Highlights, India vs Sri Lanka, Nidahas Trophy 2018, 1st T20I at Colombo, Full Cricket Score: Kusal Perera powers hosts to win

Rohit Sharma, Indian captain: I think it was a par score, but we could have accelerated a little more towards th end. The start they got was amazing. Lot of credit to Sri Lanka team; I think they batted very well. The bowlers tried very hard, but these things happen. We have got enough experience in the bowling line-up. I had lot of confidence going into the match, and we hope to do well. We are blessed to have a squad that has depth and balance. Hoping to come back stronger.

Dinesh Chandimal, Sri Lankan captain: We are really happy as a team. This is a really good start in the tournament. As always, we are trying to play competitive cricket. Of course actually, this is all about confidence in each other. So it gives us good confidence going forward. You have to do right things so everyone have faith in you, and that’s what we have done as a team. (On coach Hathurusingha) He is amazing We all know how good he is, and this result shows how good we are as a team.

Kusal Perera, Man of the Match: It is the best innings. I played club matches as well, and backed myself as well. I really confident about myself, and went out there and expressed myself. Very good wicket to bat, and bowlers did a good job to restrict them to 175.

Kusal Perera is the Man of the Match for his 37-ball 66!

Sri Lanka today successfully chased a target of 175 runs:

– Second highest for them in T20Is 

– Second highest in Sri Lanka in T20Is

Thisara Pereira is weak against bouncers but Jaydev Unadkat pitching the ball up and giving away crucial boundaries. Inexperienced bowling attack has bowled far too many wides and no-balls at crucial moments and eased off the pressure. Six wides and one no-ball are expensive in T20 cricket. Those 7 balls have made the difference in this Lankan 5-wicket win with 9 balls to spare.

After 18.3 overs,Sri Lanka 175/5 ( Dasun Shanaka 15 , Thisara Perera 22)

Thakur starts the penultimate over of the innings off with a wide, before conceding a single off the next ball. Thisara pulls the ball towards deep midwicket off the second ball, and comes back for a second run. Thisara hooks a short ball from Thakur towards the backward square-leg, where the ball beats the fielder, to bring up a well-deserved five-wicket win for the hosts in the first game of the tri-series.

Sri Lanka defeat India by five wickets in the opening match of the tournament!

FOUR! Thisara Perera hits the winning boundary with a hook that sends the ball towards the backward square-leg fence, as Sri Lanka win the opening game in the tri-series by five wickets to grab the first points! SL 175/5

Shardul Thakur brought back into the attack in the penultimate over.

After 18 overs,Sri Lanka 168/5 ( Dasun Shanaka 14 , Thisara Perera 16)

Unadkat bowls the 18th over of the innings, and and ends up conceding 16 off it and potentially the match. Shanaka smacks a boundary off the second delivery of the over, guiding it towards extra-cover, before Thisara Perera collects a six and a four off the last two deliveries. Just eight needed off two overs now.

FOUR! Crucial runs for the Sri Lankans, as Perera lofts a full toss down the ground for a boundary! SL 167/5

SIX! This one’s whacked down the ground for a flat six by Thisara Perera! SL 163/5

The last boundary before the one scored in the 18th over came in the 11.2 nd over.

FOUR! This one’s carved over extra cover off the second delivery of the 18th over, and a welcome boundary indeed for the Sri Lankans! SL 155/5

It’s all about handling pressure at this stage. Indian bowlers are inexperienced. But then Lanka are also under pressure. A wicket or two at this stage will tilt the balance. Just three overs left. Lanka 151 for 5.

Unadkat brought back into the attack for the 18th over.

After 17 overs,Sri Lanka 151/5 ( Dasun Shanaka 10 , Thisara Perera 6)

Thisara doesn’t quite time his inside-out shot well, but luckily for him, the ball lands in no-man’s land near deep extra-cover, allowing him a couple of runs. Wide conceded off the third delivery. Next ball’s waist-high, with Shanaka guiding the full toss towards the leg side for a double, although the square leg umpire doesn’t call it for height. Doubles collected off the next two deliveries, with the two batsmen exhibiting some quality running between the wickets, bringing up the 150 on the board. 11 off the over. Sri Lanka need 24 to win from three overs.

Vijay Shankar returns to the attack in the 17th over of the innings.

After 16 overs,Sri Lanka 140/5 ( Dasun Shanaka 3 , Thisara Perera 3)

Another good over from Thakur, giving away just three singles in such a crucial stage of the game, with both Shanaka and Thisara struggling at the centre right now. Sri Lanka need 35 off the last four overs, with pressure starting to rise now.

Yuzvendra Chahal’s last four matches in T20Is:

4/52 against Sri Lanka at Indore in 2017

1/39 against South Africa at Johannesburg in 2018

0/64 against South Africa at Centurion in 2018

2/37 against Sri Lanka at Colombo (RPS) in 2018

Chahal strikes. But has he left it for too late. Lanka need 39 runs from 32 balls  with 5 wickets in hand. Still a tight game. Into home stretch of the match. Last 5 overs.

After 15 overs,Sri Lanka 137/5 ( Dasun Shanaka 2 , Thisara Perera 1)

Chahal brought back into the attack in the 15th over, and he delivers in his final over of the evening by castling Tharanga, who misses the ball completely and gets his off-stump rattled off the fourth delivery to depart for 17. Five runs and a wicket off the over, as Chahal finishes with figures of 2/37. Sri Lanka need 38 off 30 with five wickets in hand.

