1
Wanindu Hasaranga 47/0(10)
40.6
6
SIX! That is a long, long way! This is right in the zone for Pollard. It is full and on off, Pollard lofts it over the long off fence. Once again the last ball spoils the over.
40.5
.
On middle, it is kept out.
40.4
1
Flatter and around off, this is pushed through covers for one.
40.3
.
On middle, this is hit to the left of the bowler who dives and stops it.
40.2
1
Gives it a lot of flight and lands it outside off, Pollard hits it down to long on for one.
40.1
1
Loopy ball on middle, this is eased down to long on for one.
Powerplay 3 has been signaled! Now a maximum of 5 fielders can be placed outside the ring till the 50th over.
In over# 1
1
0
1
0W
1
1
1wd
Isuru Udana 42/1(6)
39.6
1
A single to end Powerplay 2! Shorter and outside off, this is slapped through covers for one.
39.5
.
One more slower one, it is worked towards mid-wicket.
39.4
1
A nasty delivery to welcome the opposition skipper. A bumper at a good pace. Pollard looks to fend it. It hits the glove and rolls on the leg side for one.
Kieron Pollard walks out to bat.
39.3
W
OUT! CAUGHT! A soft dismissal and this is big wicket. We all know how destructive Pooran can be but he falls well before he actually started to accelerate. A slower one from Udana. It is on a length and around off. Pooran looks to stroke it on the up but does so uppishy and it goes straight to Karunaratne there. A much-needed wicket for Udana. He has not been at his best but this will make him feel really good.
39.2
1
A slower bumper, it is pulled through square leg for one.
39.1
1
A full toss on the pads, Pooran works it towards mid-wicket. The fielder there dives to his right, gets a hand to it. It goes down towards mid on for one.
39.1
1wd
WIDE! Way too wide outside off, it is the slower one. Did not come off right.
In over# 1
1
0
0
2
0
1
Wanindu Hasaranga 38/0(9)
38.6
1
A single to end so just the 4 from the over! The reverse sweep is out but it is not timed that well. A single through point.
38.5
.
One more dot as this is hit nicely but straight to mid off.
38.4
.
On off, this is pushed to the right of the bowler. He does well to dive and stop it.
38.3
2
On the pads, this is swept behind square on the leg side. Perera in the deep does well to keep it down to two.
38.2
.
Loopy ball on middle, this is eased towards the bowler who gets a hand to it. He deflects it towards mid off. No runs taken.
38.1
1
Floats it on the pads, it is worked through mid-wicket for one.
In over# 1
4
1
4
0
0
1
Isuru Udana 37/0(5)
37.6
4
FOUR! Lovely shot to end a very good over for the Windies! This is hit o the up. Length and around off, Pooran strokes it through covers and bags another boundary.
37.5
1
Now a single as this is guided down to third man.
37.4
4
FOUR! Releases the little pressure that was building! Shorter and around off, Hope cuts it through point and it races away to the fence. A little bit of width offered and Hope is too good to miss out.
37.3
.
Just outside off, Hope looks to cut but gets an outside edge. It does not carry to the keeper. Two dots. This is a good passage of play for Lanka.
37.2
.
A good slower one on middle, Hope works it towards mid-wicket.
37.1
1
On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.
Isuru Udana is back! 4-0-27-0 so far for him.
In over# 1
1
0
1
1
1
0
Wanindu Hasaranga 34/0(8)
36.6
1
On the pads, this is swept through square leg for one.
36.5
.
Flatter and on off, this is pushed to covers.
36.4
1
Outside off, it is pushed through covers for one.
36.3
1
On middle, Pooran pulls it through square leg for one.
36.2
1
Flatter and on off, this is pushed towards cover for one.
36.1
.
Shorter and around off, this is cut towards point.
Nicholas Pooran is the new man in.
In over# 1
0W
1
1
0
0
1
Nuwan Pradeep 22/1(7)
35.6
W
OUT! Plays it on! End of the stand that was really looking at ease out there. Sri Lanka will be pretty relieved they have got the breakthrough. Pradeep is the man to have provided it. A good slower one outside off, Chase looks to loft it over mid off but does so away from his body. He gets an inside edge onto the stumps. A good little innings from Chase comes to an end.
