Weekly CRICKET Review - LXv | Finally some satisfaction for SL fans

Hello, fellow Cricket Enthusiasts,

You already know I am sharing a weekly wrap-up of what is happening within the Cricket community. It's the 65th edition now. Few international tournaments and leagues are going on these days. So, let's see what's happening!!

Using Canva & Getty Images

India tour of Sri Lanka, 2024

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• Both the teams started the proceedings with new captains and coaching staff. Sri Lanka under Sanath and Asalanka and India under Gambhir and SKY. Anyway, I didn't have many expectations, to be honest under the circumstances. And my boys proved it throughout the T20I series.

• India won the first two matches pretty comprehensively with good cricket. In the first match batting first India put a total of 213/7. Sri Lanka got a decent start and going, scoring 149/3 in 15 overs. But then scattered to 170/10 in the next 4 overs.

• In the second one, SL started batting and scored 161/9 in 20 overs. But the rain interrupted the proceedings. India got a target of 78 runs in 8 overs, which they passed just in 6.2 overs with 7 wickets remaining.

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• Out of all, the third match was the most embarrassing Sri Lanka inning I ever saw. Yeah, it's way more stupid and embarrassing than getting all out for 50 runs, against the same opponent last year. Sri Lanka ballers did well to restrict India to 137/8 in their 20 overs. As usual, the start of the chase was good. Pathum and two Kusal's carried the innings well.

After 15 overs, we needed just 30 runs with 9 wickets remaining. Just 9 needed from the last two, with 5 wickets remaining. India mocked us giving the 19th to Rinku and the 20th by SKY. Denied a run-out opportunity and still couldn't cross the mark. They tied the match and scored just 03 runs in the super over—just embarrassing.

Here's what happened. Sri Lanka's collapses:
1st T20I - 30/9 in 6 overs (140/1-170/10)
2nd T20I - 31/7 in 5 overs (130/2-161/9)
3rd T20I - 22/7 in 4.2 overs (110/1-137/8)

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• Anyway, SL showed an unexpected and magical comeback in the ODI series with an ODI series win against India after 27 years. There are some concerns about the pitch conditions in the RPS. But India had the same conditions with the inclusions of Sharma, Kohli, Pant, Iyer, KL, Kuldeep, Sundar, Axar, etc. And SL was without many main ballers. So, this win is something to cherish.

• Batting first in the first ODI, Sri Lanka had a little trouble with being 101/5. But Wellalage carried the inning with his maiden fifty to a total of 230. Rohit got a killer start with a 33-ball fifty and they scored 71/0 in the first powerplay. The spinners led by Dunith got the crucial breakthrough making India uncomfortable in the chase. They were at 132/5 with KL and Axar batting and finally, Dube got the baton and carried in favor of India. With one run remaining for a win, Charith took the last two wickets of Dube and Arshadeep to convert it into another tied match.

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• The second match was where a new hero came up. Jeffrey Vandersay just destroyed the Indian top order, after getting a chance when Wanindu ruled out. Yet again, a decent score from Sri Lanka putting a total of 240/9 from 136/6. Yet again a brilliant start from the openers scoring 97 runs for the first wickets. Then came the Vandersay taking 6 wickets of Sharma, Kohli, Gill, Pant, Iyer, and KL in the next 50 overs. Asalanka took the remaining to give SL a famous win by 32 runs.

• Once again SL started the batting and this time it was 248/7. Got a good start from Pathum, Avishaka, and Mendis, but the middle order collapsed. The reply from India was a disaster. Sl spinners once again led by Dunith destroyed them restricting 138/10 in 26 overs. Dunith got a fifer and became the first spinner to take two fifers against India.

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South Africa tour of West Indies, 2024

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• The two teams are facing two tests and 3 T20Is. It's a little frustrating that even after the T20I WC is over and the Champions trophy is coming, still there is a little concern about the ODI matches.

• Anyway, SA started the batting of the first test. But the first day was almost rainy. Now after 2 days, SA is 344/8 in 113 overs. So, let's see how the things will be rolling up!!!

Until the next time! Enjoy!

Thank you.
Best Regards!