After a thrilling final day’s play at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, the opening Test between India and Sri Lanka eventually ended in a draw. But not before the Indian pacers bowled their heart out and reduced the visiting Sri Lankans to 75/7 in 26 overs before bad light prevented them from pulling off a sensational come from behind victory.
Earlier, it was a sensational counter-attacking century by the captain Virat Kohli which put India in a commanding position. He made sure that Sri Lanka had no chance of making a comeback and hence declared at a situation when only two results were possible: either an Indian win or a draw.
It was a brilliant knock given the situation of the match. Virat’s last 62 runs came in a mere 48 deliveries, and his innings of 104 of 119 balls were studded with 12 fours and a couple of sixes. Earlier, it was the opening partnership of 166 runs between Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul which wiped off the lead of 122 runs which Sri Lanka got in their 1st innings.
India didn’t have enough overs to dismiss ten Sri Lankan batsmen within 30 odd overs. There over rate wasn’t great either but their pace brigade was exceptional. Bhuvneshwar Kumar made the ball talk and was looking like bagging a wicket every time he was coming out to bowl. Mohammed Shami also bagged a couple of wickets and bowled with venom.
Sri Lanka dominated the match for the major part of four days. In the first two days, only 34 overs in total were possible, and India was in dire straights. It was difficult for India to survive and eventually managed to score 172 in their 1st innings. Cheteshwar Pujara’s half-century in the 1st innings turned out to be gold for India in the end.
The pace brigade was pretty mediocre in the 1st essay and ended up bowling way too many short deliveries which allowed the Lankans to take a lead of 122 runs which should have been cut down to 60-70 runs.
https://twitter.com/Cric_Stat/status/932563631467790336
Sri Lanka survives.. What a fight back by India.. Top spell by Bhuvneshwar Kumar.. These kind of games will keep Test cricket alive.
— Sawera Pasha (@sawerapasha) November 20, 2017
#INDvSL would d target of 200 would have been sufficient enough for india !!
Has virat century in d making denied India of a victory ??
Lot of question to be asked … ??@imVkohli @cricbuzz— umang bhavsar (@umang_bhavsar04) November 20, 2017
Inspite of rain washing out more than 180 overs,this was Test Match Cricket at it's best. Bhuvi and Shami were simply outstanding. Was a delight to watch an exhibition of top class bowling. #IndvSL
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) November 20, 2017
17 wickets in this match – the most by Indian pacers in a Test match in India.#INDvSL
— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) November 20, 2017
https://twitter.com/DennisCricket_/status/932565782101245952
There will be many questions, many things to ponder over but a wonderful climax to a test match where so much time was lost
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 20, 2017
The spirit of the Indian bowling in the 26.3 overs in the 4th innings was something which will make everyone feel proud. Bhuvi and Shami were brilliant. All the best for the 2nd Test.
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) November 20, 2017
1st Test Ends In A Draw. While Many Hypocrites Will Blame Virat Kohli For Not Declaring Before Just Because Of His Century. We Appreciate The Way He Led India To Reach Almost To A Win. ???
Well Played Team India. ???#INDvSL #INDvsSL #ViratKohli
— Sir Jadeja fan (@SirJadeja) November 20, 2017
A quality Test match comes to an end. Prime example of why even a Drawn match excites the spectators. A match where the elements of nature played in tandem with the players. One that will be remembered for a long time. Truly an Eden Special. #WhistlePodu #INDvSL ??
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) November 20, 2017
I was alive when Ashwin and Jadeja didn't take a wicket in a same home Test match. #INDvSL
— Umang Pabari (@UPStatsman) November 20, 2017
1st Test Ends In A Draw. MS Dhoni Must Resign. ????#INDvSL #INDvsSL #ViratKohli Virat Kohli
— Sir Jadeja fan (@SirJadeja) November 20, 2017
On a fifth day Test Match in India, Bhuvi and Shami showed their class with an impeccable spell. India look blessed with the fast bowling talent right now. Few more overs and we could have wrapped this.#IndvSL
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) November 20, 2017