Kumar Sangakkara steers Sri Lanka to victory over India in Asia Cup 2014
Kumar Sangakkara hit a brilliant 103 as Sri Lanka
survived anxious moments to overcome India by two wickets in a thrilling
last-over finish Friday, securing their second win in the Asia Cup.
The victory was set up by spinners Ajantha Mendis and
Sachithra Senanayake, who shared seven wickets to restrict the reigning world
champions to 264-9 in the day-night match in Fatullah.
But Sri Lanka lost wickets at regular intervals and were
reduced to 216-7 in the 44th over when Thisara Perera helped Sangakkara add 42
crucial runs for the eighth wicket. Left-handed Sangakkara, who hit 12
boundaries and a six in his 18th one-day century, fell in the penultimate over
when just seven runs were needed for victory.
But Mendis and Perera saw Sri Lanka through with four
deliveries to spare in a nail-biting finish, giving their team a second win
after they beat Pakistan in the tournament opener. India, who won against
Bangladesh, must defeat arch-rivals Pakistan in Dhaka on Sunday to stay in
contention for a place in the final.