/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F13%2F25%2Ftilakaratne-dilshan-sri-lanka.jpg "Champions Trophy - India vs. Sri Lanka - as it happened")
India and Sri Lanka met in Cardiff on Thursday as both sides looked to book their place in the final of the Champions Trophy.
Sri Lanka were asked to bat first in tricky conditions and they struggled to build any momentum as wickets fell at regular intervals on their way to posting a total of 181-8 from their 50 overs, with captain Angelo Mathews (51) top scoring.
India approached the run-chase in confident fashion, with both Shikhar Dhawan (68) and Virat Kohli (58*) scoring half-centuries as India secured a comfortable victory in the 35th over.
Read below to find out how India booked their place in the final against England.
6.02pmThat's all from me today but I'd like to thank you for joining me. Make sure you follow our coverage of the final on Sunday, beginning at 10am. Goodbye.
6.01pmOne thing we can be sure of is that India have won this game at a canter today. Kohli (58*) and Dhawan (68) stole the show with the bat and they've sent out a warning to England with this display today.
6.00pmSo, it will be England vs. India at Edgbaston on Sunday in the final of the Champions Trophy. It's probably fair to say that the two best teams have qualified for the final and it looks a hard game to predict.
5.58pmSri Lanka just didn't bring their best form to Cardiff today. Their back was against the wall after losing the toss but India showed that it was possible to bat well in these tricky conditions.
IND 182-2INDIA WIN BY EIGHT WICKETS: Raina pulls the ball to fine-leg for four and that boundary confirms the victory for India. It's been a display of high quality from Dhoni's men. Dhawan, Kohli, Sharma and Ashwin have all been on top of their game and India fully deserve their place in the final.
IND 178-2Malinga strays down the leg-side to gift five extras to India, who now need nine more for the win. An edge from Kohli runs away to third-man for a single. Raina is happy to hand the strike back to his partner, who clips the ball through square-leg for two more. Another single is then taken to fine-leg.
IND 168-2Kohli guides Mendis through the leg-side for a couple of runs on two occasions early in a new over. FIFTY! Kohli records his half-century in stunning fashion when he launches the spinner straight down the ground for a massive six. A push through extra cover brings two more and Kohli will keep the strike following a single from the final delivery of the over.
IND 155-2Malinga returns for a new spell but he's immediately greeted by a superb cut shot for four from Kohli. The same batsman picks the slower yorker well to nudge two more runs through mid-wicket. Malinga responds by firing in a bouncer but Kohli confidently pulls the ball in front of square for another boundary. One more single scored in the over. Malinga hasn't been at his best but that's fantastic batting from Kohli.
IND 144-2Raina is the new batsman and he's confident enough to sweep his first ball to fine-leg for two runs. Just 38 more runs needed by India.
IND 142-2Dhawan drags his foot out of the crease when he's beaten by a beauty from Mendis. Sangakkara reacts quickly to whip the bails off and a quick replay confirms that the batsman must depart. It's another good innings from Dhawan and he knows his side are on the brink of victory.
IND 142-2WICKET! DHAWAN (68) ST SANGAKKARA B MENDIS
IND 142-1Dhawan drills the ball straight to cover at the start of a new over from Mendis. The opener gets off strike a ball later before Mendis gets one to turn and beat Kohli's outside edge. A single is then taken to mid-wicket by Kohli.
IND 140-1Dhawan is given a life at backward point when he's put down following a powerful cut shot. The Indian duo then trade singles midway through the over. Dhawan wants two when he nudges the ball through mid-wicket but Kohli persuades his partner to settle for just one. Two more singles means India end with seven from the over.
IND 133-1Mendis is into the attack for the first time. The spinner is swept behind square on the leg-side by Dhawan for a couple of runs. A single to mid-on hands the strike to Kohli, who rocks back to cut a run through point. Dhawan sweeps when Mendis strays onto the pads and the batsman collects two when the ball deflects off Sangakkara's pads. Kohli finishes the over by striking four more runs through mid-wicket.
IND 122-1Kulasekara switches ends to replace Malinga. Dhawan doesn't quite time a cut shot but still manages to earn a single through the off-side. Kohli takes a couple of steps down the pitch before lofting the ball over extra cover for four superb runs. Just 60 more needed.
IND 117-1Dhawan guides the ball behind point for a run as Thisara Perera returns for a new spell. Kohli continues to pick the gaps well as he adds another single. Perera strays onto the pads later in the over, allowing Dhawan to sneak a leg-bye.
