I think it is a well-written script: Dhoni

Image
Press Trust of India Cardiff
Last Updated : Jun 20 2013 | 11:35 PM IST
Emphasising on the importance of winning the toss, Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni today said their crushing eight-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the semifinal of the ICC Champions Trophy here was a "well-written script".
A dominant India stormed into the final with an emphatic victory over a hapless Sri Lanka to put themselves on course for yet another world title.
"I think it is a well-written script, good toss to win, started well by the bowler," Dhoni said in the post-match presentation ceremony.
The Indians put in a disciplined bowling show to restrict Sri Lanka to 181 for eight and then overhauled the target with as many as 15 overs to spare to set up a summit showdown with hosts England on Sunday.
Dhoni said India capitalised on Sri Lankan opener Tillakaratne Dilshan retiring hurt after scoring 12 off 14 balls.
"Unfortunately for Sri Lanka they lost Dilshan, we capitalised on that, then the bowlers bowled well, especially the spinners. I think it is important to have good bowlers in the side. The ball was still doing a bit."
Dhoni teased the Lankans by coming on to bowl in the 24th over. Dinesh Karthik took over the glovework and the Indian skipper tried his medium-pace and almost got a wicket off his second delivery.
"Bhuvnesh (Bhuvneshwar Kumar) had already bowled 8 or 9, we wanted to keep some of the fast bowlers' overs for the death, so with Karthik around I think might as well give it a go. I thought even if it goes badly, I'll bowl one over. It went okay so I bowled another..."
Talking about Sunday's opponents, he said, "England are a very good side, and we have played a lot against them in the last couple of years.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Jun 20 2013 | 11:35 PM IST

Next Story