35.5
1
Fuller and on off, it is driven towards mid off.
35.4
1
Well fielded! Outside off, this is carved out towards deep backward point. Third man gets across quickly and keeps it down to one.
35.3
.
Well bowled! Chase comes down the track and Pradeep bowls a yorker. Chase mistimes it towards mid off.
35.2
.
Fuller and on off, it is stroked towards mid off.
35.1
1
Leading edge but it goes just over! On middle, Hope looks to flick but closes the face of the bat a little too early. A leading edge is induced which goes over the cover fielder for one.
In over# 1
4
0
1
0
1
1
Wanindu Hasaranga 30/0(7)
34.6
4
FOUR! Once again the last ball costs a boundary! Poor finish to the over. A short ball, it sits up to be hit. Chase rocks back and pulls it well over the mid-wicket fielder. It lands just short of the ropes. A boundary.
34.5
.
Very full and on leg stump, Chase looks to whip it but gets an inside edge onto the pads. Hope wants a run but is sent back.
34.4
1
Outside off, this is pushed through covers for one.
34.3
.
The batsman defends it from within the crease.
34.2
1
Shorter and on middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.
34.1
1
Shorter and outside off, this is cut through point for one.
Hasaranga is back!
In over# 1
1
1
0
4
1
1
Nuwan Pradeep 19/0(6)
33.6
1
On the pads, this is worked fine on the leg side for a single. 8 runs from this over.
33.5
1
Outside off, this is eased through covers for one.
33.4
.
Full and outside off, Chase goes after it with no foot movement. He gets beaten.
33.3
4
FOUR! Another boundary! So they are managing to get a boundary in almost every over. This is short and on middle, Chase pulls it. He is not in control of it but gets it over mid-wicket and it races away.
33.2
1
On the shorter side and on the body, this is pulled towards fine leg for one.
33.1
1
Quick single! Back of a length and on middle, Chase pushes it towards mid on for one. So they are not only scoring boundaries right now, the running between the wickets is also good.
In over# 1
4
1
1
0
1
1
Dhananjaya de Silva 16/0(3)
32.6
4
FOUR! Spoils the over completely! Hope comes down the track and gets to the pitch of it this time. He lofts it over the bowler's head and bags a boundary.
32.5
1
Another single as this is hit down to long on.
32.4
1
Full and on middle, this is hit down to long on for one.
32.3
.
On middle, this is kept out.
32.2
1
On the pads, this is worked through square leg for one.
32.1
1
Hope comes down the track and works it wide of long on for one.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
0
0
Nuwan Pradeep 11/0(5)
31.6
.
Length delivery around off, Hope strokes it to mid off.
31.5
1
Good length delivery outside off, Hope runs it down to third man for a single.
31.4
.
Bouncer! Hope sits under it.
31.3
.
Fuller on off, Hope pushes it to mid off.
31.2
.
Length delivery on off, Hope once again glances it to mid-wicket.
31.1
.
Good length ball around off, Hope flicks it to mid-wicket.
Nuwan Pradeep is back!
In over# 1
1
1
6
0
0
1
Lakshan Sandakan 31/0(6)
30.6
1
One more singe as Hope works it down to long on. Back-to-back good overs for the visitors.
30.5
1
Follows the biggie with a single as this is worked through mid-wicket. Good batting.
30.4
6
SIX! Up and over! Top, top shot that. Boundaries leaking at the moment. Sandakan floats it up and lands it full outside off. Chase lifts it over covers. The connection is brilliant and it goes all the way.
30.3
.
Very full on the pads, Chase looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.
30.2
.
On off, this is hit to covers.
30.1
1
Hope makes excellent use of the feet and strokes it towards long off. The fielder fumbles but only one run.
Lakshan Sandakan is back on!
In over# 1
1
4
1
0
1
4
Thisara Perera 27/1(6)
29.6
1
A single to end but a top over for the Windies. One which can probably change the momentum of the game. 11 from it. Full and on off, it is driven through covers.
29.5
4
FOUR! Excellently pulled! Second boundary in the over. Short and on middle, Hope rocks back and pulls it hard through mid-wicket. No chance of stopping that.
29.4
1
Outside off, this is driven through point for one.
29.3
.
Slightly short on middle, Chase pulls but straight to mid-wicket.
