World Cup, India v Sri Lanka — as it happened: Rohit, Rahul’s tons help Kohli and Co win with ease

10.59 pm: That’s it from us for this blog... are we in for a surprise in the semi-final lineup? Here’s the points table as of now.. head over to updates of Australia vs South Africa here.

Virat Kohli: “To be honest, we were expecting consistent performances but didn’t expect to be 7-1 at the end of the group stages. That’s what you get for consistent performances. We are more or less settled as a unit, just don’t want to be one-dimensional. Want to be flexible, and be ready for what the conditions offer. We have never focussed on the opposition, we play well and we can beat anybody. Hardik Pandya (as a bowler) has been switched on from ball one, great intensity from him. He’s thinking like a batsman and using his instinct. It’s amazing to have a cricketer like that who can bring so much to the table.”

Dimuth Karunaratne: After this we have to sit down and discuss with selectors about the future, hopefully get some new talent in. We have to be competitive in the next World Cup. Sri Lankan cricket will miss Malinga. We have to find a new guy who will be good at taking wickets in the middle overs.

Rohit Sharma, on why his conversion rate has been good at this World Cup: ‘Just the shot selection. Once you are in, the shot selection becomes very important. I keep telling myself to understand the pitch and what the bowlers are bowling at me. And actually, it has paid dividends so far. But you have to be disciplined and that is something I have learnt from my mistakes in the past’

Player of the match is Rohit Sharma (for the 4th time in this World Cup)

10.37 pm: And that is it for Malinga’s World Cup career. He got just 1-82 today but he has been immense for SL over the years.

Leading wicket-takers in W’Cup history:

McGrath - 71
Muralitharan - 68
MALINGA - 56
Akram - 55
Vaas - 49

10.36 pm: Handshakes between players and the focus is on Lasith Malinga as he steps away the ODI World Cup scene. Produced one of the performances of this World Cup in Leeds against England: a result that threw the tournament wide open. India are top of the table, for now. All eyes on the final group match.... where Australia are in trouble.

Follow updates of Australia vs South Africa here.

After 43.3 overs India 265/3 - WIN BY 7 WICKETS!

A couple of singles down the third man region and India can celebrate a superb group stage campaign with a win. Over to Australia and South Africa now to decide the Semi-final lineup.

After 43 overs India 263/3 - India need 2 runs as Malinga finishes his World Cup career

He got his wicket that put him ahead of Wasim Akram in the list of leading wicket-takers in World Cup history but it’s been a day to forget for Malinga. Finishes with figures of 1/82 as Pandya slams a full toss through midwicket for four to draw the curtains on one of the greatest World Cup performers.

A look at the Pant dismissal...

After 42 overs India 253/3 - PANT GONE!

A lovely boundary for Kohli, a brutal hit down the ground by Pant... and there is enough time for a wicket to fall too. Slower ball from Udana, Pant completely misses it and gets hit on the abdomen guard. Sri Lanka review, what seemed like just a formality. The SL players celebrate with Ian Gould at the end as his career comes to a close with an overturned decision. Even in such a convincing win, India had enough time to keep the No. 4 debate alive. Incredible!

After 41 overs India 244/2 - RAHUL GONE!

Just when you thought India are being downright mean to Malinga, the veteran pacer strikes. Starts the over with back-to-back boundaries: two uber aggressive shots in the ‘V’ on either side. Then off the last ball, Malinga surprises Rahul with a superb short ball that doesn’t bounce too much, the Indian opener is one the ground while trying to sway and ends up gloving it to the ‘keeper. A wicket in his last World Cup match for Malinga.!

After 40 overs India 234/1 - Rahul 102, Kohli 24

Just four runs in that Udana over as we head to the final 10. India need 31 off 60 balls.

After 39 overs India 230/1 - Rahul 101, Kohli 21

As if to say let’s wrap this up quickly... Virat Kohli slams a lofted drive down the ground off Malinga. Flashbacks to Hobart! Eight runs from that over.

After 38.1 overs India 223/1 - CENTURY FOR KL RAHUL!

This was much-needed for India, much-needed for KL Rahul! He has constantly spoken about making the most of his opportunity, converting good starts into a big score. More relief than celebration: punches his fist, hugs Kohli, and kisses the emblem on his helmet.

After 38 overs India 222/1 - Rahul 99, Kohli 15

Just a single conceded by Thisara Perera, as he finishes his 10-over spell with good figures of 0/34. HE conceded just one boundary.

After 37 overs India 221/1 - Rahul 98, Kohli 15

Chants of ‘Rahul, Rahul’ at Headingley as he moves to within two runs of his century. Keeps strike with a single off the last ball of de Silva’s 7-run over.

After 36 overs India 214/1 - Rahul 93, Kohli 13

Three runs from Perera’s over. By the way, not even Shikhar Dhawan’s injury after two matches has managed to rid us of Sourav Ganguly’s ‘Shekhar Dhawans’ on air. It just keeps coming...

