Sangakkara leads India to victory

Kumar Sangakkara’s 17th one-day international hundred inspired Sri Lanka to their second Asia Cup win as they beat India by two wickets in Fatullah.

Chasing a victory target of 265, Sri Lanka appeared on course for defeat after collapsing from 134 for one to 165 for five.

But veteran Sangakkara stood firm amid the setbacks and took his team to the brink before Thisara Perera and Ajantha Mendis, who was earlier the pick of the attack with 4-60, led them over the line with four balls to spare.

It was another tight victory for Angelo Mathews’ side, who had beaten Pakistan by 12 runs on Tuesday.

Following the early loss of Rohit Sharma, trapped lbw by Sachithra Senanayake, India looked in complete control.

Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli led the way, their 97-run stand coming in typically good time.

But the wicket of the latter for 48 altered matters as Dhawan, who hit a fine 94, struggled to find a partner in crime.

The upshot was India ending on 264 for nine as Mendis and Senanayake impressed.

Kusal Perera got the reply off to a fine start as his 64 from the top of the order laid the platform.

Lahiru Thirimanne played a decent hand, too, with a 55-ball 38 in an alliance of 80 with his opening partner.

Neither were able to go on, yet the experienced Sangakkara was on hand to shepherd the rest of the Sri Lanka order through to a fine triumph.

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