29.2
1
Outside off, this is driven through covers for one.
29.1
4
FOUR! Up and over! Welcome back into the attack, Perera! It is full and on off, Hope lofts it over mid off and bags a boundary. Hope will probably be more comfortable with pace on the ball now.
In over# 1
1
1
1
1
0
0
Dhananjaya de Silva 8/0(2)
28.6
1
Loopy ball on middle, Hope looks to play it with a straight bat but it goes off the outer half through covers for one.
28.5
1
Another single as another ball is flicked through square leg.
28.4
1
Fires it on middle, Hope works it through mid-wicket for one.
28.3
1
Very full and on middle, it is worked through mid-wicket for one.
28.2
.
Quicker and flatter on middle, Chase looks to flick but closes the face of the bat a touch early. A soft leading edge is produced towards covers.
28.1
.
Loopy ball on off, this is eased down to mid off.
In over# 1
2
1
1
0
2
1
Wanindu Hasaranga 23/0(6)
27.6
2
Couple! Slightly shorter and around off, Hope cuts it through point and two is taken.
27.5
1
On off, this is pushed through covers for one.
27.4
1
Loopy ball on off, this is eased down to long off for one.
27.3
.
Flatter and on middle, this is pushed back to the bowler.
27.2
2
Nice shot! Brings out the reverse sweep. Hits it nice and fine. the fielder at short third man chases it down. Two taken.
27.1
1
Shorter and on middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.
In over# 1
1
0
1
0
1
1
Dhananjaya de Silva 4/0(1)
26.6
1
This is worked against the angle through square leg for one.
26.5
.
On middle, this is hit back to the bowler.
26.4
1
Comes down the track and then strokes it to long on for one.
26.3
.
Flatter and on off, it is kept out.
26.2
1
A full toss, it is worked through mid-wicket for one.
26.1
1
Very full and on middle, this is eased down to long on for one.
Dhananjaya de Silva is on.
In over# 1
2
4
0
1
1
1
Wanindu Hasaranga 16/0(5)
25.6
2
Another lovely shot but only for two! Floats it up on off, Chase creams it through covers. The fielder at deep cover runs to his right, dives and saves two for his side. A good over this for the Windies.
25.5
4
FOUR! A lovely shot and a welcome boundary for the visitors! This is a little too full around off, Chase reaches out for it and strokes it through covers for a boundary.
25.4
.
On middle, Chase defends it onto the ground.
25.3
1
Shorter and around off, Hope pushes it through covers for one.
25.2
1
Shorter and on middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.
25.1
1
Fifty for Hope! A good innings by him so far but he needs to go on and also up the ante a touch. He gets there by pushing it down to long on for one.
In over# 1
0
1
1
1
2
1
Lakshan Sandakan 22/0(5)
24.6
.
A dot to end! On middle, it is worked towards mid-wicket.
24.5
1
Another single as Hope comes down the track and strokes it wide of the fielder at mid off.
24.4
1
Gets away with one there! A very short ball on middle, Chase goes back and pulls it hard but straight towards the fielder at deep mid-wicket. Just the one. 100 up for the Windies.
24.3
1
On middle, Hope pushes it down to long on and gets to the other end.
24.2
2
On the pads, this is worked through square leg, it is in the gap and two runs is taken.
24.1
1
Gives it a lot of air, Chase strokes it down to long on for one.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
0
Wanindu Hasaranga 7/0(4)
23.6
.
A maiden! Brilliant! This is floated up on off, Hope strokes it to the left of the bowler who dives and saves a run.
23.5
.
5 dots in a row now as another ball is defended.
23.4
.
4 dots in a row! On middle, Hope pushes it towards cover.
23.3
.
Another dot as this is kept out nicely.
23.2
.
On middle, blocked.
23.1
.
Good fielding! Flatter and on middle, this is pushed beside the pitch. The fielder at mid-wicket dives to his left and saves a run.
In over# 1
1
0
1
0
0
0
Lakshan Sandakan 16/0(4)
22.6
1
Shorter in length and outside off, this slapped through covers for one.
22.5
.
Chase comes down the track but does not get to the pitch of it. He hits it towards mid off.
22.4
1
An easy single this time as he strokes it through covers. Runs very hard to come by at the moment.