After 35 overs India 211/1 - Rahul 91, Kohli 12

De Silva comes back into the attack after conceding 40 runs off the first 4 overs. Better from him, conceding just 4 in that over. It’s all just a bit too easy for India at the moment. Singles, rotating strike, cruising towards the target...

After 34 overs India 207/1 - Rahul 90, Kohli 9

Rahul is into the 90s... a 100 here for him would do his confidence a world of good. Four runs from that Perera over.

After 33 overs India 203/1 - Rahul 88, Kohli 7

Seven runs from the Rajitha over as 200 comes up for India. A boundary to Rahul takes him to 88. SL looking deflated at the moment.

After 32 overs India 196/1 - Rahul 81, Kohli 6

India made 80 runs in the overs 21-30. That’s just superb middle overs batting. Two runs from the Perera over.

UPDATE: Van der Dussen is caught in the deep trying to clear the boundary. No century for the youngster as SA finish at 325/6 after the 50 overs. Are the Proteas about to pull off an upset? Follow updates of Australia vs South Africa here.

After 31 overs India 194/1 - Rahul 81, Kohli

Virat Kohli starts off in trademark style... a lovely cover drive. Wow, what class. Good over from Rajitha overall though, after the dismissal of Rohit in the first ball. Five runs off it. Replays show how gutted Rohit was to just harmlessly lob the ball to mid-off.

India 189/1 after 30.1 overs - ROHIT SHARMA DISMISSED! Oh dear, such a soft dismissal. As epic as this run of form has been for Rohit, he has uncharacteristically thrown his wicket away thrice in succession now after reaching a ton. An embrace between Rohit and Kohli as the captain walks in. Rohit is disappointed, but what a knock once again!

Some stats from Rohit Sharma’s landmark century...

After 29 overs India 182/0 - Rahul 76, Rohit 102

After three dot balls that built up the anticipation, Rohit (fittingly) gets to the landmark with a pull shot off Rajitha. Timed superbly. What a moment for the Hitman.

RECORD-BREAKING CENTURY FOR ROHIT SHARMA!!!!

Six World Cup 100s in 44 innings for Sachin Tendulkar. Six World Cup 100s in 16 innings for Rohit Sharma. Five at this tournament, a new record. More than anything, this World Cup is the tournament that has transformed Rohit from a great ODI player to legendary status.

After 28 overs India 177/0 - Rahul 75, Rohit 97

Good over from Udana, just three runs off it. Rahul has impressively upped his SR to above 90 now. Good to see that.

But all eyes remain on Rohit Sharma...

Chants of ‘Rohit, Rohit!’ ring around Headingley...

After 27 overs India 174/0 - Rahul 74, Rohit 95

Another expensive over from Malinga as he continues to struggle with his lengths and line...couple of wides, a boundary over mid-on for Rahul and then a gorgeous cover drive by Rohit Sharma for four. That was an attempted yorker gone wrong for Malinga. 14 runs from that over! SL leaking runs.... Rohit one hit away from the world record!

After 26 overs India 160/0 - Rahul 68, Rohit 89

It’s time to anticipate the world record from Rohit folks! A sixth World Cup century (5 in one tournament) is on the cards. Two boundaries off that Udana over. First is a superb cut short behind point, the second a streaky outside edge that evades the keeper. First half chance Rohit has given SL perhaps.

After 25 overs India 152/0 - Rahul 68, Rohit 81

Malinga starts off with two rank short balls... a double and then a four for Rahul, who has stepped on the gas big time. “Inexplicable lengths,” says Ganguly on air. Malinga tries a yorker off the next ball, misses his line though and given wide. It’s a real mixed bag of an over in terms of the lengths. 150 comes up for India in the 25th over. 11 runs from that Malinga over.

After 24 overs India 141/0 - Rahul 61, Rohit 78

A ball comes straight to Malinga at short fine leg and he lets it through for two runs... if you can’t hide a fielder at short fine-leg, where can you? Four runs off Udana’s over. And Malinga comes back for the second spell.

After 23 overs India 137/0 - Rahul 60, Rohit 75 - FIFTY FOR KLR (and then some)!

Much better. Much better from KL Rahul. His innings had tapered off a bit after a superb start but he is finding his feet again now... quite literally. First, rocks back inside the crease and cuts one through extra cover to bring up his fifty off 67 balls. And then dances down the track and hits a big six over long off. Finishes the de Silva over with another loft over mid-off. The off-spinner has conceded 40 runs in his four overs!

After 22 overs India 120/0 - Rahul 45, Rohit 74

Better from Rahul in that over, finding the gaps and rotating the strike. Six risk-free runs as Perera continues to bowl cross-seam. A bit too easy for India at the moment.

8.47 pm: Well, well. SA are 245/2 after 40 overs.

Follow updates of Australia vs South Africa here.

Will Rohit go past Sachin’s 673-mark?

