DUBAI: Sri Lanka successfully chased the target set by India of 174 runs recording their second victory in the Super 4 round and is closer to entering Asia Cup finals. Once again it was a close encounter and a much-needed partnership of 64 runs between Bhanuka and Skipper Shanaka saw Sri Lanka winning by 6 wickets.
India batting first set a target of 173 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in the allotted 20 overs. Theekshana picked up the wicket of Rahul (6 runs) in the first over and Madushanka picked up the prized wicket of Kohli for zero in the second over to put the indian batsmen in the backfoot. Rohit Sharma and S Yadav put up a solid partnership of 97 runs for the 3rd wicket to consolidate the innings. Sharma played a captains knock of 72 runs to ensure India reached 173 runs for the loss of 8 wickets. Madushanka bowled best for Lanka with 3 wickets while Dasun Shanaka and Chamika Karunaratne picked up 2 wickets each.
Sri Lankan openers toyed with the Indian bowlers to set a foundation of 97 runs opening partnership with Pathum Nissanka (52 off 37 balls) and Kusal Mendis (57 off 37 balls). However, Chahal picked up 2 quick wickets of Nissanka and Charith Asalanka followed by Ashwin picking another wicket to have Sri Lanka in the backfoot. Spinners played a key role is controlling the run flow and Sri Lanka needed 53 runs in the last 5 overs with 6 wickets in hand. Bhanuka Rajapaksa (25 off 17 balls) and Dasun Shanaka (33 off 18 balls) navigated Sri Lanka to a victory with a partnership of 64 runs. Sri Lanka required 7 runs in the last over and Sri Lanka reached the winning target of 174 runs for the loss of 4 wickets with one ball to spare. Sri Lanka now tops the points table with 4 points followed by Pakistan with 2 points.
Pakistan will play against Afghanistan on Wednesday at Sharjah. (RZ) Image credit : ESPN cricinfo
