22:29(IST)
WICKET! Big one for Sri Lanka, in form Dhawan departs as Dananjaya gets his second wicket there. Again, Dhawan coming down the track but can't get to the pitch of the ball. In the end he can only lob one to Perera at mid on. India in trouble here, they are 22/2
AUSTRALIA TOUR OF SOUTH AFRICA, 2018
Live Cricket Score of South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test, Day 4
Cricbuzz Staff • Last updated on Mon, 12 Mar, 2018, 05:44 PM
Live Score Updates South Africa 382, 102/4 (22.5 Ovs) Theunis de Bruyn 15 (14) Australia 239 & 243 Pat Cummins 4.5-0-13-1 South Africa won by 6 wkts Live Scores Full Scorecard
Kagiso Rabada picked up a 10-wicket haul © AFP
That's a wrap: The series is well-poised at 1-1, heading to Cape Town for the third Test that starts on March 22. Plenty of break time for both teams, which will rejuvenate them ahead of the crucial encounter. Join us again.
Post-match comments:
Faf du Plessis: "My mind goes back to Dean and Hashim's partnership, the ball was reversing and if you can play like AB de Villiers you can always transfer pressure back onto the opposition. The first hour we bowled really well today, then went to the beach for 45 minutes or so but came back again. Absolute champion of a bowler Kagiso Rabada, absolutely love him. They were in a different class this game. AB looked like he was batting on a different wicket. Looking forward to big performances in the next two games from him. There were two guys - Starc and Rabada who would get maximum reverse, exceptional bowler. (About Rabada's possible suspension) we would want the best players to play in the series, we've got a challenge still, so expect to make our case.
Kagiso Rabada (MoM): "I'm glad. Put in the preparation and things worked out for me in this Test match. Always enjoyable bowling with the hard new rock. One to David Warner was quite special. Australia were never going to give in easily, they are not gonna roll over so had to go into the reserve tank. I could've bowled one or two more spells today but it was tough work."
Steven Smith: "They outplayed us in every aspect of the game. AB was unbelievable and probably the big difference in the game. We weren't too far away though. It was a tough decision (at the toss) but we battled through the tough period. Rabada bowled exceptionally well and opened up our middle-order in both innings. Unfortunately a target of 101 was well short. Yesterday morning was when the game got away from us. A lead of 140 was too much. Got AB out conventionally for the first time in the series which is nice. 1-1 at the halfway point - makes for an exciting series. We've got a few days off. We are excited for the Cape Town Test."
Rabada, De Villiers star in series-levelling win:
Theunis de Bruyn and Faf du Plessis ensure there are no further hiccups as South Africa reach the target with six wickets in hand to level the series. The lead characters in the victory are AB de Villiers and Kagiso Rabada, with the former's century and the latter's eleven wickets in the match helping South Africa win inside four days.
Amla, De Villiers depart as South Africa close in:
While de Villiers has played positively, Amla has supported him well in a steady partnership that has helped South Africa close in on victory. Amla, however, has departed after a 49-run stand, edging Cummins to the 'keeper. De Villiers follows soon after, coming down the track to Lyon only to give a catch to Bancroft at forward short leg. South Africa are 81 for 4, needing 20 more.
Australia lose review:
Hashim Amla was struck on the pads by Lyon and Australia felt it was close enough to warrant a review. However, replays revealed that the ball was turning too much and would have missed the stumps. Meanwhile, AB de Villiers is off to a positive start, dealing in boundaries as he helps South Africa past 50 with a six off Lyon.
Hazlewood strikes to remove Markram:
Looking to play away from the body, Markram gets an edge which is snapped up by Steven Smith at second slip. South Africa are 32 for 2. AB de Villiers is in. Can Australia send him back cheaply and put a scare in the South African camp?
Australia strike just before lunch:
While Markram has lived dangerously, he survives the testing period before Lunch. However, Dean Elgar had to depart before the break, getting a leading edge back to Lyon, which ended a 22-run opening stand.
Dropped:
Hazlewood finds the edge of Aiden Markram's bat but Australia miss a chance to send back the opener as Mitchell Marsh puts down a straightforward chance at first slip. South Africa are 7 for 0.