The Hitman is back at the top...going past Shakib al Hasan.

After 21 overs India 114/0 - Rahul 42, Rohit 71

De Silva is trying the round-the-wicket angle to Rohit, hoping one skids on and beats Rohit. One ball does, but Rohit doesn’t nick it and has his foot planted in the crease. The moment de Silva errs in his length by bowling shot, Rohit puts it away through midwicket for four. Into the 70s, goes the Hitman.

After 20 overs India 109/0 - Rahul 42, Rohit 66

Ah, there’s the pull shot. Not quite well-timed as it usually is but superbly placed. Short of length from Thisara and Rohit is quick to pounce on that.

After 19 overs India 103/0 - Rahul 41, Rohit 61

Fourth century partnership for the first wicket at this World Cup for India, third between these two. As a partnership, these two have done well but Rahul’s contribution needs to be more than just holding one end up. Good comeback over by de Silva, as he concedes four runs.

After 18 overs India 99/0 - Rahul 38, Rohit 60

There’s no reason for Rahul to go crazy with his scoring rate, but his strike rate has dropped below 70 once again. This is not great batting from him at the moment. Needs to figure out a way to keep the scoreboard ticking in this phase of the innings.

After 17 overs India 97/0 - Rahul 37, Rohit 59 - FIFTY FOR HITMAN!

16.1: De Silva to Rohit, full outside the offstump – slammed over extra cover for six. Reaches his 8th 50-plus score in the last 10 ODI innings!

16.2: De Silva to Rohit, slightly shorter in length but the Indian vice-captain dances down the track and slams one high and long! What a shot! What a player.

Two sixes to add to his ridiculous six-hitting record.

After 16 overs, India 83/0 - Rahul 36, Rohit 46

Ohh, close! Perera with an effort ball, and the cross-seam delivery beats Rohit’s outside edge. Straightened after pitching on a good length, coming in from the angle. Beaten well. This is another good over from Thisara. Just 18 runs from the last 5 overs for India. Can SL convert this pressure into wickets?

After 15 overs, India 81/0 - Rahul 35, Rohit 45

Enough indication in the last couple of overs that stroke-making is not going to be easy in the middle-overs. The timing seems off for both Rahul and Rohit and the ball is stopping on the batsmen. Just two runs in that over by Thisara too.

After 14 overs, India 79/0 - Rahul 34, Rohit 44

Good over from Thisara, just two singles in it. Win predictor, meanwhile, has India at 98%. Sounds about right.

After 13 overs, India 77/0 - Rahul 33, Rohit 43

A bit of a loose shot from Rohit as he doesn’t quite pick up a slower ball from Udana... his bottom hand comes off as he lofts one over the fielder at mid-on. Almost carries all the way though, goes for four. Seven from that over.

Meanwhile, a stat that says how important opening stands have been for India at this WC.

After 12 overs, India 71/0 - Rahul 32, Rohit 38

Decent first over by Thisara Perera, but no pressure being applied on the Indian openers at the moment. Six easy runs in that over.

After 11 overs, India 65/0 - Rahul 28, Rohit 36

Oh, what a shot. There is a fielder at deep point but he is a spectator as are thousands at Heandingley, who can admire that stunning extra cover drive by Rohit Sharma. So easy on the eye. Udana was welcomed into the attack with two powerful cut shots by the openers that find the fielders.

“I reckon Rohit will end up with about 6 centuries this World Cup,” says the joint record-holder Sangakkara.

After 10 overs, India 59/0 - Rahul 27, Rohit 31

A superb finish to what has been a top first powerplay for India. Rajitha tries to bang one in short, it looked like Rahul was going to sway away from it, but at the last minute gets a touch on it and guides it above the wicket-keeper for four. Had his eyes on it till the last moment. Lovely shot. Seven runs from that over.

After 9 overs, India 52/0 - Rahul 22, Rohit 29

Maiden over from Malinga to Rahul! Just four runs in the last three overs as SL pull things back with some disciplined bowling. This pitch is not as easy to bat as the first few overs from SL pacers made it look with their gifts.

After 8 overs, India 52/0 - Rahul 22, Rohit 29

Better from Rajitha in that over, as he starts off with four dot balls to Rahul, getting a good shape back into the right-hander. Finishes the over with a good cutter to Rohit that stops on the batsman and the ball loops up, falling short of the midwicket fielder. Just one single in that over.

After 7 overs, India 51/0 - Rahul 21, Rohit 29

Malinga has decided slow is the way to go as he bowls a series of cutters in that over. 50 comes up for India in the 7th over! The fastest India have reached 50 in this World Cup so far. A couple of sinlges off the first five balls.... and a full toss on the pads of Rahul to finish the over, but Rahul doesn’t put it away. It was one of those dipping slow full tosses that Malinga bowls often. Three runs from that over as India cruise...

