Carrying on their vigil from the first day, the Indian batsmen showed no mercy towards the Sri Lankan bowlers. Despite losing wickets frequently, India didn’t bog down from taking the aggressive route and always looked to be on top of a helpless Sri Lankan bowling attack.
After being well set yesterday and remaining unbeaten till the end, Cheteshwar Pujara couldn’t get to a double century as he was sent back for a brilliant 153. Ajinkya Rahane too missed out on a big one as he was caught in the first slip, playing a loose drive off Lahiru Kumara for 57. The Mumbai batsman definitely missed out on the three figure mark, as he seemed well set for it.
Nevertheless, the Indian lower order pretty much came to the party to ensure that the run rate stood at a decent mark and Sri Lanka were batted out of the game. R. Ashwin took the onus upon himself as his quick fire knock in the 40’s dented Sri Lanka.
However, the surprise package lay in the form of debutant all rounder Hardik Pandya and pacer Mohammad Shami, as the two added runs at a rapid rate for the ninth wicket stand.
Unleashing a barrage of big hits and sixes, the duo forced the otherwise helpless Sri Lankans to go on the defensive as boundaries were an extremely frequent sight.
Below, is the video of one massive six, hit by Mohammad Shami to Sri Lankan skipper Rangana Herath.
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