22.3
.
Gives it a lot of air and bowls it outside off, Chase looks to go too hard but mistimes it towards mid off.
22.2
.
On middle, this is worked towards mid-wicket.
22.1
.
The googly on middle, Chase goes back and tries to defend but it goes off the outer half towards point.
In over# 1
0
1
1
0
1
1
Wanindu Hasaranga 7/0(3)
21.6
.
On the pads, it is worked towards mid-wicket.
21.5
1
Another single as Chase eases this down to the long off fielder.
21.4
1
Loopy ball on off, it is eased down to long off for a single.
21.3
.
Floats it up on middle, it is defended.
21.2
1
On the shorter side and on middle, Chase pushes it past the bowler for one.
21.1
1
Outside off, Hope slaps it through covers for one.
In over# 1
1
0
0
1
0
0
Lakshan Sandakan 14/0(3)
20.6
1
Uses his feet again and eases it down to long on for one. Another tight over comes to an end.
20.5
.
Hope comes down the track and strokes it to mid off for another dot.
20.4
.
Gives it air and lands it on middle, defended.
20.3
1
Chase is off the mark! On middle, it stays a touch low. Chase works it through mid-wicket for one.
20.2
.
Another tossed up ball around off, Chase drives but straight to covers.
20.1
.
Very full and on off, it is jammed back towards the bowler.
In over# 1
0
0
0W
0
0
0
Wanindu Hasaranga 3/0(2)
19.6
.
Shorter and flatter on middle and off, Hope blocks it.
19.5
.
Flighted on off, Hope pushes it to cover.
Roston Chase walks out to bat.
19.4
W
OUT! Run Out! Confusion and it leads to the downfall of Darren Bravo. The partnership was going very strongly but unfortunately it cannot last any longer. Flighted delivery on off, Hope defends it towards cover and calls for a run. Darren Bravo quickly responds but Hope then turns his back. Bravo is too far down the track and his hopes of going back safely is unrealistic one as Kusal Mendis quickly gets to the ball and sends a decent throw to Wanindu at the bowler's end. Hasaranga does the rest. Bravo's dive is not enough to save him and he cannot believe it. He takes his time to get back up and starts taking the heavy step back.
19.3
.
Darted on the pads, Hope flicks it to mid-wicket.
19.2
.
Tossed up on off, Shai defends it off the front foot.
19.1
.
Floated on off, Hope pushes it back to the bowler.
In over# 1
1
1
0
1
0
4
Lakshan Sandakan 12/0(2)
18.6
1
A direct hit! It has been referred upstairs. NOT OUT! Bravo is well in. It is on off, Hope pushes it towards cover and sets off. The fielder there scores a direct hit at the striker's end. An appeal and the umpire takes it upstairs. Replays roll in and they show that Bravo is in by a mile.
18.5
1
Pushed to the cover region by the batsman. One run added to the total.
18.4
.
Floats it up on off, this is hit towards covers.
18.3
1
A full toss on middle, Hope strokes it back towards the bowler. He misfields and a run is taken.
18.2
.
On middle, it is kept out.
18.1
4
FOUR! Lovely shot! Full and wide outside off, Hope reaches out for it and strokes it through covers for a boundary.
In over# 1
1
0
0
1
1wd
0
0
Wanindu Hasaranga 3/0(1)
17.6
1
A single to end a tight first by the leggie. This is floated on off, it is driven through covers for one.
17.5
.
Gives it a nice loop and lands it on middle, defended.
17.4
.
Shorter and on off, Hope pushes it back to the bowler. There is a little assistance for the spinner.
17.3
1
Plays the sweep shot now towards deep backward square leg for one.
17.3
1wd
This one is down the leg side, Bravo looks to flick but misses. Wided.
17.2
.
Flighted ball on off, it is kept out.
17.1
.
On off, Bravo keeps it out.
Wanindu Hasaranga is on now!
In over# 1
1
1wd
1
0
0
0
2
Lakshan Sandakan 5/0(1)
16.6
1
Shorter and outside off, it is slapped through covers for one.
16.6
1wd
WIDE! Very slow but a little too wide outside off. It is left alone.
16.5
1
A full toss, it is worked through mid-wicket for one.
16.4
.
