If We Play Well We Can Beat Anyone, Says Virat Kohli

Team India, on Saturday, just demolished Sri Lanka in their final league game. The Virat Kohli-led side just stormed to the top of the points table with the comprehensive seven-wicket win over the Islanders. India, however, could drop down to number two if Australia win their ongoing game against South Africa. In that case, India will have to play against England in the semifinal. But if Australia lose, India will take on New Zealand in their next clash.

Asked to ball first, India started brilliantly. They had Sri Lanka reeling at 55 for 4. However, a century from Angelo Mathews and a fifty from Lahiru Thirimanne helped Sri Lanka recover and post a challenging total of 264 for 7. For India, Jasprit Bumrah was the pick of the bowlers, picking up 3 for 37 off his ten overs.

India win by seven wickets and for the time being go top of the standings!

Will Australia overtake them?#SLvIND | #CWC19 | #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/Y0AykFJnwV

— ICC (@ICC) July 6, 2019

The score then turned out to be too less in the end for India as they chased it down inside 44 overs by losing just four wicket. Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul starred with the bat by scoring centuries. While Rohit Sharma scored 103, Rahul scored 111. The two added 189 runs for the first wicket to all but seal the game for India. Sri Lanka did manage to dismiss them but the damage was already done.

A stunning third ? in a row for Rohit Sharma and his fifth of #CWC19 ?

A wonderful achievement for the Indian opener!#TeamIndia | #SLvIND pic.twitter.com/BXYOoVek77

— ICC (@ICC) July 6, 2019

Rishabh Pant failed to get going but Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 34 and Hardik Pandya made sure that India reach the finishing line with ease. Speaking at the end of the match, Virat Kohli said he was proud of his team’s performance. At the same time, he said that there is still some room for improvement.

“We wanted to play good cricket. To be honest, we didn’t expect this kind of scoreline heading into the semis. But that’s what consistent performances and hard work get you. Really proud and happy of our team. Most amazing team to be a part of,” said Virat Kohli.

“It is a really honor to play for India. More or less everything is set. But we don’t want to be one dimensional, I think the team that is more flexible on the day has more chances of executing what they want to,” he added.

The 28-year old also made it clear that India will pick the final eleven for the upcoming semifinal as per the situation.

“Obviously the dimensions and the pitches we play on will matter a lot, so we need a good balance in the side and whatever combination provides us the balance we will go ahead with that and really feel confident if we are batting first or bowling first we are covered with all dimensions. From that point of view we are happy with where we are placed. It is just about turning up on the semifinal day and putting up a performance. The opposition has never mattered. We don’t focus on what the opposition brings to the table. If we don’t play well anyone can beat us and if we play well we can beat anyone,” he said.