http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MS-Dhoni-c2028 pleased with team’s “fantastic” performance – Cricket News Update
Indian skipper, MS Dhoni, described his side’s thrilling 7-wicket win over Sri Lanka at the Bellerive Oval, Hobart, as an incredible performance in all aspects.
The visitors, who have been in poor form in the current series, needed to chase a daunting 321 in 40 overs, but rose to the challenge magnificently, aided by the hard-hitting http://www.senore.com/Cricket/V-Kohli-c2737, who underpinned the total with a massive 133, remained not out, and
went on to win the Player of the Match award.
“This was one of the best ODI cricket I have been a part of,” Dhoni said in the post-match press conference. “That was fantastic right through the very start of our chase. When you need 321 off 40 overs, you need a good start. You need the quantity, but
the quality also. Overall it was a fantastic performance.”
The Men in Blue were unable to restrict the Sri Lankan batsmen with their bowling attack, allowing Mahela Jayawardene’s side to post a total of 320. Overall, it was a good day for the batsmen in both camps, as http://www.senore.com/Cricket/TM-Dilshan-c2691 also remained not out during
the Lankan innings, with a mammoth 160 to his name.
Dhoni admitted that his team had wanted to restrict their opponents to a low score, and were initially alarmed by the target they needed to chase.
“We wanted to keep them down to 250, maximum 270. We knew we had the firepower, but still 320 was more than we could digest. But once we got that start, we knew we could kick on,” he said.
Kohli, who spearheaded the aggressive batting attack, claimed that a team effort had been required in order to win today’s game.
Opening batsmen, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/SK-Raina-c2539 (40),
who led the team to triumph with 80 balls remaining.
The Indian team has undoubtedly found their rhythm, but it could still end up being too late for them. While they have acquired the much-needed bonus point, their hopes of reaching the finals hang on the upcoming match between http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758, scheduled
for March 2 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The Men In Blue can only advance to the finals if Australia emerge victorious, and will undoubtedly be rooting for the host team on Friday.
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