WI 315/9 (50 overs)
Mathews will see out the innings.
49.1 Mathews to Gabriel, DOT, following him as he backed away, of course misses the shot
49.2 Mathews to Gabriel, DOT, pushed through quicker, past off stump now
49.3 Mathews to Gabriel, 1 run, comes down and gets an inside edge to fine leg
49.4 Mathews to Cottrell, 1 run, powers this full ball to wide long on
49.5 Mathews to Gabriel, 1 run, quick single, Dimuth has a shy but misses horribly
49.6 Mathews to Cottrell, DOT, and it is all over!
WI 312/9 (49 overs)
48.1 Malinga to Thomas, DOT, drives the wide yorker to cover
48.2 Malinga to Thomas, DOT, gets an under edge on the slog to the full toss, bounces before the keeper though
48.3 Malinga to Thomas, OUT, hit on the back leg by this full ball, Dimuth goes for the DRS. No inside edge, hawk eye shows three reds, it just about pitches in line too. That's what confused the umpire maybe
Thomas lbw b Malinga 1(6)
Shannon Gabriel is the last man in.
48.4 Malinga to Gabriel, DOT, fuller again, gets an inside edge on the big drive
48.5 Malinga to Gabriel, DOT, yorker just past leg stump, and he misses the big slog too
48.6 Malinga to Gabriel, 1 run.
WI 311/8 (48 overs)
Angelo Mathews will bowl for the first time this WC, really forced Karunaratne's hand here. Malinga has one left, and the others are Vandersay and the skipper himself
47.1 Mathews to Pooran, OUT, oh he strikes to surely win it for Sri Lanka! Heartbreak for Pooran, and the West Indies too. Bowls a trash length ball wide of off, Nico backed away to slash it, and got a thin edge. Oh boy, this is too much to take even as a neutral fan
Oshane Thomas in at no.10
47.2 Mathews to Thomas, DOT, goes for the big leg side slog, and misses the wide ball by a mile
47.3 Mathews to Thomas, DOT, too wide, and Oshane even with his big reach cannot reach it
47.4 Mathews to Thomas, 1 run, drives this to extra cover and casually set off, makes it because the fielder missed the direct hit
47.5 Mathews to Cottrell, 2 runs, dropped at long on! My word, their fielding has gone down several notches. Sheldon lofted this full ball and Isuru cannot catch it despite diving
47.6 Mathews to Cottrell, DOT.
WI 308/7 (47 overs)
46.1 Udana to Cottrell, 1 run, walks down the track and plays with an open face to third man. Excellent stuff
46.2 Udana to Pooran, FOUR, length and is punished! Nico pulls on the front foot and gets it between deep mid wicket and wide long on
46.3 Udana to Pooran, 1 run, gets an inside edge to deep square leg and trusts Sheldon enough against Isuru
46.4 Udana to Cottrell, DOT, short ball wide of off, he leaves it alone sensibly
46.5 Udana to Cottrell, 2 runs, brilliant running! Sheldon fended the short one to point and set off, the fielder ran in and threw unnecessarily to the bowler's end when he was already in, and they run the second as the back up fielder does not collect
46.6 Udana to Cottrell, WIDE, too far down leg
46.6 Udana to Cottrell, DOT
WI 299/7 (46 overs)
Malinga is back. Long discussion between Nico and Sheldon!
45.1 Malinga to Pooran, FOUR, dropped at long off, would you believe it? That was a horrible misjudgment Thisara Perera who is the sub fielder. Nico lofted this full ball straight to him, he ran in from the boundary, realized it is going over him, and he cannot do anything
45.2 Malinga to Pooran, DOT.
45.3 Malinga to Pooran, DOT, brilliant yorker on middle stump, driven back to Lasith
45.4 Malinga to Pooran, 1 run, wide yorker, dug out to mid wicket and he takes the run, gives Sheldon two balls to survive
45.5 Malinga to Cottrell, 1 run, gets a searing inswinging yorker, gets an inside edge to fine leg. Was mighty close
45.6 Malinga to Pooran, WIDE, too far down the tramline, Kusal misses the gather yet again, they don't run though
45.6 Malinga to Pooran, DOT.
WI 292/7 (45 overs)
44.1 Udana to Allen, OUT, oh no what have you guys done Nico and Fabian?? This is a full ball down leg, was helped straight to short fine leg, Nico was already at the other end, Fab did not want it at all, realized he had to go because his partner was on 99, by the time he goes there, the stumps are broken and he is absolutely furious. Could have cost Windies the win here
Allen run-out (Rajitha/Udana) 51(32)
Sheldon Cottrell at no.9
44.2 Udana to Pooran, 2 runs, and that's his first hundred! Turns it to square leg and runs back for two. Can he take the Windies to a famous victory though? He has just caused a major run out and the onus is all on him now
44.3 Udana to Pooran, DOT, driven straight back
44.4 Udana to Pooran, WIDE, angled too far down
44.4 Udana to Pooran, SIX, oh he believes all right! Gets a helpful slow ball on a length down leg, Nico swivels and pulls into the stands at deep backward square
44.5 Udana to Pooran, 1 run, drives the yorker to long on
44.6 Udana to Cottrell, DOT.
WI 282/6 (44 overs)
43.1 Rajitha to Pooran, DOT, wide slow ball, Nico edges but falls short of the keeper
43.2 Rajitha to Pooran, WIDE, bowled too far wide, past the tramline it goes
43.2 Rajitha to Pooran, 1 run, full and wide, crashes the drive to deep point
43.3 Rajitha to Allen, SIX, wow! He is playing a terrific innings here. Gets it full, and hammers it straight down the ground and over the ropes too
43.4 Rajitha to Allen, 1 run, gets his fifty! Tremendous innings under pressure, and it is not done yet
43.5 Rajitha to Pooran, 1 run, this time drives to sweeper cover. He is on 99!
43.6 Rajitha to Allen, 1 run.
WI 271/6 (43 overs)
Udana is back.
42.1 Udana to Pooran, 1 run, low full toss, driven aerially to long off
42.2 Udana to Allen, FOUR, this is supremely smart batting! Got it on a length outside off from round the wicket, Fabian cuts it and gets it through backward point and short third man
42.3 Udana to Allen, DOT, punches this down the ground, Nico set off but was sent back, collided a bit with Isuru, no harm done
42.4 Udana to Allen, FOUR, horror stuff at fine leg! This was a full one on leg stump, poor ball, Fabian helped it away, bounces short of the man at fine leg, and he lets it burst through him
42.5 Udana to Allen, DOT, misses the cut on this wide length ball
42.6 Udana to Allen, DOT.
WI 262/6 (42 overs)
Kasun Rajitha is back.
41.1 Rajitha to Pooran, 1 run, slow and low full toss, dug out to sweeper cover. Moves to 95!
41.2 Rajitha to Allen, 1 run, goes length, and Fabian pulls to long on
41.3 Rajitha to Pooran, DOT, chops the drive on this full ball down the pitch
41.4 Rajitha to Pooran, 1 run, slow ball deceives Nico, who checks his shot and chips it past Kasun
41.5 Rajitha to Allen, FOUR, boom! Was waiting for the slow length ball, went back deep in the crease and pulled it to deep mid wicket
41.6 Rajitha to Allen, DOT.
WI 255/6 (41 overs)
We are into the final powerplay and Windies are in a decent position here. Allen is playing a gem while Pooran is going great guns. de Silva is back for his final over.