BOWLED EM! Superb work from Chahal, as the ball straightens just about enough to clip the outside of off, with Tharanga failing to connect on the occasion. SL 136/5

Tharanga b Chahal 17(18)

Yuzvendra Chahal brought back into the attack for his final over of the evening. Sri Lanka need another 43 to win from 36 balls.

After 14 overs,Sri Lanka 132/4 ( Upul Tharanga 14 , Dasun Shanaka 1)

Thakur’s brought back into the attack after a nightmarish first over, and he nearly makes up for it with a wicket off the penultimate delivery of the over, when Tharanga pulls towards midwicket, where Pant gets the tips of his fingers onto the ball, but nothing more. Five off the over.

That’s a lifeline for India.  Perera superbly deceived by that delivery from Washington Sundar. Floated away from the advancing batsman. Good stumping by Dinesh Karthik. Sundar mixed up his line well in the over. A timely wicket for India. Adds some excitement into the match.

Shardul Thakur brought back into the attack after THAT nightmarish over!

After 13 overs,Sri Lanka 127/4 ( Upul Tharanga 11 , Dasun Shanaka 0)

Sundar returns to the attack, and gets rid of Perera in what turns out to be a huge wicket for the Indians, as the batsman loses patience after getting beaten for the first two deliveries, and ends up missing the ball completely while looking for a loft down the ground. Superb over from Sundar, with just a run coming off it along with Perera’s wicket.

OUT! HUGE WICKET for the Indians as Perera is out stumped! The destructive southpaw steps forward, and is beaten while looking to hit the ball down the ground. Loses his balance, and Karthik whips the bails off in a flash. SL 127/4

Kusal Perera st Karthik b Sundar 66(37)

Sundar brought back into the attack in the 13th over.

After 12 overs,Sri Lanka 126/3 ( Kusal Perera 66 , Upul Tharanga 11)

Perera goes for a switch hit off the second delivery of the over, smacking the ball over third man to collect his fourth six. Single collected off each of the remaining deliveries of the over except the last, off which Tharanga collects a double. 12 off the over. SL need 49 to win off 48.

Chahal being roughed up by the Lankan batsmen. Expensive three overs, giving away 32 runs for the lone wicket. He is India’s wicket-taker and they badly need him to step up and delivery a couple of overs.

SIX! This is sensational from Perera, as he switches to a right-handed stance, and gets enough power on his reverse-paddle to send the ball flying over third man! SL 121/3

After 11 overs,Sri Lanka 114/3 ( Kusal Perera 58 , Upul Tharanga 7)

Chahal into his third over. Perera gets down on one knee, and gets a thick top-edge off the third delivery that sends the ball running away to the fine-leg fence for a four. Two balls later, it is Tharanga who helps himself to a six, getting down on one knee and depositing the ball into the stands beyond midwicket. 13 off the over.

SIX! Tharanga gets down on one knee, and smacks the ball towards deep midwicket for a maximum! SL 113/3

The ball  would be getting softer as the innings progresses into the last few overs. But getting Perera soon is the key for India. The first half of the chase has been all Lanka. They have 101 for 3 in the 10 overs.

FOUR! Mendis goes for a sweep off a delivery that is going down leg, and gets a top edge that sends the ball running away to the fine-leg fence. SL 107/3

After 10 overs,Sri Lanka 101/3 ( Kusal Perera 53 , Upul Tharanga 0)

Raina bowls the 10th over, with the 100 coming up for the Lankans off a leg-bye off the fourth ball of the over. Good over from Raina, with just three coming off it. The game in balance at the halfway mark in their innings, with the hosts needing another 74 to win from 60 balls with seven wickets in hand.

Change of bowling — Suresh Raina brought into the attack for the first time from the Khettarama End.

After 9 overs,Sri Lanka 98/3 ( Kusal Perera 51 , Upul Tharanga 0)

Chandimal shuffles down the pitch off the third delivery of Chahal’s second over, and smacks it down the ground to collect his first boundary. Chahal however, strikes back two balls later, as Chandimal gets his defence completely beaten to get castled. Six runs and a wicket off the over. India slowly starting to regain some control, though the presence of Kusal Perera will still be worrisome for them.

BOWLED EM! Chahal’s finally struck after an expensive opening over, as he gets one to skid right through Chandimal’s defence! SL 98/3

Chandimal b Chahal 14(11)

FOUR! First boundary for the SL captain, as he shuffles down the pitch, and smacks the ball down the ground! SL 96/2

Kushal Perera gets to his 50 in 22 balls. What a knock. Might turn out to be match-wining. He changed from being a right-handed batsman to a left-hander when in his teens just to emulate his hero Sanath Jayasuriya. Certainly Jayasuriya would be proud to have been an inspiration to such a terrific batsman.

After 8 overs,Sri Lanka 92/2 ( Kusal Perera 51 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) (W) 8)

Debutant Vijay Shankar’s brought into the attack in the eighth over, with Perera collecting a single off the first ball to bring up a fine half-century in just 22 deliveries! Good over though for the Indians, with just four coming off it.

