India Lost First Cricket Match of 2010 – What Went Wrong?

Indian cricket team finished 2009 on a very high note. It became no. 1 in test matches and won the series against Sri Lanka convincingly in December 2009. This led to high expectations on the first ODI of the tri-Series being played in Bangladesh currently. Much to the Indian fans’ disappointment, the team lost to relatively inexperienced Sri Lankan team today. Let us dig out what went wrong?


Toss?

Well, winning toss definitely gives an edge and the team can take first batting/ bowling decision based on pitch and weather conditions. Winning toss today was really important as bowling in 2nd half of the game was a fight against dew too! India lost the toss and was forced to bat first and experienced the disadvantage of the dew factor.

Indian Batting performance?

Batting did not look good today. India had right mix of experienced and excellent hitters in the team. Same team had delivered at many occasions in the past. Today, adding further 30-40 runs would have resulted in favourable finish for India. None of the experienced batsmen led from the front till closure. Although most of them contributed a little bit, but it was not enough that we can call it a convincing cumulative score.

Indian Bowling Performance?

Indian team’s fast bowling department has been a cause of concern now. Bowlers are not able to deliver to the delight. Maybe, we need a good coach there. Today, fast bowling was average that could not snatch victory out of Sri Lanka’s jaws.

Samarweera?

He really was the star of the day and led the team to a convincing victory. The victory was not as comfortable as it proved out to be. Along with him, Perera hit the ball really hard towards the end of the game to chase the required runs faster.

Sri Lankan team was a relatively inexperienced as most of the players are newcomers in the international cricket. Winning today boosted Sangakkara with a high confidence level. Sri Lanka has won both the matches in the series so far. India will have to work hard if they want to come home with the trophy of the tri-nation tournament.