India batsman Sheryas Iyer said his side got 'lucky' that Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis decided to field first in their World Cup match in Mumbai on Thursday - as India went on to a comprehensive 302-run victory.
Addressing a post-match press conference, he said, 'They won the toss and we were thinking that they would be batting first, especially when you come to Wankhede (Stadium) and play on such a brilliant track. And even in the huddle when we decided that if we win the toss we would be choosing to bat. But it didn't go according to plan - but we were lucky.'
Iyer made 82 in India's 357 for 8 as Mendi's decision rebounded on him - particularly when his batsmen were dismissed for just 55 in reply.
As a result of their win, India became the first side to qualify for the semi-finals.
India's bowlers were clinical in their win over Sri Lanka and Iyer called the the performance surreal, 'Today's performance was surreal, especially by the bowlers. The way they stood up to the occasion and once we got that two, three wickets, we just capitalised on that as a bowling unit and also as a fielding unit. We supported our bowlers by taking a few catches here and there. So yeah, as I mentioned earlier, the team is in a great space.'
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