Axar Patel, India’s all rounder did a jig that amused MS Dhoni, who gave a stoic reaction after Axar Patel bowled Chamara Kapugedara in the 3rd One Day International. The hosts have already lost the first two ODI’s and are playing for everything in the 3rd ODI at Palekelle. Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bat first. They got off to a jittery start as they lost Dickwella and Mendis early on in the piece as Jasprit Bumrah struck twice. It was left to Thirimanne who played out of his skin to get the derailed innings on track. He was well supported by Chandimal and Siriwardena, who scored 36 and 29 respectively, no other Sri Lankan batsmen made any significant contribution. For India, Jasprit Bumrah was again the pick of the bowlers, he picked up a five-fer. This is also the first time an Indian seamer has bagged a fifer in 3 years.
But the incident that caught our eye involved Axar Patel and Chamara Kapudegara. The score was 183 for 5 at the end of 43 overs, when Axar had the ball in his hand. He bowled a ball that was pushed in fast, it did not turn, went in with the arm. Kapudegara, who was playing for the turn has beaten all ends up and got bowled. Once he was out, Dhoni posed a shocked look, as if, even he did not read it. Axar Patel, who is a young spinner, was ecstatic and he did a jig, that surprised us all.
— Virat Kohli (@Cricvids1) August 27, 2017
India require 218 runs to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the #SLvIND ODI series.
Follow the action: https://t.co/MJX6el59rm pic.twitter.com/vgat4AYvhe
— ICC (@ICC) August 27, 2017
Sri Lanka was reduced to 183 for 6, but they went on to add 44 runs more and set India a target of 218 runs. Going by India’s form, it should be a victory they should cruise to. But India should be watchful against Dananjaya, who picked up six wickets in the last match. Lasith Malinga will also be expected to play a huge role.