Target 101
Hazlewood frustrated South Africa a bit. He struck a few boundaries to ensure the lead touches three figures. But his approach also brings his downfall as South Africa finally end the 28-run stand with Keshav Maharaj picking up the last wicket. The target is 101 for the hosts, they should fancy themselves to level the series.
Meanwhile.. Rabada's disciplinary issues continue to haunt him, with the ICC confirming on Monday morning that the fast bowler has been reported for a new level one offence.
Australia nine down:
Lungi Ngidi picks up a wicket in his first over of the day. Nathan Lyon gets a nick to the 'keeper while attempting a drive. Australia are 211 for 9, leading by 72.
Another for Raada:
Looking to drive away from his body, Mitchell Starc gets an outside edge and hads a catch to Quinton de Kock. Wicket No. 11 in the match for Rabada, who registers the second best match figures against Australia. The visitors are 204 for 8, leading by 65.
Most five-fers in Tests before turning 23:
11 Harbhajan
10 Waqar Younis
09 Kapil Dev/ Saqlain Mushtaq/ K RABADA
08 Ian Botham#SAvAUS — Deepu Narayanan (@deeputalks) March 12, 2018
Rabada bags 10:
Rabada bagged his second fifer of the game to register his fourth 10th-wicket haul in Tests, with the wicket of Pat Cummins. He's now joint second with Makhaya Ntini for the most 10-wicket hauls by a South African. Poking at a length delivery, Cummins got an edge to gully where Theunis de Bruyn held on to a fine diving catch. Australia slip to 202 for 7, leading by 63.
Rabada strikes early:
Mitchell Marsh struck a boundary early but it was a risky shot as he drove in the air, just short of the fielder at cover. Marsh also got an inside edge that saved his from being out leg-before but Rabada got the better of him eventually, getting one to nip back in and beat the defence of Marsh, who was bowled for 45. Australia slip to 186 for 6, leading by 47.
Pitch report:
"There are few more burn marks on this pitch than yesterday. But I don't think there is anything to fear. Fear would be the reverse swing and turn Maharaj would get. You should not be afraid to bat on this pitch. The odd ball will misbehave but this pitch is still decent to bat on," reckon the experts - Mark Nicholas, Michael Holding and Shaun Pollock.
Prelude:
AB de Villiers and Kagiso Rabada were the stars on Day 3 as their contributions helped South Africa gain a commanding position in the second Test. De Villiers's unbeaten 126 and his half-century stands with Vernon Philander and Keshav Maharaj helped the home team take a sizeable 139-run lead. Australia managed to wipe out the deficit and take a 41-run lead by the time stumps were called, thanks to Usman Khawaja's 75. However, South Africa managed to inflict plenty of damage in terms of wicket, with Rabada being the wrecker-in-chief.
The onus is on Mitchell Marsh and Tim Paine to help Australia towards a competitive score. While we wait for the start of Day 4, here's what de Villiers was going through in the nervous nineties. Meanwhile, there is a lot of sympathy for Rabada from both camps. Find out why.
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NIDAHAS TROPHY 2018
Live Cricket Score - Sri Lanka vs India, Match 4, Nidahas Trophy 2018
Cricbuzz Staff • Last updated on Mon, 12 Mar, 2018, 11:46 PM
Live Score Updates India 153/4 (17.3 Ovs) Manish Pandey 42 (31) Sri Lanka 152/9 Pradeep 2.3-0-30-1 India won by 6 wkts Live Scores Full Scorecard
India won by six wickets © AFP
All too easy!
In the end, it happened all too comfortably for India. Despite a stuttered start, India coasted rather easily to the 153-run target, paved way by a half-century partnership between Dinesh Karthik and Manish Pandey. The visitors won by six wickets to move to the top of the points table. After the openers departed, there was hardly any struggle for the batsmen. On a good wicket with a modest total to chase down, India didn't panic and made good use of the conditions on offer.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will have serious issues to address. Their unidimensional approach may work in one-off games but it would need a slight smartness if they need results going their way on a more consistent basis.