IND 114-1Kohli gets off strike at the start of a new over from Malinga. Dhawan adds another before his partner pulls through mid-wicket to rotate the strike again. The leading run scorer in the tournament finds one more run to long-on. India looking calm and composed against Malinga.
IND 110-1Kulasekara is back into the attack for a new spell. The seamer nips one back into Dhawan, who takes the opportunity to sneak a leg-bye. Kohli steers a single through point before Dhawan reaches his HALF-CENTURY with a cut for four. The opener's fantastic form continues and his side are now only 72 runs away from the final.
IND 104-1Malinga uses all of his variations in the over but he can't prevent Kohli from finding a single on the leg-side. Dhawan is tested by the shorter ball but the opener dodges the danger well. A cut over point brings another run but it's a good over from Malinga.
IND 102-1Herath spins the ball too much early in the over and his lbw appeal is rejected. Dhawan attempts to work the ball past point but picks out the fielder. The left-handed batsman then gets off strike with a push to long-on. Kohli makes it two from the over with a single to long-off. Dhawan is just three away from another half-century.
IND 100-1India do well to pick the gaps on Malinga's return as they collect three singles from the first three balls. Kohli pulls a shorter delivery over mid-wicket but the slow outfield means the batsman only earns two runs. A second pull shot is played a ball later, with Kohli picking up a run to fine-leg this time. Dhawan guides a shorter ball into the leg-side to add another single and he'll keep the strike for the next over.
IND 93-1Dhawan picks up a single at the start of Herath's over. Kohli sits back in his crease to nudge another run into the leg-side. The spinner loses his line and is punished for a leg-side wide. Dhawan drops to one knee to sweep behind square for a single. India still cruising to victory. It looks like Malinga is coming back.
IND 89-1Mathews is still finding some swing but Kohli is playing the ball as late as possible to avoid edging towards the slips. A nudge through square-leg brings Kohli a couple of runs but he's frustrated on the off-side when he picks out the fielder at cover.
IND 87-1Herath finds a great line to Kohli and almost sneaks past the bat with a delivery that keeps very low. Kohli drives through the covers to collect three runs later in the over. Dhawan rocks back to cut a shorter ball through the off-side for two more. India need just 95 more runs to reach the final.
IND 82-1Dhawan gets off strike early in a new over from Mathews. Kohli's sold defence is on show once again and he looks comfortable against the Sri Lankan captain. Just one more single from the over.
IND 80-1Dhawan nudges a single at the start of a new spell as Herath comes into the attack for the first time. There's a delay in the game as a few supporters invade the field for the second time today. Kohli defends when Herath resumes the over but the new batsman does get off the mark with a push past point. Dhawan uses his feet well to whip the ball through mid-wicket for another single and he'll keep the strike.
IND 77-1Sri Lanka finally make a breakthrough but is it too late? Rohit charges down the pitch to loft the ball over cover but he misses and Mathews hits leg-stump. Kohli in next for India.
IND 77-1WICKET! ROHIT (33) B MATHEWS
IND 77-0Rohit prods the ball into the off-side and reacts very well to pick up a single. Dhawan steers a wider delivery from Mathews through point to collect three runs.
IND 73-0The players are taking a drinks break now. Mathews needs to give his side a boost during the break. Sri Lanka look a beaten team at the moment.
IND 73-0Rohit shuffles across his crease to punch the ball through mid-wicket for a couple of runs. The same batsman misjudges the line later in the over and misses with an attempted cut shot. Rohit pushes a single through cover to give the strike to Dhawan, who picks the gap well behind square on the leg-side to add two more.
IND 68-0Mathews brings himself on for a bowl. The skipper finds big movement to go past the inside edge and Sangakkara can't hold onto the ball behind the stumps, allowing India to sneak a bye. Dhawan flicks the ball into the leg-side for a single before Rohit nudges another run past the umpire. A big appeal for lbw is rejected but Mathews wants to review the decision. Hotspot shows a clear inside edge and Dhawan remains out in the middle.
IND 65-0India are showing good intent as they pick up a couple of quick singles early in the over. Perera fires in a shorter ball but Dhawan manages to pull the ball into the leg-side for another run. Rohit adds one more run from the final ball to make it four from the over.