40.1 de Silva to Pooran, SIX, short and he has pulled this just over the ropes at square leg. Great start!
40.2 de Silva to Pooran, DOT, short again, punched to extra cover
40.3 de Silva to Pooran, DOT, another punch to extra cover
40.4 de Silva to Pooran, DOT, cut straight to backward point
40.5 de Silva to Pooran, FOUR, now he gets it! Streaky, he looked to cut the fuller ball, gets an under edge to nutmeg the keeper
40.6 de Silva to Pooran, 1 run.
WI 244/6 (40 overs)
39.1 Malinga to Allen, FOUR, wow he is playing a blinder here! Will ease a lot of pressure on Pooran. Full outside off, he drove the half volley on the up, and past mid off
39.2 Malinga to Allen, 2 runs, full and wide again, this time he mistimes the loft over cover, takes a couple
39.3 Malinga to Allen, 1 run, firmly pushes the slow ball to cover and sets off for a quick run
39.4 Malinga to Pooran, 1 run, opens the face to play this length ball towards point
39.5 Malinga to Allen, 1 run, played to wide third man with an open face. Good, smart batting this
39.6 Malinga to Pooran, 1 run.
WI 234/6 (39 overs)
38.1 Udana to Allen, 1 run, length ball angled across, chops the cut to third man
38.2 Udana to Pooran, DOT, slow full and wide, driven to mid off
38.3 Udana to Pooran, 1 run, slow length ball, cut to point, who does well to keep them to one
38.4 Udana to Allen, FOUR, crashed! Length ball angled across, Fabiam hits through the line after coming down, and gets it past long off
38.5 Udana to Allen, DOT, misses a flourishing cut
38.6 Udana to Allen, 3 runs.
WI 213/6 (37 overs)
36.1 Udana to Pooran, DOT, super slow ball wide of off, Nico misses the drive
36.2 Udana to Pooran, 1 run, slow full ball on off, clipped to long on
36.3 Udana to Allen, DOT, back of a length outside off, punched to backward point
36.4 Udana to Allen, DOT, slow length ball angled across, Fabian misses the cut
36.5 Udana to Allen, 1 run, played with an open face past backward point
36.6 Udana to Pooran, FOUR, gets an outside edge on the cut and it runs away past the keeper
WI 207/6 (36 overs)
Fabian Allen in at no.8, he certainly can tonk a few. Malinga is back.
35.1 Malinga to Pooran, 3 runs, gets a welcome loft for his second spell. Full and he gets this over mid off, Angelo did well to run back and save one
35.2 Malinga to Allen, 2 runs, full on middle, flicked to deep square leg
35.3 Malinga to Allen, 1 run, yorker tailing in on leg, just about glanced to fine leg
35.4 Malinga to Pooran, 1 run, low full toss, driven down to long off
35.5 Malinga to Allen, DOT, low full toss again, gets the drive on the inside half, to mid on
35.6 Malinga to Allen, DOT.
WI 199/6 (34.3 overs)
Isuru Udana is back.
34.1 Udana to Brathwaite, 1 run, opens the face at the last minute to play this slow ball to gully
34.2 Udana to Pooran, FOUR, short down the leg side, slow too, pulled to the backward square ropes. He is getting a move on, and doing so with a flourish
34.3 Udana to Pooran, OUT, oh this is brilliant or unlucky depending on which team you are supporting. Nico hit this low full straight back, Isuru dived to his left on his follow through, gets the absolute tip of the middle finger, in fact there must have been negligible friction caused when the contact happened. Carlos was backing up too far and the ball struck the stumps to catch him short
Brathwaite run-out (Udana) 8(15)
WI 179/5 (33 overs)
The players took drinks after that last over. Surprise, surprise Dimuth Karunaratne brings himself on to bowl. Not sure he has ever bowled before.
32.1 Karunaratne to Pooran, SIX, clubbed first ball! Back of a length at a gentle pace, pulled to deep mid wicket to bring up his fifty! Good innings
32.2 Karunaratne to Pooran, 1 run.
32.3 Karunaratne to Brathwaite, DOT, misses the cut on this length ball
32.4 Karunaratne to Brathwaite, DOT, flicked to mid wicket
32.5 Karunaratne to Brathwaite, DOT, driven and mid wicket does very well
32.6 Karunaratne to Brathwaite, DOT.
In case you are wondering, the run-up is shorter than Ganguly's and pace is even slower. Tough to imagine, ain't it?
WI 172/5 (32 overs)
31.1 Rajitha to Brathwaite, DOT, length outside off, chops the punch
31.2 Rajitha to Brathwaite, 1 run, tucks this length ball to square leg
31.3 Rajitha to Pooran, DOT, defended on the front foot
31.4 Rajitha to Pooran, 2 byes, misses the pull on this slower length ball, and Kusal's horror day behind the stumps continues. Messes up another one of his gathers
31.5 Rajitha to Pooran, 1 run, length angled across, punched to mid off for a quick single
31.6 Rajitha to Brathwaite, DOT.
WI 168/5 (31 overs)
30.1 Vandersay to Pooran, DOT, chops the cut
30.2 Vandersay to Pooran, 2 runs, cuts well this time, to deep point for a couple
30.3 Vandersay to Pooran, DOT, played back to Jeffrey
30.4 Vandersay to Pooran, FOUR, better, gets down low quickly and sweeps the full ball on leg to deep backward square
30.5 Vandersay to Pooran, 1 run, short and pulled powerfully to long on
30.6 Vandersay to Brathwaite, WIDE, 1 run, down leg and Kusal misses it again
30.6 Vandersay to Pooran, DOT.
WI 159/5 (30 overs)
Carlos Brathwaite at no.7, there is always hope when he is around. Kasun Rajitha is back.
29.1 Rajitha to Brathwaite, 1 byes, slower length ball wide of off, Carlos misses the cut and Kusal misses the ball
29.2 Rajitha to Pooran, DOT, just past the stumps! Length ball outside off that kept low, Nico missed his pull
29.3 Rajitha to Pooran, 1 leg byes, looks to tuck but wears it on the pad
29.4 Rajitha to Brathwaite, DOT.
29.5 Rajitha to Brathwaite, NO BALL, he oversteps and gifts a free hit for big Carlos!
29.5 Rajitha to Brathwaite, DOT, good change up, slower length delivery, he was through with his pull before the ball passed him
29.6 Rajitha to Brathwaite, FOUR, beautiful straight drive down the ground, aesthetics is not something you expect from this man, which makes this shot even better
WI 145/5 (28.3 overs)
28.1 Vandersay to Pooran, WIDE, sent down leg
28.2 Vandersay to Pooran, 1 run, gets a well flighted one, goes as a low full toss, played to deep mid wicket
28.3 Vandersay to Holder, OUT, "oh dear!" says Simon Doull on air. And oh dear indeed. Was looking so comfortable but this shot was not on. Leg spinner on off, Jason swung against the spin, does not get the elevation, and holes out straight to mid on. Maiden WC wicket for Jeffrey Vandersay!
