By Fathima Zanaida
KANDY, Sri Lanka (TheSportsNext) August 8, 2012: Virat Kohli continued his great
run with the bat while Irfan Pathan cemented his role as an allrounder as India
outplayed Sri Lanka in the only Twenty20 International match by 39 runs at
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Batting first, India scored 155 for three from their 20
overs as Virat Kohli once again led the effort with a great half century. Kohli
blasted 68 runs from just 48 balls with the help of 11 boundaries and a six
while a late burst by Suresh Raina (34 not out from 25 – 3 fours, 1 six) and
skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni (16 not out from 14 – 2 fours) helped the Team
India setting up a formidable total under tough playing conditions at
Pallekele.
Shaminda Eranga was Sri Lanka’s most successful bowler as he
captured two wickets for 30 runs while Lasith Malinga’s poor run against India
continued as he gave away 31 runs from his four overs without inflicting any
damage.
Sri Lankan chase never could get going as early wickets gave
India complete control over proceedings. Angelo Mathews (31 from 29 – 3 fours)
was the lone man fighting as skipper Mahela Jayawardene (26 from 19 – 5 fours)
also tried his might but Indian bowling was way strong to safeguard their
total.
In the end, Sri Lankan team was bowled out for 116 run from
18 overs, thus falling 39 runs short of the target. Ashok Dinda took four
wickets for just 19 runs while Irfan Pathan was named Man of the Match for
capturing three wickets for 27 runs.
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