Fastest 50s for Sri Lanka in T20Is:

21 – Kumar Sangakkara v India, Nagpur, 2009

21 – Mahela Jayawardene v Kenya, Johannesburg, 2006 

22 – KUSAL PERERA v India, Colombo (RPS), 2018*

FIFTY for Kusal Perera — his eighth in T20Is — as the left-hander collects a single off the first ball of the eighth over to bring up the milestone in just 22 deliveries! What a destructive innings this has turned out to be so far, and unless he is contained right now, could very well turn out to be a match-winning one for the Lankans! SL 89/2

Debutant Vijay Shankar brought into the attack in the eighth over of the innings. India desperate for Kusal’s wicket right now.

After 7 overs,Sri Lanka 88/2 ( Kusal Perera 49 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) (W) 6)

Chahal’s introduced into the attack in the seventh over, but even he isn’t spared from Perera’s destruction as the latter shuffles down the track off the third delivery, and smacks the ball down the ground for a straight six! 13 off the over, with Perera on 49 at the end of the over.

SIX! Now Chahal gets some rought treatment from Perera, as the latter shuffles down the track and smacks the ball for a straight six! SL 83/2

The six powerplay overs went for a very impressive 75 for 2. Lanka need just 100 more in 14 overs.

Second bowling change of the innings, with Yuzvendra Chahal bowling the seventh over of the innings.

After 6 overs,Sri Lanka 75/2 ( Kusal Perera 39 , Dinesh Chandimal (C) (W) 3)

Sundar bowls the last over of powerplay, with skipper Dinesh Chandimal walking out to bat. Chandimal gets off the mark off the second delivery of the over, guiding the ball towards sweeper cover and coming back for a third run. Five off the over, with two singles being collected aside from the triple. End of what was a destructive powerplay.

India need not one but a clutch of wickets to wrest the initiative. Gunathilaka caught off last ball of Unadkat’s over. The 58-run partnership came off just 21 balls. The opening 5 overs have yielded 66 runs for loss of 2 wickets. A terrific counter-attack by Lanka.

After 5 overs,Sri Lanka 70/2 ( Kusal Perera 37 , )

Unadkat brought back into the attack for the fifth over. Gunathilaka comes back for a second off the second delivery thanks to some sharp running, before smacking the ball down the ground to bring up the fifty-stand. A boundary off the fifth delivery, with Gunathilaka flicking a full delivery towards the backward square-leg fence, before chipping the ball over to Pant at mid off to perish off the last ball for 19. 14 runs and a wicket off the over, with Unadkat finally breaking the 58-run second-wicket stand.

OUT! Unadkat finally breaks the marauding partnership, as Gunathilaka gets beaten in the air and ends up tamely chipping the ball over to Pant at mid off! SL 70/2

Gunathilaka c Pant b Unadkat 19(12)

FOUR! Cheeky from Gunathilaka, as he flicks a full delivery from Unadkat, with the ball touching the boundary cushion after a couple of bounces. SL 70/1

SIX! Gunathilaka waits for the ball to climb, and smacks the ball down the ground, with the ball just about clearing the boundary rope at long on! And what a way for him to bring up the fifty-stand — with the pair taking just 18 balls to complete the milestone! SL 65/1

Jaydev Unadkat brought back into the attack from the Maligawatta End for the fifth over.

India now under tremendous pressure. Two more overs to go in powerplay overs and Lanka already 56 for 1 in 4 overs.

After 4 overs,Sri Lanka 56/1 ( Danushka Gunathilaka 7 , Kusal Perera 36)

Another good over for the Lankans, with Sundar continuing from the other end, as Gunathilaka gets down on one knee and lofts the ball towards the midwicket fence off the final delivery to bring up his first six, with 10 coming off the over. Good running exhibited between the wickets as well, with a single, double and a leg-bye collected off it. SL, meanwhile are past the 50-run mark in just four overs!

Most runs conceded in an over in T20Is for India:

32 – Stuart Binny v West Indies, Lauderhill, 2016

27 – SHARDUL THAKUR v Sri Lanka, Colombo (RPS), 2018 *

26 – Suresh Raina v South Africa, Johannesburg, 2012

Thakur probably struggling to come to terms with the pitch after the South Africa tour. But can’t take away form Perera’s brilliant strokeplay. Lanka 50 for 1 in 3 4 overs. Very impressive.

SIX! Now Gunathilaka into the act, as he gets down on one knee, and smacks the ball over the midwicket fence for his first maximum! SL 56/1

After 3 overs,Sri Lanka 46/1 ( Danushka Gunathilaka 1 , Kusal Perera 33)

Thakur is introduced into the attack in the third over, and bowls one that he isn’t likely to forget in a very long time. Kusal Perera takes him to the cleaners in a manner that would make Sanath Jayasuriya — the Sri Lankan batting legend with whom Kusal is often compared — proud. Smacks five boundaries and a six over wide long-off to collect 27 runs off the over, with the new batsman moving to 33 off just 10 balls!

Kushal Perera the left-handed batsman is playing very impressively. Looks very classy with his superb timing. Fours and sixes flowing off his bat in these powerplay overs. Sharadul Thakur really hammered as he’s struggling with length and line. Perera dominated him. 4, 4, 4, 6, 5,4,0   with a free-hit off a no ball for height. 27 runs from the over.