Holder c sub (J Mendis) b Vandersay
WI 143/4 (28 overs)
27.1 de Silva to Holder, 1 run, driven to mid wicket, who misfields to allow the run
27.2 de Silva to Pooran, DOT, short and punched to extra cover
27.3 de Silva to Pooran, FOUR, lovely! Went back quickly to the short ball, got into position and cut through backward point and gully
27.4 de Silva to Pooran, DOT, punched back
27.5 de Silva to Pooran, DOT, defends on the front foot, and Jason sends him back sensibly
27.6 de Silva to Pooran, 1 run.
WI 116/4 (23 overs)
22.1 Vandersay to Pooran, 1 run.
22.2 Vandersay to Holder, DOT, stumping check sent upstairs. You know what, this is mighty close. Smart work from Kusal Perera, collected and waited till Jason moved a bit outside the crease but his back foot was grounded when the bails lit up
22.3 Vandersay to Holder, DOT.
22.4 Vandersay to Holder, FOUR, drilled to deep extra cover. Got a well flighted one and punished it
22.5 Vandersay to Holder, DOT.
22.6 Vandersay to Holder, DOT.
WI 111/4 (22 overs)
de Silva is back.
21.1 de Silva to Holder, FOUR, full on middle, and is driven away wide of long on for a wonderful boundary
21.2 de Silva to Holder, DOT, shorter, played to short mid wicket
21.3 de Silva to Holder, 1 run, driven down to long on
21.4 de Silva to Pooran, DOT, punches the short one to mid off
21.5 de Silva to Pooran, 1 run, drifter outside off, punched to deep extra cover
21.6 de Silva to Holder, DOT.
WI 105/4 (21 overs)
20.1 Vandersay to Pooran, 1 run, short and too wide, played to deep extra cover
20.2 Vandersay to Holder, FOUR WIDES, too far down leg, even evades the keeper
20.2 Vandersay to Holder, DOT, that's the first proper leg spinner we have seen this afternoon. Spins away past the bat
20.3 Vandersay to Holder, FOUR, flighted one wide of off and it is square driven to deep point
20.4 Vandersay to Holder, 1 run, to long off
20.5 Vandersay to Pooran, DOT.
20.6 Vandersay to Pooran, DOT.
WI 94/4 (20 overs)
Skipper Jason Holder in at no.6
19.1 Rajitha to Pooran, DOT, length on middle stump line, looks to tuck Nico but is hit on the pads
19.2 Rajitha to Pooran, DOT, full wide of off, he looks for the booming drive, misses by a mile
19.3 Rajitha to Pooran, 1 run, tucks it this time to deep mid wicket
19.4 Rajitha to Holder, WIDE, too far down the leg side, given wide
19.4 Rajitha to Holder, DOT, looks to punch the wide length ball, mistimes it to mid on
19.5 Rajitha to Holder, FOUR, we really need to see him bat more. This is a length ball outside off, Jason with his 6'8 frame reaches out a long way and actually square drives this through cover
19.6 Rajitha to Holder, DOT.
WI 84/4 (17.5 overs)
17.5 Rajitha to Hetmyer, OUT, holy moses this is going from bad to worse. Terrible running, and even worse communication. Shimron hit this straight to short third man and set off for some reason, there was never a run there, Pooran smartly sent him back but he was halfway down before bothering to look up at his partner. By the time he turned back and started to run, the fielder had broken the stumps with a direct hit. Not the Windies' day it seems
Hetmyer run-out (de Silva) 29(38)
WI 82/3 (17 overs)
Nicholas Pooran walks out at no.5
16.1 Udana to Pooran, 1 run, back of a length delivery, turned away to deep square leg
16.2 Udana to Hetmyer, DOT, angled in fuller on middle stump, defended on the front foot
16.3 Udana to Hetmyer, 1 run, slower length ball wide of off, he wants to punch, does so uppishly wide of point
16.4 Udana to Pooran, 1 run, length outside off, played to deep backward square
16.5 Udana to Hetmyer, DOT, length ball cramping him for room, chopped towards short third man
16.6 Udana to Hetmyer, 1 run.
WI 71/3 (15.2 overs)
15.1 Rajitha to Gayle, SIX, he is going after the WC debutant! Gets a nice full toss on leg stump, and he heaves it away with power over long on
15.2 Rajitha to Gayle, OUT, gone next ball! This is what Michael Holding keeps saying on air. Gayle hits a boundary and then he thinks every ball should be a boundary. Perfect example of that. This is fuller on off, the pace was not taken off the ball, Gayle goes for the big slog, gets a fat edge which goes high up in the air, and gully circles under it before taking a good catch
Gayle c Vandersay b Rajitha 35(48)
WI 65/2 (15 overs)
14.1 Udana to Gayle, DOT, length ball, defended to mid wicket
14.2 Udana to Gayle, 1 run, gets an inside edge on the angled in yorker, takes the quick single
14.3 Udana to Hetmyer, DOT, looks to turn this length ball away, gets a leading edge falls well short of point
14.4 Udana to Hetmyer, 1 run, short and pulled to deep mid wicket
14.5 Udana to Gayle, DOT, full ball angled in on off, defended towards extra cover
14.6 Udana to Gayle, 1 run.
WI 62/2 (14 overs)
13.1 Rajitha to Hetmyer, 1 run, full and wide, cut powerfully to deep point
13.2 Rajitha to Gayle, SIX, shot! Short at the stumps, sat up nicely for Gayle, who cleared the front leg and pulled, did not time it too well, it just about goes over the ropes at deep mid wicket
13.3 Rajitha to Gayle, DOT, punched to short cover, but Dimuth stops it very well
13.4 Rajitha to Gayle, DOT, slower ball and he misses his shot
13.5 Rajitha to Gayle, 1 run, slower yorker outside off, played to deep point for a single
13.6 Rajitha to Hetmyer, DOT.
Legends!
WI 50/2 (12 overs)
Kasun Rajitha comes on for his WC debut
11.1 Rajitha to Gayle, DOT.
11.2 Rajitha to Gayle, FOUR, the first boundary for the Universe Boss! In the 12th over, would you believe it? By thistime, he is already back in the pavilion or has raced to his fifty. Gets a nice one in his slot and lofts it over mid off
11.3 Rajitha to Gayle, 1 run.
11.4 Rajitha to Hetmyer, 1 run, driven to deep cover
11.5 Rajitha to Gayle, DOT, length on off, defended towards cover
11.6 Rajitha to Gayle, DOT.
WI 44/2 (11 overs)
End of first powerplay and Sri Lanka are bossing this so far. Isuru Udana will be first change.
10.1 Udana to Gayle, DOT.
10.2 Udana to Gayle, DOT, fuller and wide of off, slower ball too, beats the angled bat
10.3 Udana to Gayle, 1 run, full on leg stump, flicked to wide long on
10.4 Udana to Hetmyer, DOT, length on off, defended with a nice stride forward
10.5 Udana to Hetmyer, 2 runs, cutter outside off, spinning in, turned to deep backward square
10.6 Udana to Hetmyer, FOUR, short and wide, finally they time one and get it off the middle too, crashes the drive past point for his first boundary
WI 37/2 (10 overs)
9.1 de Silva to Hetmyer, DOT.
