Sri Lanka through to semi-final as India exit

GROS ISLET, SAINT LUCIA: Sri Lanka pulled off a dramatic win over India, sending the 2007 champions out of the tournament.

For Sri Lanka, it was an uphill task chasing the 164-run target. But Angelo Mathews and Chamara Kapugedera showed it was not all about Mahela Jayawardene. “I had to give a good performance with the bat. I’m glad I did it at the right time,” said Mathews. Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara could not stop praising the young duo.

“We talk about how capable our younger players are and they have shown how they can handle the pressure.” MS Dhoni admitted his team was outplayed by Sri Lanka. “The execution of plans from their bowlers was very good, even with set batsmen we couldn’t score freely.”

Published in the Express Tribune, May 13th, 2010.