Early in his innings, Ajinkya Rahane was adjudicated LBW off Suranga Lakmal’s bowling on Day 4 of the Delhi Test. After umpire Nigel Llong raised his finger, Rahane asked for a review and the replays showed that the ball was to miss the stumps and Rahane, thereby, survived. That brought about a celebratory wave in the dressing room led by captain Virat Kohli, who clapped on and on. But unfortunately, Rahane’s innings was cut short as he tried to go aerial soon after, only to find the long on fielder Sandakan who pouched it as safe as a house. Rahane, who has been woefully out of form, could not help his cause as he departed for 10 runs.
Earlier, Sri Lanka who were at 371 for 9 overnight, lost the only remaining wicket and the prized scalp of Dinesh Chandimal who scored a brilliant 164. The visitors were bundled out for 373. India got a lead of 163 runs. That meant India was forced to bat again and set a target.
— Baahubali (@bahubalikabadla) December 5, 2017
The hosts did not get off to the best of starts as they lost in-form Murali Vijay for 9 runs. Lakmal picked that wicket and the other wicket to fall was of Ajinkya Rahane’s, who has not had the best series by his standards. He scored a total of 17 runs in 5 innings.
As we speak, the idea is that India is looking to set a target and then bowl out the visitors. But for that to happen, they need to up the ante in the post-lunch session to get a lead of about 400-450 and then ask the Lankans to bat. Time is also another factor in this game. As Chandimal and Matthews have shown that they can grind it out, but on the last day, taking wickets is easier said than done. For the moment, India have their nose in front.
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