9.2 de Silva to Hetmyer,DOT, full on off, driven to extra cover
9.3 de Silva to Hetmyer, 2 runs, goes for the big shot, gets an inside edge to square leg
9.4 de Silva to Hetmyer, DOT, short and he goes back to cut, straight to cover point
9.5 de Silva to Hetmyer, 1 run, quicker on leg stump, played to long on
9.6 de Silva to Gayle, 1 run.
WI 33/2 (9 overs)
8.1 Malinga to Hetmyer, DOT, fuller on middle stump, defended with a straight bat
8.2 Malinga to Hetmyer, DOT, softly taps this length ball towards mid wicket
8.3 Malinga to Hetmyer, DOT, full just outside off, driven straight to extra cover
8.4 Malinga to Hetmyer, 1 run, full outside off again, driven to mid off, who misfields and allows the single
8.5 Malinga to Gayle, DOT, goes short now and Gayle ducks under it, was at quite some speed too
8.6 Malinga to Gayle, DOT.
WI 32/2 (8 overs)
7.1 de Silva to Gayle, DOT.
7.2 de Silva to Gayle, DOT, drifter on off, spins just enough to beat the edge
7.3 de Silva to Gayle, DOT, punched back and the bowler leaps to field it
7.4 de Silva to Gayle, DOT.
7.5 de Silva to Gayle, 1 run, drives it straight back down, and takes the single after it was deflected by Dhananjaya
7.6 de Silva to Hetmyer, 1 run.
WI 30/2 (7 overs)
Shimron Hetmyer is promoted up one place to no.4
6.1 Malinga to Gayle, 1 run, tough chance at square leg! Gayle dug out the yorker on leg stump with one leg, it was dying on Thirimanne stationed there, went one handed but it just did not stick
6.2 Malinga to Hetmyer, 2runs, digs this wide yorker out to third man
6.3 Malinga to Hetmyer, DOT, goes short, Shimron gets the pull off the toe end to mid on
6.4 Malinga to Hetmyer, DOT, edged and dropped at first slip! My word, that is two chances in the over. Shimron went for a booming drive on the wide full ball, went into the hands of slip and popped out just as quickly. Had to dive forward but was still a simple chance
6.5 Malinga to Hetmyer, DOT, bumper and he leaves it alone this time
6.6 Malinga to Hetmyer, 2 runs.
WI 22/2 (5 overs)
4.1 Malinga to Gayle, 1 run, yorker and Gayle digs it out to mid off, and sets off for a quick single. Been doing a lot of that this WC, maybe just wants to settle himself in
4.2 Malinga to Hope, DOT, length ball on leg stump, tucked to short mid wicket
4.3 Malinga to Hope, DOT, a bit fuller, on middle stump line, defended towards mid wicket
4.4 Malinga to Hope, DOT, surprise bumper but Shai was ready for it, sways out of the way
4.5 Malinga to Hope, DOT, length outside off, he chops the punch down the ground
4.6 Malinga to Hope, WIDE, dropped too short this time
4.6 Malinga to Hope, OUT, oh boy this is not good batting. Gentle, harmless length delivery outside off, either he had to play it late or leave it alone, instead he goes for a punch, the pitch is slow, the ball was even slower, it caught the inside edge and disturbed the stumps
Hope b Malinga 5(11)
WI 20/1 (4 overs)
Shai Hope in at no.3
3.1 de Silva to Gayle, DOT, darts it in on middle stump, defended
3.2 de Silva to Gayle, DOT, drops it short, surprises Gayle, who plays to mid on
3.3 de Silva to Gayle, 1 run, played to square leg for one. Stumps broken at the bowler's end, and the ball richocheted off the stumps onto Dhananjaya's ankle, must have hurt a bit
3.4 de Silva to Hope, 1 run, simple ball on off, driven to long on
3.5 de Silva to Gayle, DOT, full and driven straight to cover point
3.6 de Silva to Gayle, 1 run.
WI 12/1 (2.2 overs)
2.1 Malinga to Gayle, 1 run, gets an inside edge on the tuck, goes to square leg
2.2 Malinga to Ambris, OUT, first one down. Bouncer from Lasith, Sunil was expecting the yorker, was deep in his crease, was surprised, looked to instinctively hook, gets a thin top edge which is gobbled up by the keeper
Ambris c K Perera b Malinga 5(6)
WI 11/0 (2 overs)
Some spin from the other end, on comes Dhananjaya de Silva.
1.1 de Silva to Gayle, 2 runs.
1.2 de Silva to Gayle, DOT, ripper! Landed it on off, and turned it just enough to beat Gayle's front foot defence
1.3 de Silva to Gayle, 1 run, fuller and driven to long off
1.4 de Silva to Ambris, DOT, comes down a step and drives to mid off
1.5 de Silva to Ambris, 1 run, stays in this time, and drives the drifter to long on
1.6 de Silva to Gayle, 1 run.
WI 6/0 (1 over)
Gayle and Sunil Ambris are at the crease. Malinga it will be with the new ball and this is potentially the last face off we will see between the legends on the international stage. Who will come out on top? Let's find out.
0.1 Malinga to Gayle, DOT, wide yorker first up, Gayle tries to drive, only hits the bat into the ground
0.2 Malinga to Gayle, DOT, yorker again, this time on off stump but Gayle knows it is coming, digs it out
0.3 Malinga to Gayle, 1 run, no prizes for guessing the length, played to mid off for a quick single
0.4 Malinga to Ambris, WIDE, yorker down leg
0.4 Malinga to Ambris, DOT, terrific shot but cannot place it in the gap. Full on off, Sunil square drove it, straight to point
0.5 Malinga to Ambris, DOT, slower ball in the first over. Beats the bat
0.6 Malinga to Ambris, FOUR, this time he gets it in the gap. Another full one, wide of off, square driven away past point for his and Windies' first boundary
SL 338/6 (50 overs)
Dhananjaya de Silva at no.8
49.1 Cottrell to de Silva, FOUR, deft shot! Slower length ball wide of off, guided past short third man
49.2Cottrell to de Silva, 1 run, punches this length delivery to deep point
49.3 Cottrell to Thirimanne, 1 run, goes for the big hit to mid wicket, gets an outside edge towards short third man
49.4 Cottrell to de Silva, 1 run, short and pulled, well short of deep mid wicket though
49.5 Cottrell to Thirimanne, 2 runs, slower length ball, Lahiru shuffles right across to scoop it away, only hits it to square leg for a couple
49.6 Cottrell to Thirimanne, 2 runs. Sri Lanka finish on 338!
SL 327/6 (49 overs)
Isuru Udana in at no.7
48.1 Thomas to Thirimanne, 1 run, low wide full toss, guided to short third man
48.2 Thomas to Udana, DOT, good yorker on leg stump, dug out after going deep in the crease, to extra cover
48.3 Thomas to Udana, NO BALL, 2 runs, a full toss above the waist, played back down to long on. Free hit coming up!
48.3 Thomas to Udana, 1 run, hits this full, wide ball to sweeper cover
48.4 Thomas to Thirimanne, 1 run, digs out this yorker to square leg
48.5 Thomas to Udana, DOT, low full toss, driven back down, Oshane does well to get a hand to it
48.6 Thomas to Udana, OUT, gone. Full and in the slot, Isuru lofts as invited, and holes out to long off
Udana c Holder b Thomas 3(6)
SL 314/5 (47.2 overs)
Cottrell is back.
