Tri-Nation Series: Dhoni stars in thrilling tie

India captain shines again with unbeaten 58 against Sri Lanka.

ADELAIDE: India and Sri Lanka tied their Tri-Nation Series One-Day International (ODI) after, needing four off the last ball, MS Dhoni scampered through for three.

Both teams finished on 236 for nine from their 50 overs after India had needed nine to win off the final over bowled by Lasith Malinga. Dhoni, who steered India to a final-over victory against Australia on Sunday, failed to replicate that success.

“I looked to stay till the end,” said Dhoni. “Malinga is difficult to hit so we were looking to target Mathews. The last hit was difficult. When you need 10 or 12 in the last over your heart rate will always be up.”

Dhoni finished unbeaten on 58 off 69 balls, while opener Gautam Gambhir was out for 91. The tie was tinged by controversy with India facing one less delivery than they should have with the 30th over of their innings containing just five balls.

Jayawardene rues poor fielding effort

Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene was left ruing missed chances in the Indian innings.

“We dropped catches and misses run-outs,” said Jayawardene. “You always back Malinga to do the job but today was Dhoni’s day.”

Earlier, Dinesh Chandimal top-scored with 81, while Vinay Kumar finished as the best of India’s bowlers with three for 46.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 15^th, 2012.