The ascendency of India as an economic world power

After the first two sessions of the opening day of the first test being washed away due to heavy rain, Sri Lanka came on to bat first winning the toss after the lunch. The condition was pretty much conducive for the bowlers and India’s two pacers perfectly capitalized on the condition, picking up two early wickets that created some pressure on the Sri Lankan side. However, opening batsman Malinda Warnapura played an excellent innings of 50 not out, sweeping all the fears away from the host side. Sri Lanka reached 85 for 2 at the stumps of the day.

Pacer Ishant Sharma was very economical and from the very beginning of the innings he bowled maintaining sheer line and length. In his second over, Ishant picked up the wicket of Michael Vandort who could put on only 3 runs on the board. However, his opening partner Malinda Warnapura showed enough composure and poise from the beginning and his patience paid off at the end of the day. Initially, Warnapura was not settled well and looked a bit fragile while playing Zaheer Khan who hit the left hander on his shoulder thrice in an over. However, Warnapura was mentally strong to carry on his innings to the end of the day.

When Zaheer Khan got Kumar Sangakara out for 12 making Sri Lanka 57 for 2, it seemed India is going to dominate the session. However, Mahela Jayawardene, who was more comfortable playing shots, took Sri Lanka to a safe position at the end of the day.

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