47.1 Cottrell to Thirimanne, 1 run.
47.2 Cottrell to Fernando, OUT, end of a brilliant innings. This was a slower length ball, Avishka slogs but cannot get any power or timing on it, and long on catches it easily
SL 313/4 (47 overs)
46.1 Brathwaite to Thirimanne, 1 run, excellent yorker, dug out well and they scamper through
46.2 Brathwaite to Fernando, 1 run, slower ball wide of off, played softly to backward point
46.3 Brathwaite to Thirimanne, 1 leg byes, backed away too far to slog, this length ball followed him, and he cannot get it away
46.4 Brathwaite to Fernando, 2 runs, that's the hundred! Stupendous innings from the youngster, and he has had a few classy knocks before this. Today he had the hunger and patience to play long, and got the much coveted debut hundred
46.5 Brathwaite to Fernando, FOUR, full ball following him as he backed away, he heaves it away to the deep mid wicket fence
46.6 Brathwaite to Fernando, DOT.
SL 304/4 (46 overs)
45.1 Thomas to Fernando, 1 run, full toss, and he heaved this away, mistimed it badly so it did not carry to long on
45.2 Thomas to Thirimanne, 1 leg byes, looks to slog the yorker away, only gets it off the pad
45.3 Thomas to Fernando, FOUR, full toss, Avishka walked down and flicked it away past fine leg. Moves to 96!
45.4 Thomas to Fernando, 1 run, length ball wide of off, cut to deep point
45.5 Thomas to Thirimanne, 2 runs, down the track again, and carves the full toss past extra cover for two
45.6 Thomas to Thirimanne, 1 run.
SL 294/4 (45 overs)
Carlos Brathwaite is back.
44.1 Brathwaite to Fernando, 1 leg byes, full on leg, played to square leg
44.2 Brathwaite to Thirimanne, FOUR, well struck! Comes down the track and hammers this length ball cross batted down the ground
44.3 Brathwaite to Thirimanne, FOUR, even better! Advances again, and lofts this over a leaping mid off, and it is Jason Holder there so very well hit
44.4 Brathwaite to Thirimanne, 1 run, full ball, flicked to deep mid wicket
44.5 Brathwaite to Fernando, 1 run, length ball guided deftly to short third man
44.6 Brathwaite to Thirimanne, 2 runs.
SL 281/4 (44 overs)
Oshane Thomas is back for a third spell.
43.1 Thomas to Fernando, DOT, low full toss wide of off, driven to short extra cover
43.2 Thomas to Fernando, 1 run, full outside off, powerfully played to long on
43.3 Thomas to Thirimanne, NO BALL, caught off a no ball, would you believe it? Lahiru flicked this straight to short mid wicket and the one time they manage to hold on to a simple chance, it is a no ball. Free hit coming up
43.3 Thomas to Thirimanne, 1 run, gets a yorker and he can only dig it out to long on
43.4 Thomas to Fernando, 2 runs, excellent running. Drove this to long off Avishka and had done so wide enough to get back
43.5 Thomas to Fernando, DOT, goes for a big leg side hoick, does not connect at all
43.6 Thomas to Fernando, 1 run.
SL 275/4 (43 overs)
42.1 Cottrell to Thirimanne, 1 run, big full toss on leg stump, only turned away to deep square leg
42.2 Cottrell to Fernando, SIX, boom! He wants his century here. This is short, at quite some pace, Avishka takes it on, pulls on the front foot and gets it into the deep mid wicket stands
42.3 Cottrell to Fernando, 1 run, digs it in on a length, he gets a slight outside edge to short third man
42.4 Cottrell to Thirimanne, DOT, comes down the track, and plays this slower ball to point
42.5 Cottrell to Thirimanne, WIDE, too far down leg
42.5 Cottrell to Thirimanne, 1 run, slower one again, turned to mid wicket for a single
42.6 Cottrell to Fernando, 1 run.
SL 264/4 (42 overs)
41.1 Holder to Thirimanne, 1 run, length on off stump, guided to third man
41.2 Holder to Fernando, DOT, low full toss from round the wicket, hit straight to short extra cover
41.3 Holder to Fernando, 1 run, comes down the track and flicks aerially, falls well short of deep mid wicket though
41.4 Holder to Thirimanne, 3 runs, flicked just over a leaping mid wicket, and then they run three because it is the longest part of the ground
41.5 Holder to Fernando, DOT, super stop! By the stumps that is. Hits the straight drive too straight
41.6 Holder to Fernando, 2 runs.
SL 257/4 (41 overs)
Lahiru Thirimanne walks out at no.6 on his return to the side. We are into the final powerplay and Sri Lanka should look for 320 easily. Cottrell is back.
40.1 Cottrell to Fernando, 1 run, goes short immediately, pulled down to long on
40.2 Cottrell to Thirimanne, DOT, good yorker, on leg stump, jammed back out
40.3 Cottrell to Thirimanne, DOT, full on off, square drives it straight to point
40.4 Cottrell to Thirimanne, DOT, length on off now, tucked to short mid wicket
40.5 Cottrell to Thirimanne, 3 runs, good shot and even better fielding. Lahiru came down the track and drove this half volley to deep extra cover, sweeper covered a lot of ground and pulled it back in to save one
40.6 Cottrell to Fernando, DOT.
SL 247/4 (39.1 overs)
39.1 Holder to Mathews, OUT, knocked him over! Jason steams in and bowls a pinpoint yorker, Angelo had come down the track to slog, had no chance to dig it out
Mathews b Holder 26(20)
SL 247/3 (39 overs)
38.1 Allen to Fernando, 1 run, starts on a length, and is punched to long off
38.2 Allen to Mathews, DOT, short and spinning away, punched back to Fabian
38.3 Allen to Mathews, DOT, sweeps the full ball to short fine leg
38.4 Allen to Mathews, FOUR, short again, Angelo backed away and flayed the cut over backward point for four
38.5 Allen to Mathews, SIX, big hit! Gets a floater on off, and he lofts this sweetly over the ropes at long off. Good shot that, hitting against the wind
38.6 Allen to Mathews, 1 run.
Perfection!
SL 224/3 (37 overs)
36.1 Gabriel to Mathews, 1 run, punches this length ball to deep cover
36.2 Gabriel to Fernando, DOT, length outside off, Avishka nails the cut, but backward point leaps up well to stop it
36.3 Gabriel to Fernando, FOUR, short and wide, asking for trouble, this time he cuts away up and over backward point
36.4 Gabriel to Fernando, DOT, edged but does not carry to the keeper. It was the slower one on middle, he cuts but gets an outside edge which bounces before going to Hope
36.5 Gabriel to Fernando, NO BALL, 1 run, wide full toss,slipped out of his hands, guided to third man
Angelo calls for a new bat to play the free hit
36.5 Gabriel to Mathews, DOT, brilliantly executed yorker on middle stump, Angelo backed away but could only dig it out to backward point
36.6 Gabriel to Mathews, 3 runs.
SL 214/3 (36 overs)
35.1 Allen to Mathews, 1 run, tucks this length ball to square leg for a single
35.2 Allen to Fernando, DOT, rank long hop, pulled straight to short mid wicket. Second time this has happened
35.3 Allen to Fernando, 1 run, played down to long on
35.4 Allen to Mathews, 1 run, full outside off, driven to long off this time
35.5 Allen to Fernando, DOT, punched back to Fabian
35.6 Allen to Fernando, 2 runs.
SL 209/3 (35 overs)
Gabriel is back into the attack.