Slow and steady, winning the race
Manish Pandey and Dinesh Karthik have done well to avoid any damage in the middle overs. Unlike Sri Lanka, India have evaded the middle order collapse. They didn't take too many risks and stitched a 50-run stand in only 37 balls. They now need just over run-a-ball in the last three overs.
Smart and steady
Dinesh Karthik and Manish Pandey are playing with a lot of caution. They have minimised risks but scored at a decent pace without allowing Sri Lanka to get on top. They are busy in the middle taking singles and scoring the odd boundaries. The game, for now, looks well in India's favour.
Rahul self destructs
KL Rahul had just survived a close run-out call with the bat just on the line, promopting the third umpire to say, "I'm going to give the benefit of doubt (to the batsman)." However, Rahul brought about his own dismissal with a hit wicket off the next ball. Fourth wicket down for India, but they still looked well placed. Jeevan Mendis, the bowler, gets a wicket credited against his name.
Raina falls
Suresh Raina's breezy knock comes to an end he fails to make adequate room for his flat-batted slap. He hits it straight to Thisara Perera. A useful innings. 27 runs from 15 balls.
A strategy gone wrong
Dushmantha Chameera began well but he became too predictable as the overs continued. He looked to trouble Suresh Raina with a barrage of bouncers, but instead got hit for a boundary and too sixes. In the process, Raina has got moving.
Double blow
Akila Dananjaya strikes again! This time, it is the in-form Shikhar Dhawan who top edges and Thisara Perera does well to catch the ball. Both the openers have departed. The target isn't massive but the double blow has put them in some trouble.
Rohit's poor run continues
It's quite unlike for Rohit Sharma to get going right from the start, but he does. However, his decision to step out and hit Akila Dananjaya doesn't pay off. Mid wicket gets an easy catch and he has to walk back. His poor run in the tournament continues.
Quick start
A boundary and a six. Rohit Sharma wasted little time to get India's chase going. The visitors are off to brisk start. Can India chase down the total?
A disappointing finish
Sri Lanka lost a flurry of wickets in the second half of their innings to finish on 152 for 9 in 19 overs. Given the kind of start they had, they would be mighty disappointed with the eventual score. The last eight overs yielded only 44 runs for six wickets. Shardul Thakur bagged two wickets in the final over to finish with figures of 4 for 27 from four overs.
The pitch seems good for batting and India would be happy chasing this.
Big blow
Chahal joins the party too. Wickets were falling all around Kusal Mendis, and this time it is Mendis himself who departs after scoring a fine half-century. Big blow for Sri Lanka.
Wickets tumble, India pull back initiative
Wickets are tumbling way too quickly for Sri Lanka's liking. Washington Sundar, who has returned for his final spell strikes right away, dismissing Jeevan Mendis. Kusal Mendis has only become a spectator to the procession of his batting partners heading back. Dasun Shanaka, the last of the recognised batsman has come out to bat. India have pulled back a bit of the initiative with these wickets. Can Sri Lanka continue to score as briskly as they have doing all along?
Short and sweet
Thisara Perera's stay had a lot of action but it ended short. Looking to hit Yuzvendra Chahal out of the park, he holes out to Shardul Thakur, who takes a good catch at deep extra cover.
Strike 3
And, Vijay Shankar has got India the breakthrough. Upal Tharanga's painful stay at the crease has come to an end. Looking to play another big shot, he has been castled. His 45-ball stand for the third wicket with Kusal Mendis yielded 62 runs for the side.
50 stand
The Indian bowlers are having a tough time here. All of them. Kusal Mendis and Upal Tharanga have brought up their half-century stand in only 37 balls, and set a wonderful platform. Sri Lanka have to ensure they don't lose this initiative.
On the move
Upal Tharnaga, who has been hitting a few big shots in this series, was a little quiet to begin with. But he gets going with a superb slog sweep over the deep mid wiccket region. Yuzvendra Chahal isn't having it easy today. He has conceded 27 runs from two overs today.
Mendis' fine show continues
Kusal Mendis continues to repay the faith on him by the team management. Despite two early wickets, he has ensured the run rate hasn't dropped and has helped Sri Lanka bring up their 50 in the sixth over. Sri Lanka have amassed 53 runs in the powerplay. A good start but it remains to be seen how much would the dismissal of the two big-hitters affect them going ahead in the innings.
