Colombo: India have fought back superbly here. A win seemed unlikely at 115 for 7 but the Pathan brothers had other ideas. Yusuf got things going, ensuring the spinners were taken off the attack after launching into Bandara. Dilshan resisted from bringing Jayasuriya back, but his fast bowlers, particularly Fernando, leaked way too many extras to allow India bring the game back in their favour.
Yusuf Pathan and Irfan Pathan led India to a thrilling three-wicket victory against Sri Lanka in the Twenty20 match at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Tuesday.
Earlier, Sri Lanka's skipper Dilshan won the toss and decided bat first and help of another bad umpiring Lankan openers add 59 runs for first wicket in just 5.5 overs. Sri Lanka scored 171/4 in their 20 overs in the Twenty20 match against India at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Tuesday.
Ishant Sharma conceded 3 runs off the last over of the Sri Lankan innings bowling slower deliveries with great efficiency.
The Sri Lankan total was powered by captain Tillakaratne Dilshan who hit his maiden T20 half-century before he was dismissed by Ishant.
Dilshan mistimed a hit to mid-off for Suresh Raina to take the catch after hitting a six and 7 fours in his magnificent knock of 61 runs that came off 47 balls.
Yusuf Pathan took 2 wickets in 4 overs. Pathan took his second wicket when Chamara Kapugedera looke to pull but edged the delivery up in the air for Virender Sehwag to take the catch at point. Kapugedera hit 3 fours in his 9-ball 16. Pathan gave India the second breakthrough when he dismissed Jehan Mubarak (13) by taking a simple return catch.
Ishant Sharma and Irfan took one wicket each in four overs quota. Sri Lanka added 50 runs in last five overs.
Yusouf Pathan declared man of the match for his all-rounder performance.
Brief Score: India 174 for 7 (Irfan 33*, Raina 35) beat Sri Lanka 171 for 4 (Dilshan 67, Jayasuriya 33) by three wickets