34.1 Gabriel to Fernando, 1 run, opens the face at the last instant to guide the length ball to third man
34.2 Gabriel to Mathews, 2 runs, short and Angelo mistimes the pull towards silly mid on, who lets it run under him
34.3 Gabriel to Mathews, DOT, goes for the booming cover drive on this full ball, does not connect
34.4 Gabriel to Mathews, 1 run, this time square drives it wide of point for one
On the second ball, the stumps were broken at the bowler's end, and one of the bails flew towards Gabriel's eyes, luckily it did not hit him or could have been a major injury
34.5 Gabriel to Fernando, DOT, does not hit the cut on this wide length ball
34.6 Gabriel to Fernando, FOUR, looks for the drive now, gets an outside edge and there is no slip in place
SL 201/3 (34 overs)
Angelo Mathews walks out at no.5
33.1 Allen to Fernando, FOUR, super shot! Comes down the track, takes on the half volley and goes inside out over extra cover. Class batting
They are calling for a replacement for the ball. Ok, they are using the same one, seems to have passed the hoop test
33.2 Allen to Fernando, DOT, drifter on leg, defended on the back foot
33.3 Allen to Fernando, DOT, played back to Fabian
33.4 Allen to Fernando, DOT, softly pushes towards cover, they don't go for the run
33.5 Allen to Fernando, 1 run, drives this full ball down to long on
33.6 Allen to Mathews, DOT.
SL 189/3 (31.5 overs)
31.1 Allen to K Mendis, 2 runs, low full toss, and driven to deep mid wicket for a couple
31.2 Allen to K Mendis, 1 run, to sweeper cover
31.3 Allen to Fernando, FOUR, comes down the track, takes it on the half volley and drives it past short extra cover for a boundary
31.4 Allen to Fernando, 1 run, cut to deep cover
31.5 Allen to K Mendis, OUT, what a catch! That is a superb return catch, shows how athletic he is. Kusal came down the track, took it on the full and hit it straight back, Fabian leaps to his right and takes it with both hands. Much needed breakthrough
K Mendis c & b Allen 39(41)
SL 181/2 (31 overs)
30.1 Thomas to Fernando, 1 run, glances it away to fine leg for one
30.2 Thomas to K Mendis, DOT.
30.3 Thomas to K Mendis, 1 run, length wide of off, Kusal reaches out and dabs to third man
30.4 Thomas to Fernando, DOT, full outside off, digs it out with an open face to short cover where Gayle dives and earns a cheer from the crowd
30.5 Thomas to Fernando, FOUR, amazing shot. Waist high short ball, Avishka pulls easily, up and over mid wicket
30.6 Thomas to Fernando, 2 runs.
SL 173/2 (30 overs)
29.1 Allen to Fernando, DOT, punched to short cover
29.2 Allen to Fernando, 1 run, punches this short one past point for one
29.3 Allen to K Mendis, DOT, driven back to Fabian
29.4 Allen to K Mendis, DOT, defends with an open face towards point
29.5 Allen to K Mendis, 1 run, comes down the pitch and flicks it away to deep square leg
29.6 Allen to Fernando, 1 run.
SL 170/2 (29 overs)
Oshane Thomas is back.
28.1 Thomas to K Mendis, DOT, yorker on leg stump, played to short mid wicket
28.2 Thomas to K Mendis, FOUR, full on the stumps, Kusal times the flick brilliantly past short mid wicket, who should have got down low earlier to stop it
28.3 Thomas to K Mendis, DOT, looks to defend the length ball, gets an edge towards backward point
28.4 Thomas to K Mendis, 1 run, length outside off, guided down to third man
28.5 Thomas to Fernando, DOT, yorker on middle, jammed out well
28.6 Thomas to Fernando, 1 run.
SL 164/2 (28 overs)
27.1 Allen to Fernando, 1 run, goes back and plays this length ball to deep cover
27.2 Allen to K Mendis, FOUR, good shot! Full on leg stump, Kusal gets down low and sweeps it into the ropes at deep backward square leg
27.3 Allen to K Mendis, DOT, flighted up on middle, punched back down
27.4 Allen to K Mendis, DOT.
27.5 Allen to K Mendis, DOT, full outside off now, driven back
Kusal Mendis calls for a new bat after digging it into the ground last ball
27.6 Allen to K Mendis, 1 run.
They have the best fans!
SL 146/2 (25 overs)
24.1 Cottrell to K Mendis, 1 run, length ball on leg stump, helped away to fine leg
24.2 Cottrell to Fernando, DOT, length outside off, played to cover point
24.3 Cottrell to Fernando, DOT, gets the inside half of the bat on the drive back to Sheldon
24.4 Cottrell to Fernando, 1 ru, guided down to third man for an easy single
24.5 Cottrell to K Mendis, 1 run, full on the pads, flicked to deep square leg
24.6 Cottrell to Fernando, 1 run.
SL 142/2 (24 overs)
Fabian Allen is introduced to the attack. Left arm spinner for two right handers is a good idea.
23.1 Allen to K Mendis, DOT, drifts it in off, defended on the front foot
23.2 Allen to K Mendis, DOT, played back
23.3 Allen to K Mendis, DOT, punched back down the wicket
23.4 Allen to K Mendis, DOT, drags it down, Kusal pulled with all his power, but straight to short mid wicket
23.5 Allen to K Mendis, 1 run, finally gets this one down to long on
23.6 Allen to Fernando, DOT.
SL 141/2 (23 overs)
Sheldon Cottrell is back.
22.1 Cottrell to Fernando, DOT, starts his second spell with a full one, played to short mid wicket
22.2 Cottrell to Fernando, SIX, that is some shot! Length ball on his body, Avishka turned his body on one leg, and timed it sweetly into the stands at deep mid wicket. Nonchalant, effortless, whatever you want to call it, it is all of that and much more
22.3 Cottrell to Fernando, 2 runs.
22.4 Cottrell to Fernando, DOT, goes full again, flicked to short mid wicket
22.5 Cottrell to Fernando, DOT.
22.6 Cottrell to Fernando, DOT.
SL 133/2 (22 overs)
21.1 Holder to K Mendis, FOUR, authoritative! This is short, well directed at his head, Kusal stands tall on the front foot and nails the pull to deep mid wicket
21.2 Holder to K Mendis, 1 run, short again, this time he rolls his wrists on the pull for a single
21.3 Holder to Fernando, FOUR, that is a sight to behold! Goes full outside off, Avishka gets out his high elbow and lofts it over mid off
21.4 Holder to Fernando, DOT, defends the length ball under his eyes
21.5 Holder to Fernando, DOT, drives this softly to mid on
21.6 Holder to Fernando, 1 run.
SL 113/2 (20 overs)
Mendis replaces Perera at the crease. Kusal for Kusal.
