finishes with authority. Down the track, meets it on the pitch outside off, drives it past his partner
Sri Lanka vs India, 1st ODI at Dambulla, Aug 20 2017 - Ball by Ball Commentary
9 pm Right, that's it from today. The first match of the series and India have grabbed the advantage disdainfully. We'll see you in the next match. On behalf of Chandan and Alagappan - a good night to all of you.
Kohli: They got off to a really good start. We thought we would chase close to 300, it was a good pitch to bat on. The point of batting second was that it would come on later in the day. It came on like a dream. The last three months have been a great tome for Dhawan and he's cashing in on his purple patch. Hopefully he stays in this happy zone and we'll make sure he stays there, because he will win you games as long he's in it. Once he starts going, it's very difficult to stop him. Yes (we have our eyes set on 2019) . You have to prepare 24 months in advance. We're going to experiment and embrace that. You can [expect to] see a lot of changes [from now on]. All the guys have bought into it. it's all about what gives us more balance. Start of the series it's about getting the batting right. Axar brings something with the bat and he's a gun fielder. We felt one wristspinner was enough. In another match, we might bring in a pacer or play three spinners. It's all about getting the balance.
Tharanga: We started really well and after that we didn't capitalise. The middle order collapsed. One stage, we were thinking of 300. If you want to score 300 in an ODI, someone has to get a big score. We have to learn from the mistakes. The main thing is someone has to get a big one. The bowling also has to become more consistent.
Man of the Match, Dhawan: Things have been going well for me and I've just been focussing on my processes. I have mental freedom and when you perform well, you have extra confidence. By the grace of god, things are going my way. Just wanted to play positively and on the merit of the ball today.
Remember Dipa Karmakar? After a difficult last few months, which included an ACL surgery, India's path-breaker gymnast is ready to return at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Here's more from Sharda Ugra on Dipa's comeback.
8.34 pm India record their biggest win, in terms of overs to spare, for a target of 200+. Brutal batting against the withering hosts. There are some wins that are clinical, but there was nothing fine about this. It was an annihilation. Dhawan continues his wondrous form this year. Twenty fours and three sixes - 98 out of his 132 in boundaries. That should tell the story. Kohli was more measured, which means a strike rate of only 117. Runs for him on his return to the place where it all began. The bowlers began this and the batsmen have ended it quickly. Perhaps to Sri Lanka's relief.
wrong'un, full at middle stump. Looks to flick, leading edge back down the pitch
back of a length at off stump, punched to sweeper cover off the back foot
short ball outside off, punched hard but a find diving stop at extra cover from Kapugedera
short ball at middle stump, back in the crease for a mistimed pull to deep square
arrogant. Overpitched outside off, brings a firm bat down on this like - like a hammer on a nail. Whips it past Dhawan and follows through nonchalantly. Doesn't even look where it goes. Mid-on needs to, to bring the ball back
full toss at middle stump, tails in slightly. Slogs across the line and gets it to deep square's left off the inside half of the bat
yorker at off stump, dug out with a defensive shot
back of a length and into him as he makes room. Stands put and runs this to fine leg with a ramp
full toss outside off, punched to sweeper cover
low full toss at off stump, check-drive straight to mid-off
length ball, wide outside off. Chases and plays well away from the body. Inside edge rolls past the stumps and straight to short fine
good length at off stump, down the track to push it to long-off
good length at off stump, driven on the up to long-off
wow. That defies normal cricket. It's a short ball at middle stump. He goes back in the crease and, on this slow pitch, clears the long-on boundary with a back foot punch
wrong'un, down leg side. Gets the front leg out of the way and scythes it with a sweep, long leg boundary
glorious. Tossed up at middle stump. Gets to the pitch and flicks this over midwicket with rapid wrists
bouncer at his shoulder. He gets inside the line and looks to hook it fine. Beaten. Loud appeal from Dickwella is turned down
slower ball, back of a length and into him as he moves down the leg side. He nearly cuts this onto his stumps
short ball at middle stump. Locks and loads, brings the arc to meet it at the right time, pulls to the long leg boundary