After 6 overs, India 48/0 - Rahul 19, Rohit 28

Rohit, Rohit, Rohit! The Indian vice-captain is playing some stunning shots at the moment. So good to watch. Stands up tall to a length ball, opens the face of the bat at the very last second and finds the gap in a packed off-side field. SL place a short point and Rohit almost finds him instantly but the ball falls short. And Rajitha strays on Rohit’s pads, again gleefully accepted. This is some high-class batting at the moment, aided by poor bowling.

After 5 overs, India 39/0 - Rahul 18, Rohit 20

Back-to-back boundaries for Rohit Sharma against his Mumbai Indians teammate! Malinga bowls a full toss outside off, Rohit guides it past point. Malinga bowls a full ball on his pads, Rohit accepts the gift with an elegant flick. Superb bating by the Indian opener, scratchy at best from the veteran pacer.

After 4 overs, India 28/0 - Rahul 16, Rohit 11

A few yes-no situations in that over as Rajitha settles into a good stump-to-stump line. One bad ball on the pads, Rahul couldn’t put it away. Almost squares Rohit up off the last ball. Better from SL, just one run in that over.

After 3 overs, India 27/0 - Rahul 15, Rohit 11

Wow, more class from Rahul! Walks down to a good length ball from Malinga and leans into an extra-cover drive for four. Off the third ball, with the extra slip and third man coming off, he caresses one through that gap for another four. And then Rohit tops it all off with a classy flick between midwicket and mid-on with superb use of his wrists. Three boundaries in that over and India are off to a flier.

Replays show that single off the last ball off the 2nd over would have resulted in a runout for Rohit if de Silva had hit direct.

After 2 overs, India 14/0 - Rahul 6, Rohit 8

Kasun Rajitha takes the 2nd new ball and Rohit welcomes him two gorgeous shots. Stands upright and punches one through extra cover for a double and then plays a good-looking square cut for four. Pounced on width. Then it’s Rahul’s turn to play a delightful back-foot punch through cover-point! What a shot. What timing. Races to the fence for four. Good over for India.

After 1 over, India 2/0 - Rahul 1, Rohit 1

Malinga starts off with two balls on the legs of the Indian openers, they each take a single. The SL veteran gets his line right immediately, probing Rahul on and outside his offstump. Four dot balls to finish the first over.

7.12 pm: Rahul (249 runs in this World Cup so far, with two 50s) will look to play a fluent innings and perhaps get to the three-figure mark. His strike rate is just above 70: definitely needs improving. Rohit, meanwhile, is chasing history: no one has ever scored 5 centuries in one World Cup. And Lasith Malinga will be bowling for the final time in a World Cup match.

Lots to look forward in this run-chase... here we go.

7.10 pm: Umpire Ian ‘Gunner’ Gould walking out for his final innings in international cricket. One of the best and most-loved umpires in the game. Sri Lanka are in a huddle... Rahul and Rohit walk out to bat.

7.05 pm: Bangladesh did not make it to the semi-finals but how good has Shakib been at this World Cup? Here’s some reading for you as we wait for the run-chase to begin.

6.53 pm: Not the greatest of outings for India’s bowling lineup but one man was fantastic once again: Jasprit Bumrah!

Join us soon for the run-chase...

Angelo Mathews, the centurion: “[Headingley] has been good for me, I’m enjoying it. The wicket was playing a little slow and there was turn. Kind of hard when you bowl cutters into the wicket. If we make inroads early, try and get Kohli and Rohit early, we can put pressure on the middle order. We’ll need to bowl well, though.”

6.47 pm: Elsewhere.... SA are off to a flier! Follow updates of that match here.

INNINGS BREAK: Only once a 250-plus target has been chased down in this World Cup (by Bangladesh against West Indies). Makes things quite interesting indeed for India’s batting line-up.

End of Sri Lanka innings: 264/7 after 50 overs

Seven runs from the final over by Bhuvi as he finishes with figures of 1/72 in his 10 overs. That might just cause a wrinkle or two on Virat’s forehead looking ahead to the semifinal. Sri Lanka recovered brilliantly from 55/4 to post a fighting total, thanks to Angel Mathews’ ton.

After 49.2 overs, SL 260/7: WICKET FOR BHUVI! The pacer starts off with a good yorker, but, summing up his day, bowls two wides to follow that up (SL also sneak a bye in there). Dhoni does well to prevent a four down the leg side. Off the 2nd legal ball of the over, Thisara Perera mishits a big shot, and Hardik takes a stunning running catch, diving forward. No fireworks from Thisara.

After 49 overs, SL 257/6 - last over coming up

Bhuvi (0/66) to bowl the last over... can he finish with some consolation wickets?

After 49 overs, SL 257/6 - Mathews gone!

The centurion walks off to a round of deserved applause from the Leeds crowd. A superb century (113 off 128 balls, 10x4, 2x6) and he is dismissed by the opponent’s (world’s) best. Bumrah gets his third as Mathews finds Rohit at cover. Did not get the placement right, it was timed well alright. Thisara Perera is the new man in.