19.1 Holder to Fernando, NO BALL, he has overstepped and bowled a wide but the former is taken into account. Free hit!
19.1 Holder to Fernando, FOUR, horror stuff from the keeper. This was a brilliant wide yorker, Avishka cannot reach it, gets an under edge and it rolls away under the keeper to the ropes
19.2 Holder to Fernando, 1 run, gets an inside edge on the punch to deep backward square
19.3 Holder to K Mendis, DOT, length on off, defended solidly to cover point
19.4 Holder to K Mendis, DOT, played to mid wicket
19.5 Holder to K Mendis, 2 runs, length ball on leg, tucked to deep square leg for a couple
19.6 Holder to K Mendis, DOT.
SL 104/2 (18.1 overs)
18.1 Brathwaite to K Perera, OUT, 1 run, this is shambolic running. Kusal hit this length ball to past mid wicket, and ran the first one hard, Avishka was never interested in the second, Kusal was not interested in his call, set off anyway, Cottrell came in, picked it up with his strong hand and it is a simple run out at the bowler's end
K Perera run-out(Cottrell/Brathwaite) 64(51)
SL 103/1 (18 overs)
17.1 Holder to Fernando, DOT, length wide of off, he goes for the cut but it kept rising up after pitching
17.2 Holder to Fernando, 1 run, gets a thick outside edge on the drive, goes through gully to third man
17.3 Holder to K Perera, 2runs, dropped at deep square leg and the skipper is fuming! Bowled it short, got Kusal to pull on the back foot, went straight to Nicholas Pooran, who let it burst through his hands. Horrible
17.4 Holder to K Perera, 1 run, quick single to mid off
17.5 Holder to Fernando, 1 run, driven to deep cover
17.6 Holder to K Perera, 1 run.
SL 97/1 (17 overs)
The supremely impressive Avishka Fernando walks in at no.3
16.1 Brathwaite to K Perera, DOT, fuller ball on the stumps, defended down the wicket
16.2 Brathwaite to K Perera, WIDE, dropped too short for Kusal
16.2 Brathwaite to K Perera, 1 run, full on leg, tucked to deep square leg for one
16.3 Brathwaite to Fernando, DOT, length outside off, punched to short cover
16.4 Brathwaite to Fernando, DOT, fuller ball angled in, played down the pitch
16.5 Brathwaite to Fernando, 1 run, flicks this one to deep mid wicket
16.6 Brathwaite to K Perera, DOT.
SL 93/1 (15.2 overs)
15.1 Holder to Karunaratne, 2 runs, tucks this length delivery to deep square leg, and hares back for two, Jason unhappy this time with the fielder's effort
15.2 Holder to Karunaratne, OUT, got him! It was a poor ball to be honest, short and wide, Dimuth goes for the cut, but it is too far out, he did not move his feet as well, gets an underedge to the keeper
Karunaratne c Hope b Holder 32(48)
That will be drinks as well.
SL 91/0 (15 overs)
14.1 Brathwaite to K Perera, FOUR, down the track he comes and clobbers this length delivery to the deep mid wicket ropes. He is looking dangerous
14.2 Brathwaite to K Perera, 2 runs, flicked to deep square leg and he pushes for two, Carlos is unhappy with the effort in the deep
14.3 Brathwaite to K Perera, DOT, length ball angled in, defended onto the pitch
14.4 Brathwaite to K Perera, 1 run, plays it softly to leg gully and takes the run
14.5 Brathwaite to Karunaratne, 2 runs, length ball tucked to deep mid wicket and it is an easy two
14.6 Brathwaite to Karunaratne, 1 run.
SL 81/0 (14 overs)
13.1 Holder to Karunaratne, 1 run, a quick single taken after hitting softly to mid on
13.2 Holder to K Perera, 1 run, drops this back of a length delivery near him and scampers across to bring up his third fifty of the WC! Should look to kick on
13.3 Holder to Karunaratne, DOT, plays this length delivery to backward square leg
13.4 Holder to Karunaratne, 1 run, misfield and that would have been disaster! Dimuth drove this to short cover and ran, Kusal was not so sure, but the man did not field the ball, and they run through eventually
13.5 Holder to K Perera, DOT.
13.6 Holder to K Perera, 1 run.
SL 77/0 (13 overs)
Carlos Brathwaite is into the attack.
12.1 Brathwaite to K Perera, DOT, starts with length from round the wicket, cramped for room, chopped to backward point
12.2 Brathwaite to K Perera, 2 runs, plays this to deep cover and runs well to come back for two
12.3 Brathwaite to K Perera, 1 run, hops and taps this length ball towards cover point, takes a quick single
12.4 Brathwaite to Karunaratne, 1 run, length outside off, played with an angled bat past a diving point
12.5 Brathwaite to K Perera, 2 runs, half cuts this length ball past backward point for a couple of runs
12.6 Brathwaite to K Perera, 2 runs.
SL 63/0 (11 overs)
End of first powerplay and Sri Lanka look set for a big score with this start.
10.1 Gabriel to K Perera, DOT, full on off from round the wicket, powerfully hit to mid on
10.2 Gabriel to K Perera, 1 run, back of a length this time, played to square leg and brings up the fifty partnership!
10.3 Gabriel to Karunaratne, 1 run, looks to push at this without feet, gets an outside edge to third man
Jason Holder is cutting his nails while sitting outside the boundary!
10.4 Gabriel to K Perera, FOUR, too far down leg, Kusal helps it away past the keeper for an easy boundary
10.5 Gabriel to K Perera, FOUR, consecutive fours! Another length ball angled too far across, swivelled and helped to the deep backward square ropes
10.6Gabriel to K Perera, FOUR, wow that is the best of the lot! Gets one full outside off, he launches it into the long on ropes off the front foot
SL 49/0 (10 overs)
Jason Holder onto bowl himself.
9.1 Holder to Karunaratne, DOT, starts with length outside off, Dimuth plays it on the hop to point
9.2 Holder to Karunaratne, DOT, he is getting the length balls to rise up because of his height, another jump to defend this down the pitch
9.3 Holder to Karunaratne, DOT, length on the stumps now, played to square leg
9.4 Holder to Karunaratne, 1 run, direct hit would have got him! Dimuth played it softly to square leg and they hesitated before going for it but the fielder misses the stumps
9.5 Holder to K Perera, 1 run, length outside off from round the wicket and swivels it to deep square leg
9.6 Holder to Karunaratne, DOT.
SL 47/0 (9 overs)
8.1 Gabriel to K Perera, DOT, brilliant yorker from round the wicket, and dug out equally well to mid off
8.2 Gabriel to K Perera, 1 run, full on the stumps, played to deep square leg for a single
8.3 Gabriel to Karunaratne, DOT, angles it in on a length from round the wicket, defended towards mid on
8.4 Gabriel to Karunaratne, 1 run, angled too far across, helped to backward square leg
8.5 Gabriel to K Perera, DOT, punches this length ball on off stump to mid off
8.6 Gabriel to K Perera, 2 runs.
SL 43/0 (8 overs)
7.1 Thomas to Karunaratne, FOUR, super shot! This is full and wide, he missed out on a couple last over, this time square drives it in the air and over point
7.2 Thomas to Karunaratne, DOT, plays this one to short mid wicket, who fields acrobatically
7.3 Thomas to Karunaratne, DOT, length ball outside off, hurrying him just a bit, and he misses the pull
7.4 Thomas to Karunaratne, DOT, short and wide, Dimuth goes for the cut but cannot seem to read the pace, chops it to the keeper
7.5 Thomas to Karunaratne, DOT, this time he hops up and steers it almost to point
7.6 Thomas to Karunaratne, DOT.
SL 39/0 (7 overs)
Change of bowling and it will be Shannon Gabriel to bowl.