IND 61-0Kulasekara is slightly too short at the start of the over and Rohit punishes the bowler with a punch through the off-side to reach the rope. The bowler strays down the leg-side and India add another to the wide. A push to mid-off brings a quick single before Kulasekara is struck for another boundary when Sharma pulls through the leg-side.
IND 50-0Dhawan's timing is brilliant as he drives Perera through extra cover for four runs. The bowler thinks he has his wicket when he nips one back but the inside edge manages to just miss the stumps and race away for four more. India now need 132 more runs to win.
IND 42-0Kulasekara forces Sangakkara into a good take when he delivers a wide at the start of a new over. Dhawan is beaten by some extra bounce and a hint of seam movement a ball later. Kulasekara gets one to leave the batsman again but Dhawan survives. Beautiful line bowled throughout the over but Dhawan manages to avoid edging the ball and sneaks a single to keep the strike.
IND 40-0Perera finds the edge this time but Rohit's mistake doesn't bring a wicket as the ball drops short of Mathews on this occasion. A single is then taken to third-man. Dhawan takes a risk when he advances down the pitch to play a wild drive but the inside edge races past the stumps. Just one more run from the over and that's the end of the powerplay.
IND 38-0Rohit nudges a single through square-leg. Kulasekara is forced to bowl an extra delivery when he sends down a big wide. Sangakkara comes up to the stumps later in the over and Kulasekara catches the outside edge but Mathews puts down the chance at slip. Awful moment for Mathews, he knows his side needed that wicket.
IND 36-0Thisara Perera is into the attack to replace Malinga. Rohit steers a single behind square on the leg-side. Perera loses his line as he pushes the ball to wide, allowing Dhawan to cut powerfully for four runs. This is a very impressive start from India. Sri Lanka need a wicket.
IND 31-0An inside edge from Rohit squeezes behind square on the leg-side for a couple of runs at the start of Kulasekara's over. The batsman opens the face well to guide a run to third-man. Dhawan is forced into playing at a fuller delivery but a hint of movement from Kulasekara is enough to beat the bat.
IND 28-0Rohit defends the short delivery well before surviving an lbw call when the umpire suggests the ball would have missed leg-stump. A flick off the hip brings a single. Dhawan evades a couple of bouncers from Malinga but decides to take on the next short delivery with a cut over the man at third-man for a fantastic six. Superb batting from a man on top of his game.
IND 21-0Massive appeal from Sri Lanka for lbw against Rohit. There's a few blank faces in the field when Aleem Dar shakes his head but there's no review and Hotspot does show that there was an inside edge. Kulasekara's length is superb throughout the over but there's no luck for the seamer when a deflection off the pad beats Sangakkara and runs away for two leg-byes. One more single from the over.
IND 18-0Rohit opens the face of his bat to guide a single to third-man. Dhawan takes a risk when he chips the ball into the air on the leg-side but he gets away with the poor shot. The same batsman takes advantage of a bit of width a ball later to steer four runs through the off-side. Five from the over.
IND 13-0The frustration continues for Sri Lanka as Rohit reaches the rope with an edge past second slip. A push through cover brings a single and gives the strike to Dhawan. Brilliant from Kulasekara later in the over as the bowler gets one to leave Dhawan at the last second. Steady start from India.
IND 8-0Malinga is given the job of bowling the second over. The tournament's leading run-scorer, Dhawan, displays a good technique as he defends early on. Dhawan's first runs come through extra cover as a firmly struck drive races away for four. Malinga fires in the yorker late on in the over but his optimistic lbw appeal is quickly rejected.
IND 4-0Kulasekara begins with three dot balls but his positive start is ruined by a well timed shot through the off-side for four by Rohit. Good response from the bowler to beat the beat with one that just straightens.
3.15pmI'll refer to Rohit Sharma as Rohit, to avoid any confusion with his namesake. Both openers are out in the middle now, so we must be ready to begin. Kulasekara will bowl the first over.
3.11pmWelcome back everyone. The first 15 overs of the second innings could be very important. If Sri Lanka can expose India's middle order, which hasn't really been tested in this tournament, their chances of victory will improve considerable. However, if Dhawan and Rohit Sharma can put together a solid opening partnership, things will start to look much easier for India.
2.46pmWe'll take a break of around 30 minutes between innings. Make sure you return for India's run chase as they look to score 182 to reach the Champions Trophy final.
2.45pmIndia are definitely the favourites at this stage of the second semi-final. It won't be an easy run-chase for Dhoni's side on a difficult track in Cardiff. Malinga must be on top form and there will surely be a big role for Rangana Herath.
