Who said what: World reacts after Sri Lanka beat India by five wickets in first T20I
Sri Lanka thrashed India by five wickets in the first T20I on a green pitch in Pune and took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. After winning the toss, they asked India to bat and bowled them out for their third-lowest total in T20I history.
Chasing 102, despite a few hiccups they got there with five wickets and two overs to spare. While the result might be a shock, thanks to their performance on the day, Sri Lanka were worth their victory.
For picking up three wickets on his debut, Kasun Rajitha was awarded the Man of the Match.
Sri Lankan captain Dinesh Chandimal was pleased with the performance of his seamers.
“I'm over the moon. I thought toss was important,” he said. “I saw some fresh grass on the pitch. Credit goes to bowlers, they did a really good job. It's a young team. Every time we tell them to back themselves and do what they are capable of.
“We miss a lot of senior players, the youngsters have put their hands up and grabbed the opportunity.”
Pitch was more English than Indian: Dhoni
Indian captain MS Dhoni said: “The wicket was completely different to what we have been playing in the last one month. It was more like an English wicket. There was spongy bounce, and variable pace. We played quite a few big shots. Maybe not the kind of shots we should be playing on a spongy wicket.
“This was a 135-140 kind of wicket because there was some help for the fast bowlers. It was more English conditions than Indian conditions. Our shot selection should have been better. Looking at the positives, everybody got a chance today, and we kept pressing hard."
This is what the cricketing fraternity had to say on the matter.
Jonty Rhodes found a silver lining on what was otherwise dark day for India:
@BCCI @ImRaina showing why I rate him so highly as a fielder - expects every ball to come to him; no matter where he fields
— Jonty Rhodes (@JontyRhodes8) February 9, 2016
The pitch was also a major talking point. While some wondering what was wrong with the pitch, some thought otherwise:
A cricket ball is allowed to seam and swing isn't it?
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) February 9, 2016
No excuses for bad batting but first Cuttack and now, Pune. Surely these aren't the pitches that suit India's strengths. #INDvsSL
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) February 9, 2016
Injured Sri Lankan Test and ODI skipper Angelo Mathews:
outstanding effort by the bowlers .great to watch.keep going boys
— Angelo Mathews (@Angelo69Mathews) February 9, 2016
Sri Lanka's leading ODI run-getter Kumar Sangakkara:
Wonderful exhibition of pace bowling. Pace, control and movement. Great going by our youngsters. Finish strong. #INDvsSL
— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) February 9, 2016
Former Indian women's' captain Anjum Chopra:
Good to watch a spell of fast bowling in T20 international #INDvsSL #Pune
— Anjum Chopra (@chopraanjum) February 9, 2016
Former Sri Lankan captain, Sanath Jayasuriya was understandably elated:
Outstanding and Amazing bowling by Sri Lanka. Young guys has some great wheels. Quality fast bowling. Keep going! #SLvINDT20
— Sanath Jayasuriya (@sanath07) February 9, 2016
Aakash Chopra had his say on the Indian batting:
Pitches in Australia behaved more like Indian pitches...this pitch in Pune is behaving like the pitches we used to get in Australia.
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) February 9, 2016
Totally Unexpected. Yes, the pitch has a lot of juice in it but Indian batting has been way below-par too. #INDvsSL
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) February 9, 2016
Russel Arnold had this to say:
Just imagine.. if this is something to go by.. Kasun Rajitha and Dushmantha Chameera together would be exciting
— Russel Arnold (@RusselArnold69) February 9, 2016
Well played fellows ... Wonderful win #INDvSL That's it .. Put your hand up!!! Cmon SL !!!
— Russel Arnold (@RusselArnold69) February 9, 2016