Sri Lanka swamped in Indian endgame

INTERNATIONAL ROUND-UP

MS DHONI and Manish Pandey clattered 61 runs off the final four overs to give India a commanding total of 180 for the tourists to chase in Cuttack.

Dhoni, alongside Pandey, once again proved a classy finisher as the two put on a late, unbeaten partnership of 68 from 34 deliveries to boost the team’s total led by the skilful innings of Lokesh Rahul.

The 25-year-old top-scored on a dewy surface with 61 from 48 balls to cement his place as the rightful partner for Rohit Sharma, and took his T20 international average to an impressive 52.14.

Sri Lanka struggled to overcome the conditions as just one batsman – Upul Tharanga – scored over 20, and India backed their spinners to star whereas the tourists only picked off-break option Akila Danajaya.

And while Danajaya would finish with unflattering figures, India’s Yuzvendra Chahal would pick up the man of the match award as the home side ramped up the pressure once the required run rate sent Sri Lanka into panic mode.

India’s disciplined bowling saw their opponents fail to score a boundary between the fifth and the 15th overs, with Chahal’s 4-23 cutting down Sri Lanka to 87 all out and handing his side their biggest win in T20 internationals.

In Whangarei, Todd Astle had an ODI debut to remember by taking 3-33. He then claimed his anonymity on the international stage was a factor in helping the New Zealand to a five-wicket victory over the West Indies.

“You’re only going to be unknown for a certain period of time,” the 31-year-old said, as his leg-spin combined with a strong showing from New Zealand’s top order handed the hosts a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

And while Astle proved to be most economical in only his fifth appearance for his country across all formats, seamer Doug Bracewell claimed the best figures by taking 4-55.

Chasing 249 to win, George Worker (57) and Colin Munro (49) put on an opening partnership worth 108 in perfect batting conditions.

Kane Williamson (38) and Ross Taylor (49no) ensured New Zealand reached their target with four overs to spare.