Openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis smashed half centuries as Sri Lanka snatched a six-wicket thriller in their Super Four clash against India at the Asia Cup 2022. Sri Lanka are now within reach of the finals while India’s hopes are reduced to an unlikely equation as their chances are dependent on the outcome of other matches.

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Needing 174 to win, Sri Lanka got off to a solid start with Nissanka and Mendis smashing a number of boundaries and sixes as the Lankans crossed the 50-run mark in just 5.2 overs. At the end of the powerplay, Sri Lanka were 57/0.

At the end of 10 overs, Sri Lanka were 89/0, with Nissanka (50*) and Kusal Mendis (39*) going strong. Their 97-run stand was finally broken by Yuzvendra Chahal who dismissed Nissanka for 52 off 37 balls, caught by Rohit Sharma at backward point. Three balls later, Charith Asalanka was dismissed by Chahal after being caught by Suryakumar Yadav.

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Kusal eventually got his half-century as he was joined by Danushka Gunathilaka. The two kept the scoreboard ticking as the island nation crossed the 100-run mark in 12.3 overs. Then, Ravichandran Ashwin struck, dismissing Gunathilaka for just 1 off seven balls who was caught by KL Rahul at long-off while going for a big hit. Chahal picked up his third wicket, dismissing Kusal for 57 off 37 balls after trapping him leg before. With the score at 110/4, Sri Lanka appeared to be in trouble.

Skipper Dasun Shanaka joined Bhanuka Rajapaksa who hit two sixes to take the score to 132/4 at the end of 16 overs. Sri Lanka needed 42 off the last four overs. The duo continued their partnership as Sri Lanka won by six wickets with Shanaka (33*) and Bhanuka Rajapaksa (25*) finishing it off in the fifth ball of the final over.

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Earlier, a quickfire half-century by skipper Rohit Sharma helped India reach an imposing 173/8. Aside from the entertaining 97-run stand between Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav, Sri Lanka’s bowlers ensured no big partnerships were stitched as India ended their innings at 173/8, with Ashwin (15*) and Arshdeep (1*) at the crease.

Madushanka took 3/24 in his four overs for Sri Lanka while Shanaka took two. Theekshana and Karunaratne picked up a wicket each.

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