Sri Lanka thump India to reach tri-series final
Thisara Perera's career best bowling figures help Sri Lanka to reach the final of Tri-series by beating India by 8 wickets.
Thisara Perera, playing his first match of the tournament, finished with 5-28 off 7.4 tight overs as India were all out for 103 in 33.4 overs. This is their third-lowest total against Sri Lanka in ODIs. The total was not enough to put pressure on Sri Lanka, who completed the win in just 15.1 overs in the day-night match in Dambulla.
When Sri Lanka took the field today, they knew if they lose then they would be knocked out of the competition and what a performance they have put in to smash that scenario. From 20 without any loss, India crumbled like a pack of fresh wafers to be bundled out for 103. There were a couple of umpiring decisions which were doubtful, but that should not mask the frailties of this Indian batting line-up. No one showed an inclination to guts-it-out in the middle as Thissara Perera took his maiden 5 wicket haul in ODIs.
Sri Lanka showed some aggression on the field as they sledged the Indians, looks like the bad blood between the two sides after the Randiv controversy has not died down. Chasing 104, Sri Lanka came out and made quick work of the target. Dilshan and Mahela creamed the Indian bowling to all parts before the supper break. Tharanga and Sangakara closed it out in the end as both the openers got out after break. This is a thumping win for Lanka and the hosts finished their league battles with 11 points from four matches, while New Zealand have seven points and India five after three games each. The winners of the last league match between India and New Zealand on Wednesday will qualify for the final.
Thissara Perera is the Man of the Match for his maiden five wicket haul in ODIs. He finished up with figures of 7.4-1-28-5. The Onida rocking performer of the Day is Tillakaratne Dilshan for his aggressive 35. He gets the Onida TV. Lasith Malinga wins the bike for his stylish performance in the match.
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