Danushka Gunathilaka celebrates after reaching his half century during ICC Champions Trophy match against India at the Oval on Thursday. Reuters London: Danushka Gunathilaka and Kusal Mendis were the heroes as Sri Lanka chased down 322 runs to upset India by seven wickets at the Oval on Thursday and throw Champions Trophy Group B wide open.
Shikhar Dhawan's superb 125 had led India to an imposing total of 321 for six but Gunathilaka (76) and Mendis (89) shared a second-wicket partnership of 159 to set up an unlikely win for Sri Lanka, who achieved the highest successful run chase in the tournament's history.
All four teams in Group B have one victory from two matches going into the final round of games in which Sri Lanka face Pakistan and defending champions India meet South Africa.
India, who had beaten Sri Lanka in 14 of their last 17 one-day internationals, were given the perfect start by Dhawan and Rohit Sharma who shared a composed opening stand of 138 under slate grey skies.
Sharma was the more aggressive, hitting three sixes and six fours before he was caught in the deep by Thisara Perera off Lasith Malinga for 78.
Captain Virat Kohli had the perfect stage to display his array of attacking strokes but he immediately nicked Nuwan Pradeep to wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella, sending the Indian fans into a stunned silence as he headed back to the pavilion for a duck.
-
India vs Sri Lanka
Kusal Mendis of Sri Lanka dives to make his ground but is run out during the ICC Champions trophy cricket match against India at The Oval in London on Thursday. Getty Images
![India vs Sri Lanka]()
-
India vs Sri Lanka
Danushka Gunathilaka of Sri Lanka looks dejected after he is run out during the ICC Champions Trophy Group B match against India at The Kia Oval on Thursday. Getty Images
![India vs Sri Lanka]()
-
India vs Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka captain Angelo Matthews gives instructions in the field during the ICC Champions trophy cricket match against India at The Oval in London on Thursday. Getty Images
![India vs Sri Lanka]()
-
India vs Sri Lanka
India's MS Dhoni plays a shot during their ICC Champions Trophy match against Sri Lanka at the Oval in London on Thursday. Getty Images
![India vs Sri Lanka]()
-
India vs Sri Lanka
Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan plays a shot during their ICC Champions Trophy match against Sri Lanka at the Oval in London on Thursday. Getty Images
![India vs Sri Lanka]()
-
India vs Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka's Niroshan Dickwella, right, celebrates with teammates after dismissing Yuvraj Singh. Getty Images
![India vs Sri Lanka]()
-
India vs Sri Lanka
Virat Kohli looks dejected after falling for a duck. Getty Images
![India vs Sri Lanka]()
-
India vs Sri Lanka
Indian opener Rohit Sharma plays a shot. Getty Images
![India vs Sri Lanka]()
-
India vs Sri Lanka
Indian captain Virat Kohli spins the coin at the toss as his Sri Lankan counterpart Angelo Mathews looks on. Getty Images
![India vs Sri Lanka]()
Yuvraj Singh contributed seven scratchy runs and it was left to Dhawan to increase the tempo along with former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
Dhawan cut Pradeep for his 13th four to reach his 10th one-day international century and following his dismissal Dhoni took charge, bludgeoning 63 off 52 balls to lift his side to a commanding score.
Sri Lanka's chase started badly when they lost Dickwella for seven but Gunathilaka and Mendis played freely from the start.
The former got to his fifty off 47 balls, including two sixes and five fours, and Mendis soon followed him to the milestone.
The Indian bowlers looked short of inspiration and it took a Sri Lankan error of judgement to end the partnership when Gunathilaka was needlessly run out going for a risky second.
Mendis was also run out following a brilliant pick-up and throw by bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar but the double blow did not upset Sri Lanka's concentration.
Kusal Perera and captain Angelo Mathews added 75 runs off 63 deliveries before Perera was forced to retire hurt on 47 due to a hamstring injury.
But Asela Gunaratne (34 not out) joined Mathews who finished unbeaten on 52 as Sri Lanka eased to a famous victory with eight balls to spare.
