Mirpur:The famed Indian batting order once again failed to deliver when it mattered the most, as Sri Lanka beat India comprehensively by four wickets to win the final of the Idea cup tri-series.

The final turned out to be a bit of a damp squib with the Indians going horribly wrong with their batting, getting bowled out for just 245 in 48.2 overs and denying their bowlers any real chance to win the game for them.

The game could have been even more one-sided had Suresh Raina not rescued the Indian innings by scoring a splendid 106. Virender Sehwag was the only batsman to contribute at the top of the order with a brisk 27-ball 42. Ravindra Jadeja gave able support to Raina, scoring a fighting 38.

Chasing 246 to win, Sri Lanka did fumble on a few occasions but eventually reached the target quite comfortably in 48.3 overs. Tillakaratne Dilshan (49) and skipper Kumar Sangakkara (55) set up the chase for them and Mahela Jayawardena finished it off with a masterly knock of 71 not out.

India were not helped by the fact that one of their frontline bowlers, Ashish Nehra, injured his groin after bowling just 1.2 overs, during which he took the wicket of the Sri Lankan opener Upul Tharanga, and left the field.

Earlier, Suresh Raina scored his third ODI ton to guide India to a somewhat respectable total of 245 after they were left tottering at 60 for 5. Raina’s 106 came off 115 balls and included 10 fours and a six. He added 106 for the sixth wicket with Ravindra Jadeja (38) to revive the Indian innings.

For Sri Lanka, it was the fast bowling duo of Nuwan Kulasekara (4/48) and Chanaka Welegedara (3/53) who broke the backbone of the Indian batting order.

Match Summary:

Sri Lanka 249 for 6 (Jayawardene 71**, Sangakkara 55) beat India 245 (Raina 106, Kulasekara 4-48) by four wickets

Man of the Match: Nuwan Kulasekara

Man of the Series: Kumar Sangakkara

Tagged with: India, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardena, Mirpur, Nuwan Kulasekara, Sri Lanka, Suresh Raina, Virender Sehwag

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