The big blow
Okay, Shardul Thakur can breathe a sigh of relief! Washinton Sundar has done the job for him. Kusal Perera attempted the reverse sweep and instead played it on to the stumps. Big blow for Sri Lanka. The man in form, the man with two fifties in two games, has departed.
A glimpse of the acrobatic summer that is just around the corner. Chinna Thala pulls off a blinder and Shar Dhool gets a W after a wd in his first over! @ImRaina @imShard #WhistlePodu #SLvIND ???????? — Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 12, 2018
As they come, like they go
The last time Shardul Thakur had come on to bowl as the first change bowler against Sri Lanka, he was smashed for 27 runs. Not this time though. After a wide to begin with, he has struck right away. It wasn't the greatest of deliveries, but Suresh Raina took a superb catch at mid wicket to send the southpaw back to the dressing room. First strike for India. Meanwhile, Kusal Perera, who had terrorised Thakur last week, has come on to bat. Can he resume the carnage today?
Bang, bang start
Sri Lanka got off to a quick start. The first one was a single that had four added to it courtesy an unfortunate overthrow. And Gunathilaka only added to the wounds by striking the next one for a six over the deep mid wicket fence. 2 balls 11 runs. Another run-fest on cards?
Finally, the game begins
Danushka Gunathilaka and Kusal Mendis have come out to open the innings for Sri Lanka. The duo has gor Sri Lanka off to quick starts in the ongoing series. Can India breakthrough early today? Jaydev Unadkat starts off the proceedings for India.
Prediction time: How much will Sri Lanka today?
Teams:
KL Rahul has come into the side in place of Rishabh Pant. Unlike our predictions, Axar Patel and Mohammed Siraj continue to sit out. For Sri Lanka, Suranga Lakmal has been brought into the side in place of Dinesh Chandimal, who is serving a suspension.
Sri Lanka (Playing XI): Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera (wk), Upul Tharanga, Dasun Shanaka, Thisara Perera (c), Jeevan Mendis, Akila Dananjaya, Nuwan Pradeep, Suranga Lakmal, Dushmantha Chameera
India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma (c), Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina, Lokesh Rahul, Manish Pandey, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Vijay Shankar, Washington Sundar, Jaydev Unadkat, Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal
At last! @klrahul11 gets the game he had to. Like to see him bat at no 3 with greater responsibility on Raina to take the chase deep. — Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 12, 2018
News just in...
The game has been reduced to 19-overs-a-side and will begin at 8:20 PM IST. India have won the toss and elected to field first.
Okay, rain's back
Just when it seemed that all was going good and the toss would take place, it has started raining again. Seems like it is going to take some time. However, the players are It's drizzling lightly but the groundsmen are not taking any chances. Meanwhile, the players are warming up.
What's the mood?
One big dark cloud over the sky got everyone a bit tensed. Covers came on. Luckily, the cloud has passed by and the covers are off now. Toss is delayed but it should happen soon.
Build Up
Hello and welcome to Match 4 of the Nidahas Trophy between Sri Lanka and India in Colombo. All the teams are currently placed very close to each other with one victory each from three games. Sri Lanka's victory against India in the previous game would have served as a massive boost to their confidence, as much as it would've been dented by their loss to Bangladesh in the following match. Can they pull off another surprise against India?
In the absence of skipper Dinesh Chandimal, Sri Lanka would be lead by Thisara Perera. Given Chandimal's poor record in the shortest format, his absence ideally shouldn't affect them much. But he brings in a lot of experience. Now, how do you evaluate that, especially for a side which is highly inexperienced?
India, on the other hand, are expected to make a few changes. Mohammed Siraj and Axar Patel could get a look in. But as Shirshendu Roy had mentioned, India open to experimentation but not at cost of results.