FOUR! Oh dear! It’s just keeps getting worse for Thakur! This one’s smacked down the ground by Perera off a fuller delivery! SL 46/1

FOUR! Turning out to be a nightmare of an over from Thakur, as he concedes a no-ball called for height! Not just that, but Perera smacks the ball past the extra-cover fielder for a four! SL 42/1

SIX! Kusal’s in beast mode right now, and Thakur might very well be taken off the attack now! The left-hander goes inside-out, and lofts the ball down the ground for his second six! SL 37/1

FOUR! A hat-trick of boundaries for Kusal, who is batting like a dream right now, as he dispatches a full delivery from Thakur towards the extra-cover fence! SL 31/1

FOUR! Kusal opens the face of his bat on this occasion, and beats the fielder at backward point to collect his second consecutive boundary! SL 27/1

FOUR! Pulled away by Perera towards the midwicket fence, extending a rough welcome to Shardul Thakur! SL 23/1

Third bowler introduced into the attack in as many overs in the Sri Lankan innings, as Shardul Thakur bowls the third over.

13 runs and a wicket from Sundar’s first over. 19 for 1 from 2 overs. India had a different start.

After 2 overs,Sri Lanka 19/1 ( Danushka Gunathilaka 1 , Kusal Perera 7)

Sundar introduced into the attack from the other end. Mendis smacks a pitched-up delivery down the ground for his second boundary. Tries going aerial next ball, with the ball landing safely near the deep square leg. Miscues off the third delivery, with the ball landing in Dhawan’s hands near wide mid-off on this occasion. Kusal Perera walks out to the crease, and slog-sweeps the ball towards the square-leg fence off the penultimate ball to get off the mark with a six. Takes a single off the last ball to retain strike. 13 runs and a wicket off Sundar’s first over.

Washington Sundar, off spinner opening the bowling. Kusal Mendis decided to go after the youngster and paid for it. Caught at mid-off. Poor lofted shot coming after 6 runs off the first two balls. Sundar in business straightaway.

SIX! What a way for Kusal Perera to get off the mark, getting down on one knee, and timing his slog sweep right to send the ball over the square-leg fence! SL 18/1

Good opening over by Jaydev Unadkat. Almost got Mendis at slips. Lanka too using a left-right combination at the top.

OUT! Sundar strikes off his third delivery, as Mendis miscues while attempting an inside-out shot, with Dhawan running to his left and collecting a safe catch wide of mid-off! SL 12/1

Mendis c Dhawan b Sundar 11(6)

FOUR! Kusal Mendis is in good touch already! Sundar pitches this one up, and invites a loft down the ground off Mendis’ bat for his second boundary. SL 10/0

Spin from the other end, with Washington Sundar bowling the second over.

After 1 overs,Sri Lanka 6/0 ( Danushka Gunathilaka 1 , Kusal Mendis 5)

Left-arm pacer Jaydev Unadkat starts the proceedings. He starts against Danushka Gunathalika, who turns him behind square on the second ball to open the scoring. Kusal Mendis, the talented right-hander, is on strike. Gets off the mark with a scratchy boundary on his second ball. Flashes hard on the next ball to third-man for a single. He is looking positive. Six off the over.

The highest target successfully chased by Sri Lanka at home in T20Is is 164 which they chased against South Africa at Hambantota in 2013.

FOUR! Mendis guides a short ball outside off wide of the slip fielder, with the ball running away to the third man fence! SL 5/0

Right, so action time. Teams are back in park. India have 174 to defend.

Challenging target for Lanka. 175 from 20 overs. Near 9 runs per over run rate required. India’s bowling attack not very experienced at the international stage. But 175 is a good total to defend.

The highest target successfully chased in Sri Lanka in T20Is is 176. It was chased by Pakistan against Bangladesh at Pallekele in 2012.

Chameera bowled a decent 20th over under immense pressure. Dinesh Karthik got lucky with the edged boundary to third man. But played an excellent pick up shot off his legs to the square leg fence. 14 runs off the last over was pretty good. India finished with 174 for 5 from 20 overs.

After 20 overs,India 174/5 ( Dinesh Karthik (W) 13 , )

Pant runs the ball down the ground at the start of the final over for a single. Karthik then gets back-to-back fours — getting a thick outside-edge that sends the ball away to the third man fence, before smacking the next one towards deep midwicket. Pant collects his first boundary after Karthik brings him back on strike with a single, before getting caught by Pradeep at fine-leg, getting a top-edge that unfortunately doesn’t carry far enough to clear the rope. 14 runs and a wicket off the last over, as India finish on a competitive 174/5.

OUT! Pant gets a top-edge off an attempted pull, but he isn’t as lucky as Dhawan earlier was, as the ball lands in the palms of Thisara Perera near the fine-leg boundary! IND 174/5

Pant c Pradeep b Chameera 23(23)

FOUR! First four for Pant, as the southpaw smacks this one towards the extra-cover fence! IND 174/4

FOUR! Back-to-back fours for Karthik, this one swatted away to the midwicket fence! IND 169/4

FOUR! “A welcome boundary for India” goes commentator Karthik — Murali to be precise — on air as batsman Karthik gets a thick outside edge that runs away to the third man fence! IND 165/4

Dushmantha Chameera bowls the final over of the Indian innings.

Shikhar Dhawan is the first Indian player to be dismissed in 90’s in T20Is.

