Nidahas Trophy 2018, 4th T20I, Sri Lanka vs India : Five Game-Changing Moments

The fourth match of the Nidahas Trophy between India and Sri Lanka began on a similar note. Lankans pressed the gas early on and put pressure on the Indians with their strokeplay in the first ten overs.

However, this time around, the Indians bowlers were up to the mark as they restricted the host to a moderate total of 152 after a quickfire start.

After fall of wickets early, it was the experience of the Indian middle order which ensured a six-wicket win against the hosts. Here we look at some of the game-changing moments from the game.

1. Kusal Mendis’ opening blitz

Sri Lankan opener Kusal Mendis carried on from where he left against Bangladesh as he struck a vital 55 against India. Following his 57 against Bangladesh, Mendis struck the ball at a rate of 144.

With him at the crease, the hosts were going at almost nine runs an over as he smashed three boundaries and sixes in his knock. The innings today set it up for Lankans to post a challenging total above 180, but a middle order collapse meant Sri Lanka finished way below.

2. Powerless Lankan finish

After the end of 10 overs, were cruising at 96 for the loss of just the two wickets. They were in for a total above 180, as deep reserves of batting awaited to explode.

However, Lankans could only add a modest 58 runs in the final nine overs of the inning and lost as many as seven wickets during the phase. This resulted in Lankans posting a total, 30 short of the expected total.

3. Thakur’s spell

In the last eight overs of the match, India conceded only 44 runs and claimed six wickets. Shardul Thakur, who went for 27 overs, the very first over of the tournament, came back and conceded the same amount of runs in his entire quota of overs.

He broke the back of Sri Lanka’s middle order as the claimed three wickets to follow up with the wicket Dhanushka Gunathika up front.

4. Suresh Raina’s cameo

India lost wickets of Dhawan and Rohit up front without adding much to the total. It was the cameo from Suresh Raina which brought India’s inning back on track.

Raina creamed 27 in no time at a strike rate of 180 which included two boundaries and two ginormous hits over the fence. Also, he stitched a priceless partnership of 40 with KL Rahul to help India take the advantage.

5. DK-Manish Partnership

India was precariously placed at 85-4 by the end of 10 overs, it was the 68-run partnership which took India towards victory. Manish Pandey starred for India in the run chase with his 42 off 31 at a strike rate of 135

Meanwhile, DK provided ample support to Pandey at the other end with his knock of 39 off 25 balls. The two middle-order batsmen took India to a comfortable six-wicket win and also helped the men in blue take the top spot in the table.