INDIA National Team Discussion

[Riso]

Match 4 Summary) India vs. Sri Lanka

In a high-scoring encounter, Sri Lanka triumphed over India by 49 runs in an important match for us. Batting first, Sri Lanka posted a formidable total of 395 runs, powered by exceptional performances from their top order.

**Sri Lanka Innings:**
Sri Lanka's innings was anchored by G. Illeperuma, who scored a blistering 145 off just 107 balls, including 10 fours and a six. He was well supported by R. Anurasiri, who narrowly missed a century with a scintillating 98 from 84 balls, featuring 7 fours and 2 sixes. M. Kudavidanage contributed significantly with an unbeaten 85 off 64 balls. The team set a mammoth target, finishing their 50 overs at 395 for 6, with a run rate of 7.90.

**India Innings:**
In response, India struggled early, losing wickets at regular intervals. C. Soratheeya was dismissed for a duck in the first over, and M. Kaul followed soon after for just 18. Later on however, T. Culls and R. Gujarati fought back with a partnership over 200 runs; Culls scored 130 from 104 balls, while Gujarati contributed 140 off 100 deliveries. At one point the equation was 54 runs in 5 overs with Gujarati still at the crease and 4 wickets in hand, but we had a terrible collapse in next 2 over itself the innings was wrapped up.

Despite of the efforts, we were 346 all out in 46.2 overs. The Sri Lankan bowler Ranasinghe took 4 wickets for 85 runs and P. Moberly claiming 3 wickets for 85 runs. F. Baresi also made an impact with 3 wickets for 57 runs.

**Conclusion:**
This match loss meant it was do or die for us in the last match of the tour. And we were struggling with NRR as well.

[Riso]

Match 5 Summary: India vs. South Africa

In the last and most important match for us, South Africa secured a convincing 51-run victory making sure they take us with us in the relegation zone.

After winning the toss, India opted to bowl first, a decision that initially paid off we kept South Africa to 236 all out in 49.2 overs. J. Frylinck was the standout performer for South Africa, scoring 68 runs, while for us S. Michandani took 4 wickets for 36 runs.

In response, India's batting failed dramatically. Early losses, including V. Gupta and captain T. Thadigiri, put us on the back foot at 38 for 2. I. Kedia (17) and S. Tyagi (32) tried to stabilize the innings, but wickets continued to tumble. B. Sawardekar provided some resistance with 46 runs, but the team ultimately collapsed for just 185 runs in 47.4 overs.

South African bowlers Z. van der Sander (4 for 20) and A. Zeneca (3 for 37) led their attack.

Despite our Valliant efforts, unfortunately due to bad NRR we finished 5th out of 6, and stand to be relegated to division 2.
This surely isn't the result Indian supports were hoping for I am aware. But I promise to make a comeback to div 1 very very soon.
If ever your support is needed the most during such times.

Thank you,
RiSo.

[MOD-wmchamps]

That was very unfortunate, but the team had already survived in the first tour with an aging squad so it was very tough to repeat that this tour.

Looking at some of the younger options coming through I have faith that it would not be too long before we see India back in Division 1.

[Riso]

Thank you for your support through thick and thin! Appreciate it bro