Bumrah once again finishes with superb figures: 10-2-37-3

After 48 overs, SL 252/5 - Mathews 113, de Silva 24

Bhuvi’s day continues to remain largely ordinary as Mathews picks him off way too easily, for a four through midwicket. The 250 comes up SL and from 55/4 that is superb from the Islanders.

(Correction: The over count was off in the last three updates, it has been now updated.)

This is intriguing in so many ways... it’s the control over his length that really stands out.

After 47 overs, SL 244/5 - Mathews 107, de Silva 22

Sanga on Bumrah: “He’s absolute magic isn’t he?”

Change of pace to Mathews, searing yorkers to de Silva. Another typical death over from Bumrah, just four singles off it. Misses a yorker to Mathews at the end of that over but just a single to long on.

After 46 overs, SL 240/5 - Mathews 105, de Silva 20

Dhananjaya de Silva is playing a good hand in the middle, and he flicks one superbly through the gap in the outfield on leg side for a four in that Pandya over. 7 runs come off it as Sangakkara rues the fact that de Silva bats too low. Pandya finishes with 1/50 in his 10 overs.

After 45 overs, SL 233/5 - Mathews 104, de Silva 14

One of the better overs Bhuvi has bowled today, mixing up his length and pace well. Not conceding a boundary at this stage is useful. Pandya from the other end for his last over.

44th over, an eventful one: Angelo Mathews hits an attempted bouncer from Pandya for a four through long leg...Wasn’t exactly in control but timed well. Pandya oversteps big time to give Mathews a free hit to reach his 100. But the former SL captain misses an upper cut off that ball but then connects off the next ball to bring up his century!

After 44 overs, SL 227/5 - Mathews 101, de Silva 11

Mathews goes to his 100 with a boundary. What a knock it has been. SL needed someone to come good and Mathews rides to the rescue once again. It’s his 3rd ODI century; his previous two were also against India.

After 43 overs, SL 215/5 - Mathews 91, de Silva 10

Three runs. Just how does Bumrah keep doing this in match after match? He comes in and slows the run-rate down, takes wickets.

After 42 overs, SL 212/5 - Mathews 89, de Silva 9

Decent over from Pandya but Dhoni let a widish off-cutter go for four byes. It turned at the last moment and went past Dhoni’s body to the boundary line.

After 41 overs, SL 205/5 - Mathews 87, de Silva 8

Bumrah comes back in and restores order. Just 5 runs from the over. This is solid stuff as it always is from Bumrah.

After 40 overs, SL 200/5 - Mathews 85, de Silva 6

In the last 5 overs, SL have scored 41/1 at a run-rate of 8.20. Mathews is feeling it and India need to be careful here. This could get out of hand.

After 38 overs, SL 182/5 - Thirimanne gone!

Kuldeep finally has a wicket to his name... in his 9th over, he breaks the 124-run partnership that was frustrating India. Thirimanne departs for 53 as he skies a sitter to Jadeja at point. . Kuldeep uses the angles well and induces the false shot. A solid innings from Thirimanne comes to an end.

A look at the Bhuvi dropped chance...

After 37 overs, SL 169/4 - Mathews 69, Thirimanne 52

DROPPED! Just not Bhuvi’s day. Now he drops Mathews in the deep. He got both hands to it but could not hold on. Jadeja was not happy. And then Mathews slams one down the ground for a six, no mishitting at that instance.

After 36 overs, SL 169/4 - Mathews 61, Thirimanne 52

FIFTY FOR THIRIMANNE! Kuldeep continues... and off the first ball, the elegant left-hander gets a four down fine leg to bring up a fine half century. And then Mathews brings out a reverse sweep later in the over for another boundary. Back-to-back 10-run overs for SL as they continue to frustrate Kohli and Co.

After 35 overs, SL 159/4 - Mathews 57, Thirimanne 47

Sri Lanka have had a plan to target to Bhuvi clearly and they have succeeded quite handsomely at that. A boundary each for Mathews and Thirimanne brings up the 100-run opening partnership (only the 2nd for SL at this World Cup). 150 comes up too. Shami’s stock is rising with Bhuvi’s every over today. 10 runs from that Bhuvi over!

After 34 overs, SL 149/4 - Mathews 52, Thirimanne 42

Once again, Kuldeep hardly looks threatening as SL take five runs without breaking a sweat. They can continue doing this till the 40th over.

Kuldeep returns for a second spell after drinks...

Angelo Mathews loves batting in Leeds...

After 33 overs, SL 144/4 - Mathews 50, Thirimanne 39 (DRINKS)

Pandya continues with his short-ball barrage...manages to hit Thirimanne in his body once and then bowls a couple of slower blowers too, deceiving the left-hander. And another produces a top delivery to get the top edge off Thirimanne, the ball just evades Dhoni behind the stumps.