6.1 Gabriel to K Perera, 1 run, tap and run, good single. Just softly defended this length ball towards mid off and set off
6.2 Gabriel to Karunaratne, 1 run, comes round the wicket now, and angles it on leg stump, flicked to deep backward square
6.3 Gabriel to K Perera, DOT, leading edge and falls short of mid off! Kusal looked to tuck this straight ball away, instead got it on the side of his bat, lucky to get away
6.4 Gabriel to K Perera, FOUR, that was a trash ball and had to be put away. Full on leg stump, easily helped away to the fine leg fence
6.5 Gabriel to K Perera, DOT, length this time, on leg stump again, played to mid wicket
6.6 Gabriel to K Perera, WIDE, too far down leg this time
6.6 Gabriel to K Perera, FOUR, too straight and that does not matter on any length. Glanced to the fine leg fence again
SL 28/0 (6 overs)
5.1 Thomas to Karunaratne, DOT.
5.2 Thomas to Karunaratne, DOT, length outside off, left alone
5.3 Thomas to Karunaratne, DOT, length wide of off this time, played to backward point
5.4 Thomas to Karunaratne, DOT, not convincing. This is short and wide, Dimuth goes for a cut but is beaten by pace
5.5 Thomas to Karunaratne, DOT, back of a length outside off, he jumps up and defends
5.6 Thomas to Karunaratne, DOT, first maiden!
SL 28/0 (5 overs)
4.1 Cottrell to K Perera, FOUR, up and over mid off! Kusal rushes down the track, Sheldon bowled it short but the batsman had also backed away a bit and that allowed him to punch it aerially to deep extra cover
4.2 Cottrell to K Perera, 1 run, a bit of confusion for the second run but Kusal sent his captain back in time. Flicked this full ball to deep mid wicket for a single
4.3 Cottrell to Karunaratne, DOT, length outside off, Dimuth shoulders arms
4.4 Cottrell to Karunaratne, DOT.
4.5 Cottrell to Karunaratne, DOT, full outside off, he drives it off the inside half to mid on
4.6 Cottrell to Karunaratne, 1 run.
SL 22/0 (4 overs)
3.1 Thomas to K Perera, 1 run, length ball on off, played with an open face past backward point
3.2 Thomas to Karunaratne, DOT, he misjudged the length a bit there. This was a bit fuller of good length, he misses the cut
3.3 Thomas to Karunaratne, DOT, full wide of off, square driven to backward point
3.4 Thomas to Karunaratne, FOUR, short and wide, and that is flayed away past backward point. Third man came diving in but his foot touched the ropes as he pulled it back in
3.5 Thomas to Karunaratne, DOT, natural reaction after a boundary. Goes short, not too pacy though, Dimuth sways away as he dropped his wrists as well
3.6 Thomas to Karunaratne, DOT.
SL 17/0 (3 overs)
2.1 Cottrell to Karunaratne, DOT, lucky escape! Full on off, Dimuth misses his drive, it almost rolled onto the stumps, he quickly saw it though and swatted it away with the back of his bat, which is legal to do
2.2 Cottrell to Karunaratne, DOT.
2.3 Cottrell to Karunaratne, WIDE, full again, he is looking for some swing, but it goes down leg this time
2.3 Cottrell to Karunaratne, FOUR, first boundary for the skipper. Full on leg stump, it is an easy flick for Dimuth, whose head position is naturally fit for that kind of a shot
2.4 Cottrell to Karunaratne, DOT, play and a miss. Full wide of off, he goes for the drive but does not connect
2.5 Cottrell to Karunaratne, FOUR, and another flick. He is superb off his pads and these full deliveries bowled there are bread and butter for him
2.6 Cottrell to Karunaratne, DOT.
SL 8/0 (2 overs)
Oshane Thomas it will be from the other end.
1.1 Thomas to K Perera, DOT, starts off with a back of a length outside off, punched towards cover point
1.2 Thomas to K Perera, DOT, length ball rising onto the short Kusal, cramping him for room too, he jumps and plays to backward point
1.3 Thomas to K Perera, 2 runs, this time he rises with the ball and steers it past backward point for a couple of runs
1.4 Thomas to K Perera, FOUR, crashed! Length outside off, just a bit of width, Kusal stands tall and short arm punches this through the covers. Typical shot
1.5 Thomas to K Perera, DOT, now he wants to go at everything. Goes back of a length Oshane, and Kusal fails to cut despite jumping up
1.6 Thomas to K Perera, DOT.
SL 2/0 (1 over)
Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Perera are at the crease and the two southpaws have not fired together as a pair for the last two matches. There is no pressure on them to perform, so I expect them to attack from the get-go. Sheldon Cottrell it will be with the new ball for the Windies, and he has had a tremendous WC campaign.
0.1 Cottrell to Karunaratne, 1 run, off the mark first ball. Too straight on the pads, and the skipper tucks it away to deep square leg
0.2 Cottrell to K Perera, DOT, goes length again, this time on off stump, played back to the bowler
0.3 Cottrell to K Perera, DOT, this time it is full on off, moving away a bit, easily driven towards mid off
0.4 Cottrell to K Perera, DOT, half shout but it is going down leg. Full again, and Kusal missed his attempted flick
0.5 Cottrell to K Perera, DOT, length on off, cut away but straight to backward point
0.6 Cottrell to K Perera, 1 run.
When does he not
Team News
West Indies XI: Chris Gayle, Sunil Ambris, Shai Hope(wk), Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder(c), Carlos Brathwaite, Fabian Allen, Shannon Gabriel, Sheldon Cottrell, Oshane Thomas
Sri Lanka XI: Dimuth Karunaratne(c), Kusal Perera(wk), Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Lahiru Thirimanne, Dhananjaya de Silva, Isuru Udana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Kasun Rajitha, Lasith Malinga
WI win toss; to bowl first
Jason Holder calls it right and he wants to bowl first. He feels it is a new pitch which will assist the seamers early on. Roach is ill and Shannon Gabriel replaces him.
Karunaratne would have wanted to bowl first as well. He feels the batting has not been upto the mark, which is why they have not managed to progress. Three changes for Sri Lanka as Udana, Jeevan Mendis and one other player is out, and the captain cannot remember the last name!
A match for purely academic interest
As the World Cup enters the business end, it is heartening to see that the first dead rubber is happening only in the penultimate week. For long, it seemed that the top four will be decided beforehand but Sri Lanka's win against England changed the whole equation.
However, the hosts' win last night against India meant that Sri Lanka were knocked out of the tournament, which means that they are playing for pride today against the Windies, who will be looking to get atleast one more win after the first one against Pakistan.
With no pressures on either, it will be interesting to see how they approach the game. Will West Indies bat like the T20 giants their team is filled with or will the Lankans overcome them with their superior bowling depth? Let's find out.
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