2.44pmSri Lanka are probably quite a few runs short of what they would have wanted to post but anything could be possible on this pitch. It will be important to take early wickets to put India under pressure.
2.43pmWe knew it was an important toss to win but India have shown why they are tipped by many to win this tournament. All three of India's seamers were impressive early in the innings, while Jadeja and Ashwin both performed well when called upon by Dhoni.
SA 181-8Malinga is the new arrival and he enjoys a big slice of luck when a lofted shot over mid-wicket lands safely. It looks like Rohit Sharma may have been distracted at mid-wicket by a couple of supporters who had run onto the field. Sri Lanka still manage to collect three runs during the madness. Dilshan reverse sweeps and manages to hobble quickly enough to pick up two runs. A shorter delivery is pulled through mid-wicket for a single. Malinga ensures that Sri Lanka end the innings on a high as he lofts the final ball straight down the ground for four runs.
SL 171-8Mendis advances down the pitch but misses with an ugly shot. Dhoni whips the bails off and the square-leg umpire doesn't need a second look to send the batsman on his way.
SL 171-8WICKET! MENDIS (25) ST DHONI B ASHWIN
SL 171-7One over left in the innings. It will be Ashwin who bowls it. Can Sri Lanka fire some extra runs?
SL 171-7Dilshan pulls the ball through mid-wicket for a single before receiving the strike again when Mendis drags a run to fine-leg. A cut over the fielders on the off-side brings another single. Mendis lobs the ball just over cover and that allows Sri Lanka to ease through another two runs. Just one more run from the over.
SL 165-7Dilshan nudges the first ball of his return into the leg-side for a slow single. He's really struggling out there and now he'll have to face Sharma.
SL 164-7It just gets worse for Sri Lanka as they lose their seventh wicket. Kulasekara leaves one that he believes will be called a wide but Ashwin clips leg-stump and the batsman is left feeling pretty embarrassed. A limping Dilshan returns to the crease.
SL 164-7WICKET! KULASEKARA (1) B ASHWIN
SL 164-6Kulasekara picks up a single early in the over. Mendis rushes two before handing the strike back to his partner.
SL 160-6Kulasekara is the new batsman and he misses with an attempted cut shot at the start of his innings. Good over from Sharma.
SL 160-6Perera goes for the big shot again but he doesn't clear the rope and Dhawan takes a simple catch at mid-wicket. India are ending this innings in control, while Sri Lanka are desperate fore some more runs.
SL 160-6WICKET! PERERA (0) C DHAWAN B SHARMA
SL 160-5Mendis guides the ball to third man for a single at the start of Sharma's over. Perera only has one intention out in the middle as he misses with an ugly heave across the line of the ball. Sharma continues to test the batsman with the short ball but he uses up his two bouncers for the over.
SL 159-5Mendis adds a single from the final ball of the over. Thisara Perera is the new batsman but he's not on strike yet. Four overs left.
SL 158-5Mathews doesn't make the most of his second chance as he skies the ball into the air with another miscued shot. Kumar steadies himself on the off-side to take a simple catch and make sure Kohli's mistake doesn't cost India.
SL 158-5WICKET! MATHEWS (51) C KUMAR B ASHWIN
SL 158-4Mendis reverse sweeps for a single early in Ashwin's over. Big chance missed a couple of deliveries later by Kohli at long-on. Mathews goes for the big shot down the ground but looks set to be caught on the rope. However, Kohli misjudges the catch completely and the ball drops behind him but doesn't reach the rope. Poor fielding.
SL 154-4Ishant Sharma is back into the attack but he won't please his captain by bowling a short ball that Mendis pulls to fine-leg for four runs. Mendis cuts a single through point to hand the strike to Mathews, who ducks a wayward bouncer as Sharma is punished for a wide. Mathews FIFTY with a rushed single to point. That's a crucial innings from the captain. He's giving his side a fighting chance. Eight from the over.
SL 146-4Mendis is showing a delicate touch with a couple of shots behind square on both sides of the wicket. Sri Lanka collect easy singles in the over, with five runs being scored. Ashwin won't mind that too much at this stage.
SL 141-4Yadav is back into the attack. Mathews pulls the first ball of the over through mid-wicket for four. Is it time for Sri Lanka to have a slog against the quicker bowlers? Mathews attempts to scoop Yadav over fine-leg but his timing is off and he's struck by the bowler. A drilled shot through the covers brings a single before Mendis adds another with a pull over square-leg. Mathews lofts a slower ball over extra cover but he can only pick up two from the final delivery of the over.