Off the last ball of the over, Mathews brings up his half century! A gritty, patient innings. Comes off 76 balls.

After 32 overs, SL 140/4 - Mathews 48, Thirimanne 37

Bhuvi comes back for another spell and Thirimanne takes him on this time... down the track, made himself room and drove it on the up; ball races to the cover boundary. Bhuvi has had an ordinary day so far. He and Kuldeep are not helping their cases for a spot in the XI in the semis.

After 31 overs, SL 134/4 - Mathews 47, Thirimanne 32

A boundary for Mathews in that over as he latches on to a bouncer from Pandya. But the Indian all-rounder is not bothered by it, continues to bang it in short in that over (fast or slow). “Too many number of times,” feels Ganguly on air. Did manage to make Thirimanne play a false pull shot for four.

After 30 overs, SL 127/4 - Mathews 41, Thirimanne 31

A couple of doubles (one each for Mathews and Thirimanne)... Bumrah bowls a superb bouncer to finish the over. Thirimanne was so late to react to that one as it rose on him.

A good phase for SL this, as they have made 44 runs in the last 10 overs without losing a wicket.

After 29 overs, SL 122/4 - Mathews 38, Thirimanne 29

Four runs from the Pandya over as Nasser Hussain discusses the 2011 World Cup final with a special guest on air: the centurion on that day, Mahela Jayawardene.

After 28 overs, SL 118/4 - Mathews 36, Thirimanne 27

Top stuff from Bumrah... just two runs off that over. Four dot balls to Mathews to finish it off: a mixture of slower balls and hard length deliveries. The former SL captain throws his bat at the last ball, and avoids getting an outside edge.

After 27 overs, SL 116/4 - Mathews 35, Thirimanne 26

Pandya comes back into the attack to replace Jadeja and starts off with the bouncer. Mathews finishes the over with a lovely cover drive for a couple.

A solid partnership brewing. so hat does Kohli do? Bring back Bumrah for his second spell of course.

After 26 overs, SL 109/4 - Mathews 31, Thirimanne 24

Kuldeep continues to struggle... not for the first time in this tournament, he has looked a bit toothless. Another short ball outside the off-stump, cut away by Mathews for four. You wonder where Kuldeep is going wrong on a seemingly helpful track. Too slow? Too predictable?

After 25 overs, SL 102/4 - Mathews 26, Thirimanne 22

Another (boundary-less) over comes and goes from Jadeja... just two runs off it. Some good fielding by Kohli: India’s ground-fielding has been sharp today.

After 24 overs, SL 100/4 - Mathews 25, Thirimanne 21

Four runs from that Kuldeep over as he gets Mathews to play a false shot... for the first time in a while. Thirimanne finishes that over with a cut past point for a double.

After 23 overs, SL 96/4 - Mathews 24, Thirimanne 18

After 7 overs Jadeja is yet to concede a boundary, Nasser Hussain points out on air. Just three singles in that over.

Classy from King Kohli...

After 22 overs, SL 93/4 - Mathews 23, Thirimanne 16

Thirimanne has been off strike a bit in the last few overs but takes the attack to Kuldeep in that over.. a well-placed slog-sweep four in front of the square.

Last 5 overs: 30/0 (and without too many risks... good batting, this).

After 21 overs, SL 87/4 - Mathews 22, Thirimanne 11

Four runs from another super quick Jadeja over... a double for Mathews down to long on and a single each. You could see that the pace is quicker and prevented Mathews from playing the shot that he played off Kuldeep in the previous over for four.

After 20 overs, SL 83/4 - Mathews 19, Thirimanne 10

Kuldeep has not exactly looked threatened so far in his spell. Both Mathews and Thirimanne are reading well off the pitch, just holding themselves back. And Mathews pounces on a short ball, finds a boundary. That’s a good over for SL.

In the last 10 overs, SL scored 31 runs for the loss of two wickets. It’s been the story of their tournament.

After 19 overs, SL 77/4 - Mathews 14, Thirimanne 9

Jadeja’s pace has quickened steadily... as he settles into his metronome mode. After four dot balls, Mathews gets a thick outside edge that fetches him three runs. A dot ball to Thirimianne to finish the over.

After 18 overs, SL 74/4 - Mathews 11, Thirimanne 9

Almost a disastrous mix-up. Thirimanne was all the way down the pitch, Mathews was ball-watching... Rishabh Pant puts in a good dive but the ball gets away from him. There was a run-out in the offing there! Thirimanne shows some intent in that over, sweeping one through square leg for a couple. Good over for SL, six runs to keep the scoreboard ticking.

After 17 overs, SL 68/4 - Mathews 9, Thirimanne 5

After a couple of singles early on, Jadeja goes first time over the wicket to the left-hander and causes all sorts of issues for Thirimanne, who almost chopped one on to the stumps. Three singles in that over.

After 16 overs, SL 65/4 - Mathews 8, Thirimanne 3

Much, much slower through the air from Kuldeep: late 40mph and early 50s. More slow turn on offer too. Just two singles and a wide down the leg side in that over.

