Dilshan demolishes India as Sri Lanka win tri-series

DAMBULLA: Tillakaratne Dilshan cracked an impressive century to set up Sri Lanka’s 74-run victory over India in the triangular one-day series final.

The opener smashed one six and 12 fours in a 115-ball 110 for his eighth One-Day International (ODI) hundred, and the first at home, as Sri Lanka posted a challenging 299 for eight on a good batting pitch after winning the toss in the day-night match.

India never seriously threatened Sri Lanka’s total and were bowled out for 225, despite a fighting 67 by captain MS Dhoni. The visitors needed a big partnership to achieve the stiff target, but the highest stand was of just 50 for the third wicket between Virat Kohli and Yuvraj Singh.

Kohli (37), Suresh Raina (29), Virender Sehwag (28) and Yuvraj (26) got starts, but failed to convert them into big knocks. India earlier suffered a big setback when in-form opener Sehwag was run out, failing to beat a Chamara Kapugedera direct-hit at the striker’s end after hitting six fours in his 22-ball knock.

Dhoni was the last man out, but hardly received support from the other end as Sri Lanka’s bowlers kept striking at regular intervals.

Paceman Thisara Perera and off-spinner Suraj Randiv took three wickets apiece while fast bowler Lasith Malinga finished with two wickets.

Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara earlier built on Dilshan’s effort with an attractive 62-ball 71, which included one six and seven fours. His brisk knock saw the hosts plunder 80 runs in the last 10 overs. Dilshan, 33, dominated the Indian attack to put his team on course for a big total, adding 121 for the opening wicket with makeshift opener Mahela Jayawardene (39).

Jayawardene also became the third Sri Lankan after Sanath Jayasuriya and Aravinda de Silva to complete 9,000 ODI runs during his 67-ball knock.

Dilshan was more aggressive than Jayawardene, hoisting fast-bowler Ishant Sharma over long-on for a six and hitting a four off the next delivery. He reached his half-century when he cut left-arm seamer Ashish Nehra for a four.

Although Sri Lanka lost Jayawardene and Upul Tharanga (six) in the space of 11 runs, they continued to maintain an impressive run-rate, thanks to Dilshan’s aggressive knock. Dilshan, who also added 85 for the third wicket with Sangakkara, fell in the 40th over when he pulled paceman Praveen Kumar to Ishant Sharma at deep square-leg and ensured his side set a formidable target, one that his bowlers easily defended to be crowned champions.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 29^th, 2010.