SL 133-4Ashwin optimistically appeals for lbw but it's rejected and Sri Lanka collect a leg-bye. Mathews and Mendis trade singles in the middle of the over. Ashwin is close to removing Mendis when the batsman drags the ball just past his stumps. One more run scored, just four from the over.
SL 129-4Jadeja wastes no time as he completes his 10th over very quickly. Sri Lanka collect just two runs from the six balls. The spinner ends with figures of 1-33 from his 10 overs.
SL 127-4Mendis clips the ball into the leg-side to get off strike at the start of the over. Some turn counts against Ashwin, who is punished for a wide. Karthik throws at the stumps from short fine-leg but he misses, allowing Sri Lanka to complete a quick single. Mathews rocks back into his crease to push two runs through mid-wicket before ending the over by taking a single to the same area.
SL 120-4Jadeja varies his pace well throughout the over to force Mendis to defend on the back foot and the front foot. Five dot balls are followed by a single to long-on. Mendis will keep the strike.
SL 119-4Ashwin is beginning to find some extra bounce to pile on the pressure. Mathews attempts to sneak a single to point but Jadeja reacts well to keep the batsman at the crease. Ashwin gets one to go across Mathews and almost catches the edge. It's another maiden over and this is not proving to be a successful powerplay for Sri Lanka.
SL 119-4Jeevan Mendis is the new batsman. He's greeted by some big turn and bounce from Jadeja, who manages to strike the chest with an amazing delivery. Mendis is happy to block out the over. Wicket maiden for Jadeja.
SL 119-4I'm sorry Mahela, I cursed you there. Jadeja delivers the quicker ball and Jayawardene's stay at the crease when he's bowled as he tries to pull through mid-wicket. Crucial breakthrough for India.
SL 119-4WICKET! JAYAWARDENE (38) B JADEJA
SL 119-3Ashwin keeps things tight during the first over of the powerplay, conceding just three singles and a wide. Jayawardene will want to bat out the 50 overs but don't be surprised to see Mathews accelerating soon.
SL 115-3It's time for the batting powerplay. Will Sri Lanka begin to attack now?
SL 115-3Mathews is close to offering Jadeja a return catch with a prod forward. The skipper eases a single before Jayawardene chips the ball over extra cover for two more. Jayawardene adds another run to cover and he'll keep the strike.
SL 111-3Sri Lanka are easily picking the gaps when facing both spinners. Two singles are collected early in Ashwin's over before a big lbw appeal is rejected by the umpire. Sri Lanka hurry a single but it's a leg-bye, so Ashwin considers a review. Dhoni disagrees with his bowler and it looks like the ball would have missed the stumps. Good over from Ashwin.
SL 108-3Mathews nudges a single into the leg-side early in Jadeja's over. Jaywardene reads the quicker one well from the spinner and cuts the ball past Dhawan at point for four. Two more singles from an over that brings seven runs.
SL 101-3Ashwin begins the over round the wicket to the right-handed batsmen. Jayawardene and Mathews both find singles on the leg-side before the former misses with a sweep shot but still watches four wides race past Dhoni, who is back behind the stumps.
SL 94-3Ashwin is given his first bowl of the day at the start of the 32nd over. Jayawardene and Mathews both have 26 runs.
SL 94-3Sri Lanka enjoy another stroke of luck. Mathews is given out lbw but Jayawardene convinces his captain to review the decision. Hawkeye suggests that the ball would have bounced over the stumps and Mathews survives. Good use of the DRS system. Just two singles from Jadeja's over.
SL 92-3Too short from Dhoni at the start of the over and Mathews picks up two runs through square-leg. Both Sri Lankans look comfortable against the medium pace but they can't find a boundary and are forced to settle for singles. Five runs from the over.
SL 87-3Stroke of luck for Jayawardene at the start of a new over as he chips a drive just short of Kohli at cover. A single gives the strike to Mathews, who is beaten by one that bounces and turns for Jadeja. Mathews adds a run on the leg-side following a moment of hesitation. A shorter delivery is pulled behind square on the leg-side for another single before Mathews adds one more run to long-off.
