What did the game between Sri Lanka and South Africa tell us about knockouts? The same got validated in the second quarter-final between India and Bangladesh. It told us that the team that can play with freedom in a must-win game is the team that is more likely to win the match.

It's one thing playing with freedom in the league phase where losing has limited consequences and quite another to do the same in a game where you go home if you lose. Sri Lanka just couldn’t get off the blocks at the Sydney Cricket Ground and Kumar Sangakkara’s approach showcased what pressure can do even to the best in the business.

India’s Mohit Sharma is congratulated by fellow bowlers Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin after claiming the wicket of Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Mortaza at Melbourne on Thursday. Pic/Getty Images

Sangakkara came into this game at the back of four consecutive centuries but chose the more conservative approach against Proteas. On the other hand, South Africa came out all guns blazing.