|
Brisbane, 21st February .
India’s poor run at the Gabba continued as Sri Lanka defeated India by 51 runs. Sri Lanka posted an impressive 289 for 6 wickets in the allotted 50 overs and India would not match the running rate and fell 51 runs short at 238 in 45.1 overs. Jayawardene won the toss and chose to bat. The Skipper laid a solid foundation with 45 (55 balls with 2 fours) along with Dilshan 51 (72 balls with 5 fours and one six). They put on 95 runs for the first wicket. Thirimanne 62 (62 balls with 6 fours) and Mathews 49 (37 balls with 4 fours and one six) bolstered the innings in the later part. Chandimal contributed 38 as Sri Lanka closed at 289 for six. Irfan Pathan and Ashwin claimed two wickets each.
Indian innings started disastrously with standing Captain Sehwag going for a duck of the second delivery. Only Virat Kohli put up some resistance with 66 (83 balls with two fours) as he was lucky by having two reprieves. Irfan Pathan showed his all round skills by hitting 47 (34 with 7 fours). Suresh Raina contributed 32. Perera was once again the most successful bowler for four for 37. Kulasekara (3 for 40) and Malinga (2 for 55) were the other strikers for Sri Lanka. Kulasekara was the Man of the Match.
|