India vs Sri Lanka first test match: match summary

What a wonderful test match. The underdogs Sri Lanka pulling off a draw, that maybe they could have won. Hats off to the Sri Lankan side. India proving that they are still number 1 in test by nearly pulling off a win which they could have won.

The first day was with rain, bad light and Lakmal shining with the ball by picking up the Indian top order. Then rain and bad light came along and stop the course of the Sri Lankan team, but Pujara was the only one holding his wicket. When the rain stopped for a while, India continued their collapse but the tail held on and entertained the crowd to 172.

Sri Lankas turn to bat, and they had a quick start, but at the same time Bhuvi was on song with the ball. He picked up 2 early wickets and then the senior pair Thirimanne and Mathews came in and got a partnership going. After the 99 run partnership, Umesh Yadav got them both in quick time and got Sri Lanka on to the back foot again. Dickwella played a brisk 35 and then he got out and Sri Lanka were set to not put on a big score. Then the Sri Lankan tail held themselves together and got a lead of 122, which whould be challenging for the Indians, because India were always looking to win the game, but in that situation it was not looking neither team would win this game.

Indias second innings got off very nicely. Dhawan and KL Rahul got off to a flying start, by getting the lead down in no time. Dhawan, in his nervous 90's got out, and India slowed down for a while. Then Pujara and KL Rahul came in in day 5 and they could not really get themselves going and then India lost Rahane and Jadeja in quick succession. Then Virat Kohli held on, played his natural game, worked with the tail and completed his 50th international century. This guy failed in the first innings, but he succeded in the second, and India decided to declare with a lead of 230.

The target of 231 was out of reach for Sri Lanka, so they went for the slow approach, but Bhuvi had other plans, getting the openers out quickly and India were off to a flyer before tea. After tea India picked up one more, and they were eyeing up for the victory that was still out of reach. Mathews went soon after aswell and India kept the pressure up for the victory, but Sri Lanka held on. India kept going for the wickets, and they were nearing the win, but then the old nemesis bad light got Sri Lanka to a draw.

It was really tough going through the game. At the start it was all like, India were collapsing and Sri Lanka were on top, and then in day 4 the tables turned completely to the Indians favour and in the end, what the game started with, it also ended with. Too many interruptions led to the draw in the end, but all in all it was a great test match to witness and a delight that Sri Lanka putted up a fight after India thrashed them at their home. Let's see how the next match will pan out.