Teams:
India (From): Rohit Sharma (c), Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, Suresh Raina, Manish Pandey, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Lokesh Rahul, Washington Sundar, Vijay Shankar, Jaydev Unadkat, Yuzvendra Chahal, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Hooda, Axar Patel, Mohammed Siraj
Sri Lanka (From): Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera (wk), Dasun Shanaka, Upul Tharanga, Thisara Perera (c), Jeevan Mendis, Akila Dananjaya, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Pradeep, Dhananjaya de Silva, Suranga Lakmal, Isuru Udana, Amila Aponso
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India earned a comprehensive six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo tonight. Manish Pandey and wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik starred for the visiting team with 42 not out and 39 not out as they took India home in a crucial Nidahas Trophy T20 tri-series game. India won the game with nine balls and six wickets to spare. Earlier, India had restricted Sri Lanka to 152/9 after winning the toss and opting to bowl in Colombo. Shardul Thakur was the pick of the Indian bowlers as he finished with figures of 4/27 while Kusal Mendis top-scored for the hosts with 55. India got their revenge after the Rohit Sharma-led team were stunned by the hosts in the opener. Get highlights of India vs Sri Lanka, Nidahas Trophy 2018, here. (India vs Sri Lanka scorecard) (Nepal vs Hong Kong ICC World Cup qualifier scores)
23:54 hrs IST: Hope you enjoyed our coverage. Thanks for joining in.
23:51 hrs IST: With the win, India have gone atop the standings with a match left to play
23:48 hrs IST: Nine came off the last three balls to take India home with ease, with six wickets and nine balls to spare.
23:45 hrs IST: Superb finish under pressure by Dinesh Karthik, the new skipper of Kolkata Knight Riders.
23:41 hrs IST: Just five needed
23:40 hrs IST: Just 12 needed off 15! India close now
23:38 hrs IST: Sixteen needed off 16
23:35 hrs IST: Fifty run partnership comes up between Pandey and Karthik
23:32 hrs IST: India need 23 off 21. This should be easy for India now
23:30 hrs IST: Big blow for Sri Lanka. Kusal Mendis hobbling after fielding at fine leg. He is currently being assisted near the boundary. Not looking good
23:28 hrs IST: Big six by Manish Pandey over deep mid wicket to take India closer to their target
23:24 hrs IST: Pandey and Karthik are taking India ahead at present and it is looking good for the visiting team
23:19 hrs IST: 47 needed off 40 now!
23:15 hrs IST: This match will go down to the wire
23:12 hrs IST: Dinesh Karthik is the new man in. Lot of responsibility on his shoulder now. He is senior guy out there
23:10 hrs IST: India are 85/4 after 10 overs
23:06 hrs IST: Oh no! India lose their fourth wicket as Rahul is hit wicket for 18. Jumped too back inside the crease and dislodged the bails
23:04 hrs IST: That was close. Rahul could have been run out there
23:01 hrs IST: The match is evenly poised at present
22:57 hrs IST: Manish Pandey and Lokesh Rahul are taking India forward currently
22:53 hrs IST: India need 90 off 72 deliveries
22:50 hrs IST: Oh no! Raina gives it away, gets caught at mid-off for 27
22:45 hrs IST: Runs are beginning to flow for India
22:40 hrs IST: Raina is batting well
22:37 hrs IST: India are 30/2 after 4 overs
22:33 hrs IST: That was close! Suresh Raina was almost run out there!
22:30 hrs IST: Both openers gone! Dhawan is out for 8 as Akila Dananjaya picks his second wicket
22:26 hrs IST: End of three overs, India are 22/1
22:22 hrs IST: Out! Rohit Sharma departs as he plays the ball straight to the mid-wicket fielder. The skipper departs for 11
22:20 hrs IST: After one over India are 11/0
22:16 hrs IST: Four! Rohit has come out there with a purpose!
22:13 hrs IST: Wow! What a start! Six off the second ball by Rohit
22:10 hrs IST: Shikhar Dhawan and captain Rohit Sharma are opening for India
22:03 hrs IST: Sri Lanka end their innings at 152/9. No hat-trick for Shardul Thakur, but he finishes with impressive figures of 4/27.
22:02 hrs IST: OUT! Lakmal falls and now Shardul is on a hat-trick.
21:59 hrs IST: Sri Lanka have gone past 150. And now Shanaka falls from a Shardul Thakur delivery. 151/8 with two deliveries left.