Loopy ball on off, Hope comes down the track and hits it nicely but straight to mid off.
16.3
.
Shorter and around off, it is pushed towards the bowler.
16.2
.
Loopy ball on middle, it is pushed back to the bowler.
16.1
2
A full toss, this is worked through mid-wicket for two.
Lakshan Sandakan is on now!
DRINKS!
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0
2
Angelo Mathews 17/0(3)
15.6
.
Another delivery outside off, it is left alone.
15.5
.
Again on the off pole, it is guided to point.
15.4
.
Outside off again, it is left alone.
15.3
.
BEATEN! This is a length ball outside off, Bravo looks to push at it but does so outside the line. He gets beaten.
15.2
.
Outside off, it is left alone.
15.1
2
Shorter and around off, Bravo pushes it through point. The fielder in the deep runs to his right, slides and keeps it down to two.
In over# 1
4
1
1
0
0
1
Isuru Udana 27/0(4)
14.6
4
FOUR! Badly lined. Down the leg side, flicked through fine leg for a boundary!
14.5
1
The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. One run added to the total.
14.4
1
On middle and leg, flicked through mid-wicket for a single.
14.3
.
Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
14.2
.
Full on middle, driven towards mid on.
14.1
1
Full on middle, flicked through mid-wicket for a single.
In over# 1
1
0
1
1
0
1
Angelo Mathews 15/0(2)
13.6
1
The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot. They pick up a single.
13.5
.
Well outside off, left alone.
13.4
1
Around off, flicked through mid-wicket for a single.
13.3
1
Full and outside off, driven straight to cover.
13.2
.
Outside off, a play and a miss.
13.1
1
Full and down the leg side, flicked through mid-wicket for a single. 50-RUN STAND IS UP! Good recovery.
In over# 1
1
1lb
0
0
3
0
Isuru Udana 20/0(3)
12.6
1
Works this through square leg for a single.
12.5
1lb
The batsman appears to have been struck on the thigh pad. The fielding side are asking the question. They pick up a single. Leg bye given by the umpire.
12.4
.
Outside off, punched straight to cover.
12.3
.
Full and around off, well defended.
12.2
3
Excellent running. Hope works this through mid-wicket and runs hard to come back for the third. The third run was taken on the throw.
12.1
.
Outside off, punched towards cover.
In over# 1
0
6
4
0
0
1
Angelo Mathews 11/0(1)
11.6
.
Landed outside off, left alone. 11 from Mathews' first over, 23 from the last 2!
11.5
6
SIX! Ho ho ho! Beautiful batting. Bravo is making sure that Mathews continues to bowl only once in a blue moon. He is not going to allow the bowler to settle. A length ball, outside off, Bravo lofts this as straight as an arrow, over the sightscreen!
11.4
4
FOUR! Clean hitting! Full and wide outside off, Bravo lofts this over the fielder at mid off and sends the ball packing to the boundary!
11.3
.
Landed outside off, a flirt and a miss.
11.2
.
Outside off, played straight to point.
11.1
1
Full and around off, worked through mid-wicket for a single.
Angelo Mathews is about to bowl. Things that usually happen once in a blue moon these days, thanks to his recurring injuries.
In over# 1
1
1
6
0
1
3
Isuru Udana 16/0(2)
10.6
1
Full and around off, worked through mid-wicket for one. 12 from the over.
10.5
1
Works this through mid-wicket for a run.
10.4
6
SIX! Up, up and away! So Laraesque. Full and outside off, Bravo lofts this as straight as an arrow, clean as a whistle, right over the sightscreen!
10.3
.
Gets across his stumps and looks to flick but misses and is hit on the pads. There is a mild appeal for LBW but it is not entertained. A leg bye taken.
10.2
1
Punched off the back foot by the batsman. One run added to the total.
10.1
3
A length ball, around off, coming back in, tucked through mid-wicket for three runs.
POWERPLAY 2 time. 4 fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle till the 40th over.
In over# 1
0
0
2
1lb
0
1
Thisara Perera 16/1(5)
9.6
.
Outside off, on a length, Hope looks to feel for it but misses.
9.5
.
The ball is way outside the off stump, easy leave for the batsman.
9.4
2
Down the leg side, flicked through mid-wicket for a couple.