After 19 overs,India 160/4 ( Rishabh Pant 18 , Dinesh Karthik (W) 4)

Thisara Perera bowls the penultimate over, with Dinesh Karthik the new batsman at the crease. Single collected off the first ball. Karthik gets off the mark with a single off the first ball that he faces. Karthik guides the ball towards the off-side, with the ball being cut off near the boundary, allowing the batsman a couple of runs. No boundaries off the over — a good one for the Lankans — with seven coming off it.

Unless Pant gets cracking the finish is going to be limp. These last 2 overs must be made to count. So far Pant has been struggling.

Pant’s inability to get on with it added to the pressure. Finally Dhawan, after an excellent innings, holed out to the long off fielder when a century was his for the taking. Impactful innings. 90 from 49 balls. 6 sixes and 6 boundaries.

Thisara Perera bowls the penultimate over of the Indian innings.

After 18 overs,India 153/4 ( Rishabh Pant 15 , )

Gunathilaka into his third over. Singles exchanged off the second and third deliveries of the over, with Dhawan moving to 90. Pant swings his bat off the fourth, and misses completely. Single off the fifth, with Pant guiding the ball towards the fielder at backward square-leg. Gunathilaka ends a fine over by getting rid of the in-form Dhawan, who holes out to Thisara Perera at long-off to depart for 90. Three runs and a wicket off the over — an excellent one for SL.

OUT! No century for Dhawan today, and what an over this has turned out to be for Gunathilaka! Dhawan looks for another six down the ground, but couldn’t get his timing right on this occasion. Thisara takes a simple catch near the boundary. IND 153/4

Dhawan c Thisara b Gunathilaka 90(49)

Pant just throwing his bat at the ball without success. Has an issue with connecting the shots. Needs to sort it out ASAP. Running out of overs. 15 from 17 balls not good enough.

Shikhar Dhawan has now hit six sixes in this innings which is the most by an Asian player in a T20I match in Sri Lanka.

16 runs from that 17th over. Dhawan laying it on the bowler with 2 sixes. India notch up the 150 of the innings. Dhawan 89

After 17 overs,India 150/3 ( Shikhar Dhawan 89 , Rishabh Pant 13)

Dhawan welcomes Chameera into a new spell with another top-edge that sends the ball flying over the fine-leg fence! Singles off the next two deliveries to keep the scoreboard ticking. DROPPED! Chandimal’s not having a great day with the gloves at all! Dhawan got an edge while looking for a square-drive off a full delivery outside off, with the Lankan skipper failing to hold on to the ball. Another chance missed, this time a direct hit for a run-out, as Pant sets off for a quick run. Dhawan ends the over with a straight six off a full toss. 16 off the over!

Shikhar Dhawan’s 83* (and counting) is now the highest by an Indian player in T20Is in Sri Lanka eclipsing Virat Kohli’s 82 against Sri Lanka at Colombo (RPS) in 2017.

SIX! Dhawan advances down the track, and smacks the ball down the ground off a full toss! IND 150/3

Good opportunity for Pant to really lay it thick on the Lankan bowlers. He has a licence to slog in these closing overs and must make every ball count. Dhawan gets into his 80s. Last 4 overs will be very interesting.

SIX! It’s raining sixes off Dhawan’s bat, as he moves into the 80s now, guiding this one over the fine-leg fence! IND 140/3

Dushmantha Chameera returns to the attack in the 17th over of the innings.

After 16 overs,India 134/3 ( Shikhar Dhawan 75 , Rishabh Pant 11)

Poor work by keeper-batsman Chandimal once again after the ball runs between his gloves after missing contact with Pant’s bat off an attempted sweep. Singles collected off the next two deliveries, before Dhawan smacks the ball over the midwicket boundary to collect his fourth six. 10 off the over.

SIX! Dhawan gets down on one knee, and smacks the ball over the midwicket boundary to collect his fourth six, and move to 74! IND 133/3

Dhawan carrying on from where he left off in South Africa. Some powerful sixes to help him on the way. The last five overs would be interesting, especially if he is going make that sprint for his century. 124 for 3 from 15 overs.

After 15 overs,India 124/3 ( Shikhar Dhawan 67 , Rishabh Pant 10)

Dananjaya ends a disappointing day by conceding 15 runs off his last over, signing off with figures of 0/37. Dhawan rocks back and pulls the ball in the direction of the scorecard off the second delivery, while Pant smacks a full delivery from Dananjaya down the ground in a flat hit to collect his first six.

SIX! This one’s pitched up from Dananjaya, and Pant lobs it down the grond for a flat six, clearing the long-off fence! IND 123/3

SIX! Dhawan rocks back, and smacks the ball straight to the scoreboard beyond the midwicket boundary! IND 116/3

Dananjaya brought into the attack for the last time in this innings.

After 14 overs,India 109/3 ( Shikhar Dhawan 60 , Rishabh Pant 2)

Gunathilaka introduced into the attack in the 14th over of the innings, with four singles coming off the over, including two to the new batsman Rishabh Pant, who gets off the mark. Dhawan meanwhile, moves to 60, and looks set for a big score today.

Rishabh Pant playing as batsman in this match. Reputation of a big hitter. Good platform for him to showcase his talent. Dhawan’s guidance should come in handy.

Pandey’s lofted shot brings him grief this time. Caught at mid-wicket off the round arm leg spin of Jeevan Mendis. Excellent partnership with Dhawan. Rescued India from 9 for 2. Fine 95-run stand in 10.4 overs.