21:44 hrs IST: 17 overs gone, SL are 136/6.
21:37 hrs IST: OUT! Kusal Mendis departs! SL 120/6.
21:33 hrs IST: OUT! Washington Sundar removes Jeevan Mendis. SL 118/5.
21:31 hrs IST: Sri Lanka are 117/4 after 13 overs
21:29 hrs IST: Yuzvendra Chahal is back into the attack as Jeevan Mendis comes to the crease
21:27 hrs IST: OUT! Thisara Perera departs for 15 as Shardul Thakur takes his second wicket
21:25 hrs IST: Kusal Mendis scores his 4th half-century in T20s!
21:21 hrs IST: Perera is out there with the full license to go for the maximum
21:20 hrs IST: Bang and then BANG! Two back to back sixes by new batsman Thisara Perera!
21:17 hrs IST: OUT! Vijay Shankar gives India the breakthrough and he clean bowls Tharanga for 22. The partnership, which lasted 62 runs, has been broken!
21:15 hrs IST: Tharanga was almost caught and bowled there by Shankar
21:13 hrs IST: Ten overs are up and Sri Lanka are 94/2
21:10 hrs IST: After nine overs, Sri Lanka are 86/2
21:07 hrs IST: Four! India need wickets now. Mendis and Tharanga are building this partnership well
21:04 hrs IST: Mendis plays a dilscoop off fast bowler Vijay Shankar for two runs. That was innovative. Immediately slower one by the bowler and he gets hit on the shoulder which bounces off to his helmet
21:01 hrs IST: After 8 overs, Sri Lanka are 75/2 as Kusal Mendis nears his half-century
20:57 hrs IST: Big six by Tharanga!
20:54 hrs IST: Vijay Shankar comes into the attack
20:53 hrs IST: Mendis is standing tall for Sri Lanka at 29 not out. He could be the key for the islanders
20:51 hrs IST: End of Powerplay and Sri Lanka are 53/2 after 6 overs
20:47 hrs IST: Beautiful sweep shot by Tharanga and Sri Lanka reach 50!
20:45 hrs IST: It is a free hit and Tharanga is caught. Only one run
20:43 hrs IST: Mendis pulls and it is four runs!
20:41 hrs IST: Yuzvendra Chahal has come on to bowl and the ball is spinning immediately
20:40 hrs IST: Upul Tharanga is the new batsman in. Dinesk Karthik is giving some instructions to Washington Sundar in Tamil
20:38 hrs IST: Kusal Perera has been removed by Washington Sundar
20:36 hrs IST: 10 runs and a wicket from the first over
20:33 hrs IST: Kusal Perera has come out to bat. Two Kusals at the wicket now
20:31 hrs IST: OUT! Shardul Thakur removes Gunathilaka thanks to a brilliant catch by Suresh Raina at mid-wicket. Gunathilaka goes for 17
20:30 hrs IST: Nine from the over, Sri Lanka are 24/0 from 2 overs. Get live cricket score of India vs Sri Lanka here
20:27 hrs IST: Bang! Washington Sundar to Gunathilaka and SIX! Down the ground! The bowler will lose confidence immediately with this kind of a shot. Sri Lanka are attacking from the word go
20:26 hrs IST: One over is up and Sri Lanka are 15/0
20:24 hrs IST: Run out chance early on! Have India taken a wicket? Oh no not out!
20:22 hrs IST: Bad start by India! First ball five runs and second ball huge six by Kusal Mendis. 11 off the first 2 balls
20:20 hrs IST: Jaydev Unadkat to bowl the first over
20:18 hrs IST: Rohit Sharma giving a pep talk to the team
20:17 hrs IST: And we are all set for the game to begin
20:15 hrs IST: Also Lokesh Rahul comes in for Rishab Pant. India playing XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Shikhar Dhawan, Suresh Raina, Lokesh Rahul, Manish Pandey, Dinesh Karthik (w), Vijay Shankar, Washington Sundar, Jaydev Unadkat, Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal
20:10 hrs IST: Suranga Lakmal comes in for Dinesh Chandimal. Playing XI: Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera (w), Upul Tharanga, Dasun Shanaka, Thisara Perera (c), Jeevan Mendis, Akila Dananjaya, Nuwan Pradeep, Suranga Lakmal, Dushmantha Chameera
20:07 hrs IST: India have won the toss and opted to field in this 19 overs a side game!