Time for Kuldeep Yadav...

After 15 overs, SL 62/4 - Mathews 7, Thirimanne 2

A Jadeja over starts..... ...... ...... a Jadeja over ends. Just a single in that over as he continues to keep it slow and tight. Not an inch being given to SL right now.

DRINKS break now. India well on top.

After 14 overs, SL 61/4 - Mathews 6, Thirimanne 2

Three singles off that over as Mathews and Thirimanne, two experienced heads, start to rebuild. Interesting to see Pandya’s speeds so far today... not a single ball quicker than 130 kph. More cutters in that over.

After 13 overs, SL 58/4 - Mathews 4, Thirimanne 1

Another Jadeja over that starts and ends in now time. Just three singles off it as Jadeja opts to bowl around the wicket to both Mathews and Thirimanne. He’s bowling at less than 60 mph and getting the ball to turn off the pitch, albeit not sharply. More pressure on SL.

After 12 overs, SL 55/4 - PANDYA GETS THE WICKET OF FERNANDO!

The in-form player is gone as well and India are well and truly on top in Leeds at the moment. Slow bouncer from Hardik Pandya (a ball he has used to good effect at this World Cup) and Fernando gets himself in a tangle trying to upper cut. Dhoni takes a good low catch! His fourth dismissal this morning! Just one run and a wicket from that over. SL reeling in Leeds.

After 11 overs, SL 54/3 - JADEJA STRIKES IN HIS FIRST OVER!

MENDIS GONE! Jadeja comes on to bowl... Sanjay Manjrekar on air, talking about this is a pitch tailor-made for him... and Jadeja strikes off his 4th ball with a superb delivery... Top stuff! Much slower than what Jadeja bowls usually, Mendis is tempted to come down the track and beaten by the turn. Dhoni makes no mistake. Big smile on Jadeja’s face!

After 10 overs, SL 52/2 - Fernando 19, Mendis 3

Just two singles in that Pandya over. Fascinating first powerplay. Jasprit Bumrah was near unplayable for the most part and then Avishka Fernando hit him for three boundaries as if it was no big deal. Bhuvi’s struggled, though. This is the most runs India have conceded so far at this World Cup. India would be happy with the two wickets.

After 9 overs, SL 50/2 - Fernando 18, Mendis 2

Best over that Bhuvi has bowled all morning, perhaps aided by the fact that two right-handers are at the crease. Squares up Mendis a couple of times and off the last ball, almost has Fernando hitting one to Kohli at short midwicket. 50 comes up for SL in that over.

Time for Hardik Pandya...

After 8 overs, SL 49/2 - Fernando 18, Mendis 1

And Avishka Fernando continues to impress. How good is he! Hits two more boundaries off Bumrah after that straight drive earlier. First, another superb square drive past Jadeja at point. And then Bumrah goes for the bouncer, pulled with disdain. Delightful to see him bat this way even under pressure.

After 7.1 overs, SL 40/2 - Perera gone!

Jasprit Bumrah, once again! Perera walks after a length ball cuts him in half and takes the inside edge back to Dhoni... that was seriously quick. Dhoni just about caught it, Perera doesn’t wait for the umpire’s decision or DRS.

After 7 overs, SL 40/1 - Perera 18, Fernando 10

Kohli has stationed himself at a catching point position just for that kind of a shot, but Fernando takes Bhuvi on anyway. Lovely on-the-up square drive that teases DK all the way to the point boundary: he pulled the ball back but it hits his feet and goes over the fence. Off the last ball, Fernando hoicks one over midwicket (knuckle ball, it looked like): the ball clears mid-on and plugs into the field.

0/35 from 4 overs for Bhuvi, he’s been unlucky with that dropped catch but hasn’t helped himself with his lines.

After 6 overs, SL 33/1 - Perera 17, Fernando 4

FERNANDO SAVED BY THE REVIEW: The SL youngster survives thanks to a timely review. Just when it looked liked Bumrah had his 2nd wicket without conceding a run, DRS says otherwise. Hit Fernando a bit too high on the thigh. Would have missed the stumps. Bumrah then concedes the first runs of the day, and it’s a worthy shot by Fernando: a delightful straight drive.

After 5 overs, SL 28/1 - Perera 17, Fernando 0

DROPPED! This has not been Bhuvi’s morning so far. Gets Perera to mishit a hoick: Kuldeep and Hardik almost collided, no one called and the catch was eventually dropped by Kuldeep. Poor cricket this. Perera then rubs salt into Bhuvi’s wounds by hitting a couple of boundaries, the Indian pacer not getting his radar yet.

MILESTONE ALERT: 100 ODI WICKETS FOR BUMRAH!

After 4 overs, SL 17/1 - BUMRAH STRIKES!