India’s win percentage when Shikhar Dhawan scores 50-plus runs in a limited over’ internationals match is 78.57. India have never lost a T20I match whenever Shikhar Dhawan has scored fifty-plus runs.

Danushka Gunathilaka introduced into the attack for the first time in the innings.

After 13 overs,India 105/3 ( Shikhar Dhawan 58 , Rishabh Pant 0)

Pandey and Dhawan exchange singles off the first two deliveries, with the former nearly getting run-out off the third delivery, after getting an inside-edge after stepping out of the crease, with keeper-captain Chandimal failing to grab the ball, allowing the batsman a double. Jeevan however, has his wicket eventually, and he has to wait just one delivery for it, as Pandey holes out to the fielder at deep midwicket off the fourth delivery, with the 95-run stand for the third wicket coming to an end. Five runs and a wicket off the over.

OUT! Jeevan Mendis finally gets the breakthrough, as Pandey departs after sending the ball straight into the palms of the fielder at deep midwicket! IND 104/3

Pandey c Gunathilaka b Mendis 37(35)

Jeevan Mendis returns to the attack in the 13th over.

After 12 overs,India 100/2 ( Shikhar Dhawan 56 , Manish Pandey 34)

Dhawan smacks a slower ball towards the extra-cover fence off the first ball of Thisara’s new spell. Takes a single to bring Pandey back on strike, with the latter pulling a full-toss towards the long leg fence for a four. Single off the last delivery brings up the 100 for the Indians. 10 off the over.

FOUR! Pandey has no qualms dispatching a full toss going down leg towards the long leg fence! IND 99/2

FOUR! Dhawan bludgeons a slower ball from Thisara towards the extra-cover fence, collecting his sixth boundary in the process! IND 95/2

Thisara Perera returns from the Maligawatta End in the 12th over.

Only Virat Kohli (3170) and Joe Root (2207) have scored more runs than Shikhar Dhawan in last one year in international cricket.

After 11 overs,India 90/2 ( Shikhar Dhawan 51 , Manish Pandey 29)

10 runs collected off Dananjaya’s third over, as the mystery spinner returns to the attack from the Khettarama End. Dhawan smacks a flatter delivery outside off off the penultimate delivery to bring up his fifth T20I fifty.

Dhawan’s 50 has been very timely. His strokes were not always off the middle of the bat. Yet under pressure he has delivered superbly. 50 off 30 balls. Has rally pushed back Lanka.

FOUR! FIFTY for Shikhar Dhawan! This one’s swatted away to the extra-cover fence off a flatter delivery from Dananjaya outside off! His fifth half-century in T20Is, and this one takes him 30 deliveries to get there — with five fours and two sixes coming off it. IND 89/2

Half way stage of the innings. India working at 8 runs an over. 80 for 2. Good platform to step on it in the second half of the innings. Both batsmen well set.

Akila Dananjaya returns to the attack from the Khettarama End.

After 10 overs,India 80/2 ( Shikhar Dhawan 45 , Manish Pandey 25)

Singles exchanged off the first two deliveries of the over. Stumping chance missed off the third, with Dhawan shuffling forward and failing to connect to a wide delivery. The southpaw sets off for a run nevertheless, with two coming off the delivery. Nine off the over, with India reaching 80/2 at the halfway mark, a decent recovery from the early loss of wickets.

After 9 overs,India 71/2 ( Shikhar Dhawan 42 , Manish Pandey 22)

Pradeep returns to the attack in the ninth over of the innings, and ends up conceding 14 runs off it. Dhawan gets back-to-back sixes off the second and third deliveries — the second one travelling over the keeper’s head while the third going over fine-leg. Dhawan already is in the 40s right now.

Streaky six — a top edge over the keeper’s head. But brought up the 50 of the stand. Dhawan repeats that shot next ball. Except it looked more convincing, Excellent over for India. Pradeep was taken for 14 runs in his third over. Expensive

SIX! Another top-edge, and even this one lands beyond the boundary rope! Only this one travels over the fine-leg fence instead over the keeper’s head. IND 70/2

SIX! What a way to bring up the fifty-stand for the third wicket! Dhawan gets a thick top-edge off a short ball from Perera, with the ball landing beyond the long stop fence!  IND 64/2

Nuwan Pradeep returns to the attack in the ninth over of the innings.

After 8 overs,India 57/2 ( Shikhar Dhawan 30 , Manish Pandey 21)

Jeevan Mendis is introduced into the attack in the eighth over, and he appeals for an lbw off the second delivery against Dhawan, with the Lankans going upstairs after the umpire turns it down. Was a googly from the leggie that Dhawan failed to read, but unfortunately for the hosts, was pitching outside leg. Pandey gets down on one knee off the third delivery, and smashes the ball over the midwicket fence for a massive six. Eight runs off the over.

Jeevan Mendis is a fine leg spinner. But guess that lbw referral against Dhawan was ambitious. The googly was pitched outside leg stump. Lanka got carried away and lost their lone referral. Pandey’s massive six off the next ball was rubbing salt.

SIX! Pandey bludgeons this one over the midwicket fence! This one’s pitched up from Jeevan, and in the arc for Pandey to smash it with full force! IND 56/2

Jeevan Mendis introduced into the attack in the eighth over.