20:03 hrs IST: 19 overs a side! 4 bowlers can bowl 4 overs, 1 bowler to bowl 3!
20:02 hrs IST: No message yet about overs lost. Maybe it will be revealed at toss time
19:59 hrs IST: India vs Sri Lanka toss at 8:05 PM, match to start at 8:20 PM
19:54 hrs IST: The roller is on the pitch Sri Lanka are doing the drills again
19:51 hrs IST: The rain has stopped in Colombo
19:50 hrs IST: All the covers are being rapidly removed. So the umpire inspection is coming near now
19:45 hrs IST: The ground staff is beginning to peel the covers off. That has drawn a loud roar from the fans at the Premadasa Stadium
19:43 hrs IST: We have started losing overs. The cut-off time is 9.35 PM
19:40 hrs IST: The whole ground is covered now. This is going to be a lengthy wait
19:37 hrs IST: Meanwhile read what the Sri Lanka Cricket president wants: Sri Lanka Cricket chief Thilanga Sumathipala calls for more India-SL games
19:34 hrs IST: Now, they are beginning the process of covering the entire outfield. Overs will start reducing from 7:30 PM
19:32 hrs IST: Sixty percent of the ground is covered. Only the boundaries are visible
19:30 hrs IST: Loud roar as one of the covers starts to come off. No wait, one of the covers is going off and a larger cover is coming back on. Groan!!!
19:26 hrs IST: You can barely see the drizzle, there are no umbrellas but it is that kind of drizzle which is irritating yet persistent. Ground staff are taking no chances
19:21 hrs IST: More covers are coming on
19:17 hrs IST: Indian players have gone back in, Sri Lanka players still warming up
19:15 hrs IST: More covers coming on now!
19:12 hrs IST: And the wait continues as the drizzle continues
19:08 hrs IST: Meanwhile you can read the interview of Sri Lanka Cricket president: ‘Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene have big role in Sri Lanka Cricket’
19:04 hrs IST: Ground staff are stationed near the covers, but there is no activity as of now. It is a faint drizzle, but a persistent one
19:01 hrs IST: If play does not start before 7:30 PM, then we will start losing overs. For the moment, covers still in place
18:57 hrs IST: The rain is light but more covers are coming on
18:52 hrs IST: The drizzle has become heavier. The covers are coming back on. Stay tuned for live updates of India vs Sri Lanka live cricket score
18:46 hrs IST: The main square has been covered
18:44 hrs IST: More covers are coming on as the drizzle gets heavier
18:41 hrs IST: Oh no! The drizzle is back. Covers coming back on. Toss to be delayed further. The main pitch, straight boundary and square leg boundary being covered
18:36 hrs IST: So the news is that the toss is at 1845 hours and match will start at 1915 hours. No overs to be lost
18:35 hrs IST: Indian team players have come out to warm-up as the covers have been removed
18:33 hrs IST: Almost all covers have been removed. The umpires will inspect shortly.
18:31 hrs IST: India’s support staff have just made it out on to the field
18:30 hrs IST: Some covers are coming off but there is still a drizzle out there.
18:27 hrs IST: Thisara Perera will skipper Sri Lanka
18:23 hrs IST: Still quite overcast conditions in Colombo
18:20 hrs IST: It is still drizzling in Colombo
18:18 hrs IST: The start of the match and toss will be delayed due to rain and wet outfield
18:15 hrs IST: Hello and welcome to the live blog of the India vs Sri Lanka T20 match, the fourth one of the Nidahas Trophy
Today’s win would take India to the top in the points table past Sri Lanka, who are currently leading the standings on net run rate.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka would be hoping for an improved show after their loss to Bangladesh. With captain Dinesh Chandimal suspended for the two upcoming matches, following his team’s slow over-rate against Bangladesh, Thisara Perera has been appointed as the interim skipper.