What a bowler. What a fantastic bowler! Bumrah bowls 9 dot balls to Karunaratne and follows that up with a wicket. Not the best ball he bowled this World Cup but the SL captain, under pressure to get a move on, bottom-edges one to Dhoni.

A maiden over, followed by a wicket-maiden. World No 1 for a reason.

After 3 overs, SL 17/0 - Karunaratne 10, Perera 7

BIG OVER FOR SL! A bizarre shot from Perera gets him three runs. Short of length from around the wicket from Bhuvi, Perera wanted to pull it behind square, ends up getting the toe-end of the bat, the ball goes to midwicket. And then Karunaratne takes on Bhuvi, who goes over the wicket. Back-to-back boundaries! Short and wide, hit for four through point. Then overcorrects his line, feeds the SL captain on his pads, flicked away handsomely.

After 2 overs, SL 5/0 - Karunaratne 1, Perera 4

A fantastic start as always by Boom, Boom, Bumrah. A maiden over! He concedes less than 3 runs-an-over in the first powerplay at the World Cup but there was not an inch given in that over to score even one. Accuracy from over the wicket to the SL captain, who struggled to get timing or placement.

After 1 over, SL 5/0 - Karunaratne 1, Perera 4

Bhuvi starts off over the wicket to Karunaratne, trying to work the angle. Kusal Perera gets on strike off the fourth ball and plays a superb on-the-up cover drive. First boundary of the day. And then Bhuvi immediately goes around the wicket, and a slip comes off. Off the last ball, there was a hint of shape away from the left-hander from Bhuvi. Interesting first over.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar is the one to start off for India...

2.58 pm: Final words from the Indian captain at the huddle... The men in blue would love to head into the knockouts with momentum on their side. Kusal Perera and Karunaratne walk out to the middle.

2.55: Kohli’s words on the team changes were a bit confusing at the toss, to be honest.

2.52 pm: There was some rain in the morning and it’s now cleared up; forecast looks good. Kohli and Co might enjoy bowling first after all. Good toss to lose?

Time for national anthems!

2.49 pm: Once again India are playing only five bowling options and a big reason for that is Hardik Pandya’s form.

More from Chetan Narula, here.

2.46 pm: Some big news regarding the support staff for India going ahead after the World Cup...

Indian cricket team would have a new physical conditioning coach and physiotherapist after the 2019 ICC World Cup as both Shankar Basu and Patrick Farhart have decided to step down and have conveyed the same to the Board of Control for Cricket in India, Indian Express reported on Saturday.

“Basu has informed the team management of not continuing as a trainer as he needs a break. So has Patrick. The Indian team will look out for their replacements after the World Cup and West Indies series,” a board official was quoted as saying by the paper.

2.44 pm: TEAM NEWS

INDIA: KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Dhoni, Dinesh Karthik, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah

SRI LANKA: Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Kusal Perera (w), Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Thisara Perera, Lahiru Thirimanne, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Isuru Udana, Kasun Rajitha, Lasith Malinga.

2.41 pm: Slowish pitch... a motivated Jadeja... a post-match chat between him and Sanjay Manjrekar very much on the cards, isn’t it?

(ICYMI: Here’s why Jadeja’s response to Manjerkar is a bit problematic)

2.35 pm: For India, Chahal and Shami have been rested while Kuldeep and Ravindra Jadeja are in the XI. Jadeja finally gets a game! An he’d love to prove a point or two... if you know what we mean.

2.33 pm: Sri Lanka have won the toss and Dimuth Karunaratne wants to bat first on a used pitch at Headingley, Leeds. Kohli would have batted first too.

2.30 pm: All eyes on MS Dhoni again.

Dimuth Karunaratne may fancy using his left-arm spinner Milinda Siriwardana knowing MS Dhoni’s problems against slow left-arm orthodox bowlers. No one more than captain Virat Kohli will like his “guiding light” to succeed as the former captain’s role will be immense should India remain in the competition for the final next Sunday.

Also read: India’s search for the perfect combination

2.28 pm:

2.26 pm: Will India play all the wicket-keepers once again? Should Ravindra Jadeja get a game? We will find out soon at the toss.

2.20 pm: Hello all and welcome to our live coverage of India’s final group stage game at the 2019 World Cup. It’s another chapter in the prolific India-Sri Lanka rivalry. The two sides are playing at the World Cup for the first time since *that* match at the Wankhede Stadium in 2011.

Having already confirmed their place in the semi-finals of the World Cup, India will look to address their middle-order woes when they take on Sri Lanka in their final group game at Leeds on Saturday.

Currently sitting second in the points table, , a win against Sri Lanka can take Virat Kohli’s men to the top of the points table provided Australia lose their final game against the already ousted South Africa.

That would present the Men in Blue a chance of a possible semi-final against a New Zealand team on a downward spiral rather than England, the hosts being the only side to have beaten them thus far in the tournament.

The focus will once again be on India’s middle order as they aim to fine-tune their game ahead of the all-important semi-finals.