After 7 overs,India 48/2 ( Shikhar Dhawan 29 , Manish Pandey 13)

Perera introduced in the first over after powerplay, and eight runs are scored off it, four of which are collected off the second delivery from the second delivery in which Pandey shuffles to his right and guides the ball towards the backward square-leg fence.

Thisara Pereira seems to be fully fit. Unlike the time in India. Bowled a good first over conceding just 8 runs. Pandey and Dhawan warming up to the task very well after the early shocks.

FOUR! Pandey shuffles to his right, and goes for a short-arm pull that guides the ball towards the backward square-leg fence. IND 45/2

Shikhar Dhawan’s last five innings against Sri Lanka before today:

100*, 68, 0, 67, 23

Thisara Perera introduced into the attack right after the end of powerplay.

After 6 overs,India 40/2 ( Shikhar Dhawan 27 , Manish Pandey 7)

Dananjaya bowls his second over, and restricts the Indian batsmen to running between the wickets to keep the scoreboard ticking, as five runs are collected off the over off four singles and a leg bye. And thus ends what has been an average powerplay for the Indians.

Lanka did well in the six powerplay overs despite conceding 30 runs in the last 3 overs. Lanka picked up 2 key wickets and kept the scoring down to 40 in the 6 overs.

Nuwan Pradeep has bowled well in this over. But one poor fielding effort and another streaky shot yielded two boundaries. Pandey blasted a superb lofted on-drive for another. Ultimately turned out to be be a good over for India. 17 runs from it. The last two overs have yielded 25 runs.

After 5 overs,India 35/2 ( Shikhar Dhawan 25 , Manish Pandey 5)

Dhawan collects back-to-back boundaries off the first two deliveries of the over, with the ball traveling to the fence on either side of the keeper. The southpaw sets off for a single off the third delivery. Two wides and as many singles off the next two deliveries, before Pandey smashes the ball down the ground for a four. Huge over for India, with 17 coming off it.

FOUR! Lobbed down the ground by Pandey, as he collects his first boundary! IND 35/2

8 runs from the spinner Dhananjay’s first over. Keeps the scoreboard ticking over at a very crucial stage in the innings. Important not to get bogged down.

Good move by Lanka, throwing in an off spinner at this stage and forcing the Indians to play different. Good to mix it up and shake up the opposition a bit. Lanka playing to a plan

FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries for Dhawan, as he gets a top-edge off a short ball from Pradeep, which not only lands well beyond short third man’s reach, but also runs away to the fence. IND 26/2

Manish Pandey and Dhawan need to repair the damage. So should be a lot more circumspect next couple of overs.

FOUR! Dhawan opens the face of his bat and allows the ball to run away to the third man fence, where the running fielder fails to prevent the ball from touching the cushion. IND 22/2

After 4 overs,India 18/2 ( Shikhar Dhawan 15 , Manish Pandey 0)

Mystery spinner Akila Dananjaya is introduced into the attack in the fourth over, and he starts off with an appeal for lbw against Dhawan, which is turned down by the umpire. Dhawan gets down one one knee, and slog-sweeps the ball towards the midwicket fence for his second boundary. Double collected off the penultimate delivery, with Dhawan and Pandey exhibiting sharp running between the wickets. Eight off the over, including a wide.

FOUR! After a couple of deliveries of nervousness against Dananjaya, Dhawan gets down on one knee, and sweeps the ball towards the midwicket fence for his second boundary! IND 14/2

Akila Dananjaya introduced into the attack as early as the fourth over of the innings.

After 3 overs,India 10/2 ( Shikhar Dhawan 8 , Manish Pandey 0)

Chameera into his second over, with Dhawan setting off for a single off the first delivery. Pandey, the new batsman at the crease, fails to score off the remainder of the over. Just one off the over.

Raina spooked by the short-pitched delivery field setting moved away to throw his bat at what he thought would be a bouncer. Nuwan Pradeep fooled him with a pitched up delivery and clean bowled him. India certainly in trouble. Two overs, two batsmen dismissed.

Suresh Raina had the license to go for it in South Africa as India had cushion of deep batting. Wonder how he’ll handle it here. Dhawan will be his usual aggressive self on the off side, with the pick up shot to leg as variation.

Most ducks for Indian players in international cricket in last five years:

12 – ROHIT SHARMA* 

12 – Ishant Sharma 

11 – Bhuvneshwar Kumar 

10 – Virat Kohli

Terrific opening for Lanka. India don’t bat deep as they are without Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Hardik Pandya and Bhuvi. Chances for others including Rishabh Pant and Vijay Shankar to step up and make it count.

After 2 overs,India 9/2 ( Shikhar Dhawan 7 , )

Dhawan and Raina exchange singles off the first two deliveries of the over, with the latter getting off the mark in the process. Dhawan collects the first boundary with a loft down the ground, clearing mid-off. Raina’s castled off the last ball, missing a full-toss from Pradeep while making room for guiding the ball square on the off side. Visitors in trouble right now.

Rohit Sharma’s cup of woes seems to overflow. Chose to loft the ball over the infield without really getting his eye in. Caught at long off. Superb catch by Mendis.

BOWLED EM! Pradeep castles Raina with a full-toss — with the batsman trying to make room for himself, and missing everything along the way! IND 9/2

Raina b Pradeep 1(3)

FOUR! First boundary of the innings. Dhawan launches this one off Pradeep over mid-off, with the ball rolling away to the unprotected fence. IND 8/1

Nuwan Pradeep bowls from the other end.

