Sports Reporter :
Sri Lanka posted a six-wicket victory over India in their ‘Super Four’ match of the Asia Cup at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday.
Sent into bat first, India piled up a fighting total of 173 for the loss of eight wickets in the stipulated 20 overs.
In reply, Sri Lanka overhauled the victory target making 174 for the loss of four wickets when they had just one ball to spare. India faced an early debacle as they lost two wickets for 13 runs. Then, Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav rescued their team from danger contributing together 97 runs in the third wicket stand before Rohit was caught
at the deep point by Pathum Nissanka off Chamika Karunaratne when India’s score was 110 for the loss of three wickets.
Rohit hit a superb 72. His 41-ball innings saw four sixes and five fours.
After Rohit’s dismissal, Suryakumar was caught at the short thirdman by Maheesh Theekshana off Dasun Shanaka when India’s total was 119 for the loss of four wickets.
Suryakumar made 34 from 29 balls with one four and one six.
Dilshan Madushanka grabbed three wickets in the space of 24 runs, while Dasun Shanaka and Chamika Karunaratne begged two wickets each for 26 and 27 runs respectively.
Sri Lanka made a solid start as openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis added together 97 runs in the opening stand before Nissanka was caught at the backward point by Rohit Sharma off Yuzvendra Chahal.
Nissanka hammered a splendid 52. His 37-ball knock was studded with four fours and two sixes.
Kusal Mendis hit a marvelous 52. His 37-ball innings had two sixes and four fours before he was trapped leg before wicket by Chahal when the Islanders’ total was 110 for the loss of four wickets.
Later, Dasun Shanaka and Bhanuka Rajapaksa helped their side to reach the winning spot.
Shanaka remained unbeaten with 33, while Rajapaksa remained unbeaten with 25 runs.
Chahal grabbed three wickets at the cost of 34 runs.