SL 83-3Jayawardene is agonisingly close to edging the ball to Karthik, who has come up to the stumps for Dhoini's new over, when he attempts a late cut. India's skipper keeps things tight just outside off-stump, conceding just one single. Impressive from Dhoni but Sri Lanka must start thinking about targeting a bowler soon.
SL 82-3Jadeja is beginning to get a few more deliveries to turn as he slows his pace. Both Sri Lankans push a single through point and Jayawardene adds another run behind square on the leg-side. Sri Lanka certainly looking more comfortable now.
SL 79-3Jayawardene shuffles across his crease to clip a single into the leg-side. Mathews drives the ball firmly down the ground to rotate the strike again. A slightly wider delivery from Dhoni is cut past point for four by Jayawardene, who has started to settle at the crease. Kohli stops the next cut shot before Jayawardene adds another run through square-leg.
SL 72-3Jayawardene sweeps early in Jadeja's over and Ishant Sharam fails to stop the ball with a dive behind square, meaning the batsman earns four. Jadeja races through his over quickly and concedes just three more singles.
SL 65-3India's supporters are delighted as Dhoni comes into the attack. Plenty of singing as the medium pacer begins with a dot ball. Oh, what a moment. The volume from the crowd is unbelievable when Jayawardene is given out lbw. Big celebrations but the batsman reviews the decision. Hotspot shows a clear inside edge and Dhoni's joy is short lived. The captain delivers a wide down the leg-side before being nudged down the ground for a single. Mathews drives a fuller ball through the off-side for another run before his partner steals the strike with a single to third man.
SL 61-3Jayawardene and Mathews trade singles on the leg-side early in the over. There's not much turn on offer for Jadeja but he'll look to vary his pace during this spell. Jayawardene adds another single to long-off. Just three from the spinner's first over.
SL 58-3Here's something interesting then. Dhoni, who can bowl some medium pace, has taken his pads off and given them to Karthik. The Indian skipper is not going to have a bowl yet. Jadeja comes into the attack but it looks like we'll see Dhoni soon.
SL 58-3Superb from Mathews, who relieves some pressure by skipping down the pitch and launching six runs over mid-wicket. Great response from Sharma to strike the pad but the extra bounce he gets means the ball probably would have missed the stumps. Mathews is happy to defend following the early boundary. Six from the over.
SL 52-3Mathews gets a bottom edge on a pull shot at the start of Yadav's over and Dhoni does very well behind the stumps to prevent any runs from being scored. A nudge behind square on the leg-side brings two runs. Yadav is too wide at the end of the over and Mathews steers the ball through point to collect three runs.
SL 47-3Jayawardene does well to react to some extra bounce from Sharma early in the over. A wider delivery is cut past the fielder at point but Kumar is impressive in the deep to restrict Jayawardene to a single. Sharma strays down the leg-side and is punished for a wide. Mathew struggles to make good contact with a couple of back-foot drives but his third attempt at the shot earns him three runs through cover.
SL 41-3Yadav is back into the attack as Dhoni looks to take full advantage of the conditions. Mathews is the new batsman but he's not on strike at the moment. Jayawardene nudges a single to square-leg early in the over. Yadav forces Mathews onto the back foot with some extra pace and Sri Lanka's skipper is relieved to see a leading edge go straight to ground. Just a single on Yadav's return.
SL 41-3Every single Indian player knows how important this wicket is. Sangakkara is forced into playing by a beauty from Sharma and Raina is able to take his third catch of the day at second slip. Huge celebrations in Cardiff. India in complete control.
SL 41-3WICKET! SANGAKKARA (17) C RAINA B SHARMA
SL 41-2Sangakkara nudges a single into the leg-side at the start of Sharma's over. Brilliant bowling to hit the shoulder of the bat but the thick edge races past second slip to give Jayawardene his first run.
SL 39-2It looks like Dhoni may let Kumar bowl his 10 overs in one spell. The seamer's ninth over begins disappointingly as Sangakkara pushes the ball through the covers for two runs. A nudge to Yadav at mid-on allows Sri Lanka to sneak a single. Dhoni comes up to the stumps to limit Jayawardene's freedom at the crease. There's no risk taken by the batsman though. Three from the over.
SL 36-2Sri Lanka's two best players are out in the middle now as Jayawardene joins Sangakkara. They both know how important this partnership could be. Dhoni places a fielder at leg-slip but Sharma doesn't go short with his length. Jayawardene is fortunate not to edge the final ball of a brilliant over.