9.3
1lb
A length ball, down the leg side, Bravo looks to flick but misses and is hit on the pads. A leg bye taken.
9.2
.
Outside off, punched towards cover.
9.1
1
Landed outside off, played through point for a single.
In over# 1
0
0
0
4
0
0
Isuru Udana 4/0(1)
8.6
.
Landed outside off, coming in with the angle, left alone.
8.5
.
Full and outside off, pushed to the off side.
8.4
.
A length ball outside off, watchfully defended.
8.3
4
FOUR! CLASSY! Full and wide outside off, Bravo leans and drives it through the covers for a boundary!
8.2
.
Full and outside off, pushed straight to cover.
8.1
.
On a length outside off, punched through the covers but straight to cover.
Isuru Udana into the attack now.
In over# 1
0
1
4
0
0
0
Thisara Perera 13/1(4)
7.6
.
Full and outside off, driven straight to cover.
7.5
1
On middle, tucked through square leg for a single.
7.4
4
FOUR! Up and over! A length ball, outside off, Bravo punches it over cover for a boundary!
7.3
.
The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
7.2
.
Outside off, punched towards cover.
7.1
.
Full and around middle, flicked straight to short mid-wicket.
In over# 1
0
0
0
4
0
1
Nuwan Pradeep 10/0(4)
6.6
.
Full and around off, pushed straight to mid on.
6.5
.
Full and wide outside off, swinging away, left alone.
6.4
.
Full and around off, pushed back to the bowler.
6.3
4
FOUR! Wristy work. A length ball, around off, Hope gets across and maneuvers it wide of mid on and finds the boundary! Just the second in the innings.
6.2
.
Around off, pushed towards cover.
6.1
1
Full and outside off, Bravo drives this on the up and gets it behind point for a single.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
2
0
Thisara Perera 8/1(3)
5.6
.
Landed around off, watchfully blocked out.
5.5
.
Full and outside off, pushed uppishly towards mid off.
5.4
.
That is a beauty. A length ball, outside off, Shai looks to defend but the ball kicks up after pitching and moves past the outside edge.
5.3
.
Full and around off, watchfully defended.
5.2
2
Full and straight, Hope gets across and flicks it through mid-wicket for a couple.
5.1
.
Around off, watchfully defended.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
1
0
Nuwan Pradeep 5/0(3)
4.6
.
Full and around middle, flicked straight to short mid-wicket.
4.5
.
Full and around off, Bravo gets across and defends.
4.4
.
Fuller in length, watchfully blocked out.
4.3
.
Around off, solidly defended.
4.2
1
Good fielding but then misjudgement. Full and outside off, Hope drives this straight down the ground. Isuru Udana covers good ground to his right and dives, making a good stop. But then... he tries throwing it to the fielder from mid on who has overrun the throw! Now, the batsmen take a single. Isuru is not happy with the fielder.
4.1
.
A length ball around off, solidly defended.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0
0W
0
Thisara Perera 6/1(2)
3.6
.
Great fielding. A length ball, outside off, Bravo punches this through the covers, calls for a single but Wanindu Hasaranga dives to his right and sends the batsmen back to their respective positions. WICKET MAIDEN FOR THISARA!
3.5
.
Full and outside off, angling away, left alone.
3.4
.
Outside off, this is punched off the back foot.
3.3
.
Full and around off, watchfully defended.
Darren Bravo walks in at number 3, replacing Ambris. After a long time, eh?
3.2
W
OUT! BOWLED! Thisara has struck with one of the new balls. A length ball, around off, coming in with the angle, Ambris looks to flick but falls over in his followthrough. The ball jags back in, surprising Sunil, makes him play away from his body, beats the bat, hits the pad and cannons into the middle stump. Early strike for Sri Lanka.
3.1
.
Full and outside off, pushed straight to cover.
In over# 1
1
0
0
2
0
0
Nuwan Pradeep 4/0(2)
2.6
1
Around off, worked towards mid-wicket for a quick single. There is a direct hit at the bowler's end but the batsman is well in.
2.5
.
Full and outside off, left alone.
2.4
.
The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
2.3
2
On a length, around off, coming in with the angle, tucked through square leg for a couple. Both openers are off the mark now.
2.2
.
Full and around off, better from Sunil, as he defends.
2.1
.
