Mahendra Singh Dhoni could have done with a victory in his 100th one-day international; Tuesday’s eight-wicket loss to Sri Lanka, however, hasn’t demoralised the Indian captain.
“It feels good to have played a hundred one-dayers, but I will be thrilled if I can play a hundred Tests,” said the wicket-keeper, who has thus far made 26 Test appearances.
Dhoni wasn’t downcast that his 100th one-dayer didn’t pan out according to plan at the Manuka Oval. “It might sound a little strange, but you can’t get disheartened or worried after one defeat. The morale doesn’t suffer dramatically. As a team, we set benchmarks and standards. If we play poorly enough not to match those standards, then there is reason to be disappointed. We played well and yet we lost, so we can't be too unhappy," Dhoni observed, reflecting on the defeat that has now thrown the tri-series open.
“All three teams now have one win and one loss so far, that's why this tournament is now really open," the Jharkhani said. “The Adelaide leg will be crucial for the Indian team. If we can play well here, then we will have a very good chance of advancing to the finals. We have been playing good cricket in this tournament so far; I am confident we have found the rhythm, and will be able to do well in Adelaide.”
India were undone by a sensational attack first up by Sanath Jayasuriya, who helped Sri Lanka raise 50 in the sixth over as they chased 154 in 21 overs. “There is no greater challenge as captain or bowler than when great batsmen go on the attack,” Dhoni acknowledged. “When Sachin or Viru go on the rampage, I can well imagine what the opposition goes through! Jayasuriya batted the way he is known to. Without making it sound like an excuse, we would have had a better chance if they had to get 196 in 29 overs. But 154 in 21, that is very gettable because you have all ten wickets in hand, and there is little danger of being bowled out. In 20-over cricket, once the fielding side is attacked with any success early on, there simply is no chance of recovery.”