SL 36-2Big wicket for India! Sharma catches Thirimanne's edge and Raina reacts superbly to take a low catch at second slip. India are delighted with that wicket.
SL 36-2WICKET! THIRIMANNE (7) C RAINA B SHARMA
SL 36-1Dilshan's injury was of course a big blow for Sri Lanka but the current pair are battling well in the middle. The runs aren't flowing but Sri Lanka will be content with their current position. Dhoni is desperate for more wickets and he could turn to spin soon.
SL 36-1There's an appeal for lbw from Kumar but it looks too high and Sangakkara survives. The bowler has come round the wicket to the batsman, who is eager to use his feet to create his own length. Kumar refuses to be manipulated by Sangakkara's movement at the crease though and he completes a maiden. Time for a drinks break.
SL 36-1Sharma beats Thirimanne's outside edge with some seam movement but a shorter ball is then punished with a cut shot over point for four. Good response from the bowler to deliver four dot balls, with the final delivery nipping back to strike Thirimanne.
SL 32-1Kumar begins his seventh over of the day with a couple of full deliveries that border on yorker length. Sangakkara remains watchful and leaves the ball even after taking a couple of steps down the pitch. Kumar ends the over with a wider ball and Sangakkara takes advantage to steer four runs over point.
SL 28-1Ishant Sharma is introduced to the attack for the first time. It's important for him to continue the good work we've seen so far. Sharma begins with a full delivery before surprising Sangakkara with a sharp bouncer. The batsman does well to sneak a single with a defensive shot into the leg-side. Thirimanne hangs his bat outside off-stump when Sharma finds some extra bounce and he's lucky not to send an edge towards the slips. Good start for Sharma.
SL 27-1Sangakkara pushes the ball into the off-side and is forced to hurry to complete a quick single. Kumar pushes one across Thirimanne, who can't help but flirt with the inviting delivery. Sri Lanka being forced onto the back foot by some very good bowling from Kumar and Yadav.
SL 26-1Yadav delivers a beauty early in a new over but Thirimanne luckily gets an inside edge on the ball before it hits his leg. However, we have another delay in the game as the ball struck the batsman in an unprotected area just above the knee. Certainly a painful one for Thirimanne but he's fine to continue. Yadav launches another appeal later in the over but Thirimanne once again gets an inside edge on the ball. It's another maiden over. That's the end of the mandatory powerplay.
SL 26-1Dhoni will be delighted with his two opening bowlers but he'll want another wicket. Kumar's accuracy is an annoyance to Sangakkara throughout the over and Sri Lanka's number three is forced to play out a maiden.
SL 26-1Beautiful bowling from Yadav to get the ball to leave Sangakkara at the last second and go past the outside edge. The outfield looks slow as Sangakkara is forced to hurry three following a drive through cover. Yadav persists with a full length and Thirimanne drives, but only gets a thick edge on the ball to collect two runs. The bowler beats the outside edge again. Difficult times for the batsmen.
SL 21-1Sangakkara leaves the ball well just outside off-stump. Kumar's line and length are impressive as he moves one delivery away before nipping one back. Sangakkara continues to be brave with his leaves as one ball just misses off-stump. A nudge through mid-wicket brings the same batsman three and he'll keep the strike for the next over.
SL 18-1Yadav delivers one that just nips back but the ball catches the inside edge before striking the pad. The bowler then completely deceives Thirimanne with some late swing to go past the outside edge. There's time in the over for Thirimanne to play and miss once more. Fantastic bowling from Yadav to complete a maiden.
SL 18-1Thirimanne immediately gets off the mark with a quick single on the leg-side. Sangakkara is almost tempted into driving outside off-stump but he resists. This partnership is very important for Sri Lanka now.
SL 17-1Sangakkara leaves a couple of balls outside off-stump before clipping a single to fine-leg. Dilshan won't face another ball though and he hobbles off the field with some help from the physio. Awful news for Sri Lanka. It looks a bad injury for Dilshan. Thirimanne will replace him in the middle and Sri Lanka are effectively two wickets down if Dilshan can't return.
SL 16-1Due to new ICC regulations, Dilshan cannot have a runner do his work for him. He signals something to the dressing room and I'm not sure how much longer he'll stay in the middle.