Landed outside off, not a smart shot played by Ambris as he plays a loose drive. Misses.
In over# 1
0
2
0
0
0
4
Thisara Perera 6/0(1)
1.6
.
The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
1.5
2
Full and outside off, no swing whatsoever, driven wide of mid off for a couple.
1.4
.
Full again, watchfully defended.
1.3
.
The batsman has punched that ball through the off side.
1.2
.
Full and outside off, pretty wide, left alone.
1.1
4
FOUR! CARESSED! Welcome, Thisara. Overpitched, wide outside off, Hope leans and drives it between cover and point.
Thisara Perera to bowl with the second new ball.
In over# 1
0
0
1
0
0
0
Nuwan Pradeep 1/0(1)
0.6
.
Full and straight, Ambris plays across the line, is a bit early and gets a leading edge to cover. A fiery opening over from Pradeep.
0.5
.
Landed outside off, on a length, let through.
0.4
1
The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. One run added to the total. The scoreboard is underway.
0.3
.
Full and outside off, swinging away, left alone.
0.2
.
NOT OUT! The decision is overturned. Full and straight, Hope looks to flick but misses and is hit on the pads. Pradeep appeals and after thinking for a while, the umpire raises his finger. Hope looks at Ambris but gets nothing. Then he furiously asks him to reply something. Now, Ambris timidly says yes and the review is taken. Ball Tracker shows it to be missing leg stump!
OUT! LBW! Shai Hope has been adjudged LBW. He is furiously asking his partner whether to take the review or not and after an eternity, a timid Ambris says yes! We go upstairs... Ball Tracker shows it to be missing leg stump!
0.1
.
Full and around middle, flicked straight to short mid-wicket.
Namo, Namo, Namo Maathaa is done and we are ready for the game to begin. The Lankan players are in a huddle. Now, they disperse. Out come the Windies openers - Shai Hope and Sunil Ambris. Nuwan Pradeep to start off proceedings to Hope. Here we go. 'Play!' says Ruchira Palliyaguruge.
Time for the national anthems. 'Rally 'round the West Indies' first up.
Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Dimuth Karunaratne (C), Avishka Fernando, Kusal Perera (WK), Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Thisara Perera, Wanindu Hasaranga, Isuru Udana, Lakshan Sandakan and Nuwan Pradeep.
West Indies (Playing XI) - Sunil Ambris, Shai Hope (WK), Darren Bravo, Roston Chase, Nicholas Pooran, Kieron Pollard(C), Jason Holder, Hayden Walsh, Keemo Paul, Alzarri Joseph and Sheldon Cottrell.
West Indian captain, Kieron Pollard too, wanted to bowl first. But adds that the team came here prepared to do whatever it is asked to. On the team combination, Polly says that they are going in with 4 seamers and 2 spinners, which makes it a balanced attack. Is excited to lead this unit and says that it is all about finding one's identity.
Sri Lankan skipper, Dimuth Karunaratne, says that the SSC wicket has something for the fast bowlers in the first few overs, hence the decision. Informs that they are going in with 2 spinners and an all-rounder. Adds that the batters and the bowlers are in good shape and this is the time to show the talent.
TOSS - Time for the spin of the coin. Tails is the call from Pollard, but Heads it is. SRI LANKA HAVE WON THE TOSS AND ELECTED TO CHASE. Interesting. Chasing in a day game. Early morning moisture influencing the decision?
PITCH REPORT - Russel Arnold observes the surface and sees a lot more grass than what is seen in the whole of Sri Lanka. Expects a little bit of pace and bounce, the ball should carry through and the batsmen should be able to hit through the line.
WEATHER - Most important question. How is the weather? Is it raining? NO! Bright and sunny. Is there any rain forecast? Cannot forecast about the weather in Sri Lanka.
Namaaskaaraaa Sri Lanka!!! A Saturday morning and a day of cricket. Any better way to celebrate the weekend? Well, late bloomers might argue. But cricket lovers will love February the 22nd. New Zealand fighting against India. Zimbabwe playing at second home, Bangladesh. West Indies challenging Sri Lanka. Then two Women's World T20 matches to follow. Let the cricket begin! Hello and a warm welcome to the first ODI between Sri Lanka and West Indies at the SSC, Colombo.
