Sri Lanka pull off magnificent win against India

KABUL (Pajhwok): Sri Lanka have smacked India by six wickets in an Asia Cup super-fourT-20 match to improve their chances of cruising into the finals.

The nail-biting limited overs game was played on Tuesday night at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirate (UAE).

Sri Lanka, having won the toss, elected to field in an encounter of fluctuating fortunes.  India set them a target of 174 for the loss of eight wickets.

Captain Rohit Sharma and middle-order batter Suryakumar Yadav shone with the willow, with former scoring a 41-ball 72 and the latter making 34 off 29 deliveries.

In response, Sri Lanka were off to a fantastic start to chase down the 174-run target against a quality side like India.

Sri Lankan openers Nissanka and Mendis scored fifties and made sure they romped home in style, with a ball to spare.

Captain Shanaka and middle-order batsman Rajapaksa were key for Sri Lanka. Both played with confidence to secure a much-needed win -- an outcome that represented a second loss for the Indians after they were beaten by arch-rival Pakistan.

Skipper Shanaka was declared the Man of the Match for his brilliant 18-ball 33 at the end.

nh/mud