After 1 overs,India 2/1 ( Shikhar Dhawan 1 , Suresh Raina 0)

Rohit faces Chameera at the start of the innings, with the first run for the Indians coming off a wide. Rohit tries going for an inside-out slog off the fourth delivery, but ends up chipping it, with Jeevan Mendis pulling off a blinder while running towards long-off. Dhawan takes a single off the first ball that he faces. Two runs and a wicket off the over.

OUT! Rohit Sharma off to a poor start in the Nidahas Trophy! Goes for an inside-out slog, but doesn’t quite time it! Jeevan Mendis runs towards the boundary, and takes a catch in the opposite direction! IND 1/1

Rohit c Jeevan b Chameera 0(4)

Dushmantha Chameera starts off for the Sri Lankans from the Khettarama End. Rohit Sharma, captaining his side for a second consecutive match in the format, and Shikhar Dhawan walk out to bat. The skipper on strike.

Shikhar Dhawan’s batting average of 78.88 in Sri Lanka in international cricket – the second highest for any player with a cut-off of 500 runs scored in Sri Lanka across formats.

No visiting team has won more matches than India in Sri Lanka in international cricket. India have won 59 out of their 119 matches in Sri Lanka.

The average first innings score at Colombo (RSS) in T20Is is 155.

India have defeated Sri Lanka in each of their last seven meeting in T20Is.

Rohit Sharma is the only Indian captain to win his first four T20I matches.

Sri Lanka XI: Upul Tharanga, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal (c, wk), Kusal Perera, Dasun Shanaka, Thisara Perera, Jeevan Mendis, Akila Dananjaya, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Pradeep

India XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina, Manish Pandey, Dinesh Karthik, Rishabh Pant (wk), Washington Sundar, Vijay Shankar, Shardul Thakur, Jaydev Unadkat, Yuzvendra Chahal

India captain Rohit Sharma: Looks a good pitch. It’s gonna remain the same for 40 overs. We just have to play good cricket. Perfect tournament for them to express themselves.

Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal: As a team we have done well, and we have played good cricket. We are playing 7 batters and four bowlers.

TOSS: Sri Lanka win the toss, and captain Dinesh Chandimal opts to field first

PITCH REPORT: “Lot of grass on this surface, lot of dead grass. There are green tinges here They’ve got to strike with the brand new white ball. Absolutely flat (at one end of the pitch). (On likely totals) 150-155 batting first, but I think it’s a 160 surface. Conditions are great. Wickets look nice and flat,” says former Australia speedster Brett Lee in his pitch report.

Big news coming in from Colombo — Tamil Nadu all-rounder Vijay Shankar is all set to make his international debut today. 

A familiar huddle and some new faces. Time to get The Nidahas Trophy underway. In other news - @vijayshankar260 is all set to make his T20I debut #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/yhjYR6YZlj

— BCCI (@BCCI) March 6, 2018

There have been reports of curfew and an emergency being called in Sri Lanka. The situation is in Kandy, not Colombo. After talking to concerned security personnel, we have understood that situation is completely normal in Colombo: BCCI #INDvSL pic.twitter.com/4rTXZ8C8Mb

— ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2018

We are tracking the developments on the national emergency declared by the Sri Lankan government due to Buddhist-Muslim clashes in Kandy. Follow live updates on our blog by clicking on the link below.

Sri Lanka declares Emergency LIVE updates: Won’t hesitate in further action, says PM Wickremesinghe LIVE News, Latest Updates, Live blog, Highlights and Live coverage – Firstposthttp://www.firstpost.com

In his preview of the opening match between India and Sri Lanka at Colombo, Shantanu Srivastava argues that the Indians still are firm favourites despite not having half of their stars in the squad.

Nidahas Trophy 2018: New-look India begin as favourites in series-opener against hosts Sri Lanka- Firstcricket News, Firstposthttp://www.firstpost.com

Meanwhile, Independence Day celebrations are on at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The match is a sell-out, as per Sri Lanka Cricket’s tweet yesterday.

The Tickets for the 1st game between Sri Lanka and India of the #HeroNidahasTrophy 2018, which will be played tomorrow (06th March, 2018) has been sold out. READ:https://t.co/7yNRg0sVsp

— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) March 5, 2018

Read Amit Banerjee’s preview of the T20I triangular series for the Nidahas Trophy that is being contested to commemorate 70 years of Sri Lankan independence.

Nidahas Trophy 2018: Tri-series against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh offers inexperienced Indian players chance to make a mark- Firstcricket News, Firstposthttp://www.firstpost.com

The Sri Lankan government has declared a 10-day emergency in the island nation due to communal clashes between Buddhists and Muslims in Kandy. The BCCI however, has responded to the incident, and has said that the match will go on as normal due to the relative peace in the national capital of Colombo.

Nidahas Trophy 2018: India versus Sri Lanka T20I expected to go on despite 10-day Emergency in Island Nation- Firstcricket News, Firstposthttp://www.firstpost.com

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of Match 1 of Nidahas Trophy 2018 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, with hosts Sri Lanka set to take on a new look India that are captained by Rohit Sharma. 

Despite the fact that the Indians are without a number of their regular players — from Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni to the new-ball pair of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah — the visitors still considered the favourites to not only win their opening game, but to go all the way and lift the trophy.