ICC Champions Trophy 2013 Semi-Final: India v Sri Lanka (Cardiff)

Dominant India thrash Sri Lanka to reach Final

India 182-2 (35 overs) beat Sri Lanka 181-8 (50 overs) by eight wickets.

India strolled to an eight wicket victory over Sri Lanka and will now meet England in the Final. Ishant Sharma and Ashwin starred in the Indian bowling attack as they reduced Sri Lanka to only 181-8 after 50 overs. Some quality batting from Dhawan (68) and Kohli (58*) saw India cross the winning line in only the 35th over as they punished the Sri Lankan bowlers. India, who are the current champions, are the only unbeaten team left in the tournament and will be favourites to beat England in the Final.

My Opinion: India simply outclassed Sri Lanka in this match in every department. Brilliant bowling from Ishant and Ashwin really contained the star Sri Lankan batsmen. Only Angelo Mathews, who made it past 50 runs, was able to score any significant runs for Sri Lanka. The Indian batting top order was quite magnificent. They strolled through the run chase in rapid time with Dhawan and Kohli smashing the ball to the boundary on multiple occasions. It looks like India will be strong favourites for the Final but hopefully England can find some magic.



Match Guide: Key Moments

India won the toss and elected to field first.

SL: 6-1 (2.4),K. Perera 4 (8), 1 x four, caught Raina, Kumar.
18-1 (5), Dilshan retires hurt on 12*.
36-2 (15.2), Thirimanne 7 (31), 1 x four, caught Raina, I. Sharma.
41-3 (18), Sangakkara 17 (44), 1 x four, caught Raina, I. Sharma.
119-4 (36.1), Jayawardene 38 (63), 3 x fours, bowled by Jadeja.
154-4 (45), Mathews makes 50* off 75 balls.
158-5 (45.5), Mathews 51 (89), 1 x four, 1 x six, caught Kumar, Ashwin.
160-6 (46.5), T. Perera 0 (4), caught Dhawan, I. Sharma.
164-7 (47.4), Kulasekara 1 (3), bowled by Ashwin.
171-8 (49.1), Mendis 25 (35), 1 x four, stumped by Dhoni, Ashwin.
181-8 (50), Dilshan 18* (21), 2 x fours. Malinga 7* (8), 1 x four.

IND: 77-1 (17), R. Sharma 33 (50), 4 x fours, bowled by Mathews.
110-1 (26), Dhawan hits 50* off 73 balls.
142-2 (31.5), Dhawan 68 (92), 6 x fours, 1 x six, stumped by Sangakkara, Mendis.
(34) Kohli hits 50* off 58 balls.
182-2 (35), India win by 8 wickets. Kohli 58* (64), 4 x fours, 1 x six. Raina 7* (4), 1 x four.

Best Bowler: Ishant Sharma with figures of 3-33-1-(9).
Best Batsman: Dhawan for hitting 68 runs off 92 balls.
Man of the Match: Ishant Sharma for some spectacular bowling.