SL 16-1Yadav is too short at the start of the over and Dilshan sits back in his crease to calmly pull the ball in front of square-leg for four runs. The right-handed opener will always be positive and he displays more attacking intent when he drives past mid-off for another boundary. Dilshan then nudges the ball past Dhawan at mid-wicket but abandons plans to take a third run as he goes down with an injury. It's not looking good for the batsman, who looks like he's complaining of a problem in his calf. The physio comes out to the middle and the game is delayed for a couple of minutes but Dilshan eventually puts his pad back on. He survives the final ball of the over but it doesn't look good.
SL 6-1Sangakkara is the new batsman for Sri Lanka and he safely negotiates the final two balls of the over.
SL 6-1Kumar gets the early wicket that India desperately needed. Perera can't resist driving outside off-stump but he can only deliver an edge to Raina, who takes the catch at second slip. Crucial early breakthrough.
SL 6-1WICKET! PERERA (4) C RAINA b KUMAR
SL 6-0Great delivery from Kumar to catch the outside edge with a fuller length but luckily for Dilshan the ball squirms away through third-man for a run.
SL 5-0Yadav bowls a couple of loose deliveries before inviting the drive from Dilshan with a fuller ball. The batsman makes no contact with his shot though and picks out the fielder at cover a ball later with a second drive. Yadav gets some extra bounce but Dilshan does well to guide the final delivery of the over through third-man for a single.
SL 4-0Kumar beats the bat early in the over when he brings one back in towards Perera. Sri Lanka's opener is struggling for timing early on as he misses a couple of cuts before miscuing a pull shot. Kumar loses his accuracy and strays onto the pads, allowing Perera to flick the ball behind square on the leg-side for four runs.
11.02amKusal Perera opens the batting with Dilshan. It will be Kumar who bowls the first over of the match.
10.59amSri Lanka could be thinking about survival early on but with Dilshan at the crease, you never know what you're going to see. India would be disappointed if they didn't take a couple of early wickets.
10.55amJust a reminder that even though we have lost 30 minutes of play, the match has not been reduced and it's still 50 overs per side. The teams are heading out now for the national anthems.
10.50amSri Lanka skipper Angelo Mathews at the toss: "I would have bowled first but pretty happy to bat first. We just have to get through the first 10 overs."
10.47amThat toss looks very important. Kumar and Yadav will enjoy the conditions this morning. Sri Lanka will have a tough challenge on their hands early on.
10.47amTwo changes for Sri Lanka as Jeevan Mendis and Thisara Perera come in for Dinesh Chandimal and Shaminda Eranga. India have the luxury of naming the same side for today's game.
10.45amINDIA: Dhawan, R. Sharma, Kohli, Karthik, Raina, Dhoni, Jadeja, Ashwin, Kumar, I. Sharma, Yadav
10.43amSRI LANKA: K. Perera, Dilshan, Sangakkara, Jayawardene, Thirimanne, Mathews, Mendis, T. Perera, Kulasekara, Herath, Malinga
10.41amBREAKING NEWS: India win the toss and Dhoni confirms his side will bowl first.
10.35amThe pitch is slightly damp and with the overcast conditions I'd expect the seamers to find some movement this morning. It will be a good toss to win.
10.29amThere's plenty of exciting players in Cardiff today but few excite the cricketing world as much as MS Dhoni. The Indian captain is a hero in his own country and he's proved that he is capable of delivering a world-class performance with the bat at any time.
10.24amBREAKING NEWS: The toss has been moved to 10.40am and play will start 20 minutes later. It's dry at the moment and it looks like we'll have some clear weather for a while.
10.19amIt's obvious now that we will have a delayed start in Cardiff. The umpire want to make sure that the outfield is as dry as possible before play begins. There will be no overs lost just yet.
10.12amIndia are the strong favourites to win this semi-final but you just cannot rule out a victory for Sri Lanka. Lasith Malinga can produce something special at crucial times and with players like Kumar Sangakkara, Tillakaratne Dilshan and Mahela Jayawardene in their side, they're a match for anyone.
10.07amBoth umpires are inspecting the pitch at the moment but it does look like positive news. The outfield at the ground does drain very well, so that shouldn't be too much of a problem.
10.04amIt's not all bad in Cardiff though. The rain has disappeared and most of the covers are now off. Earlier showers mean that the toss has been delayed but we're expecting the umpires to come out soon.
10.02amI hate to start the day with bad news but it seems that I have no choice. We've already had some rain in Cardiff this morning and it looks like we could have a delay later in the afternoon.
10amGood morning. England are already in the final but who is going to join them? India have been in superb form, while Sri Lanka have shown in the last two games the quality they possess in this format.
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